•May 24, 2017•

Registered voters in Moultrie County will receive new Voter Registration Cards within the next week. As required by law, the county clerk’s office is in the process of completing a purge of Moultrie County voters. County Clerk Georgia England explained that a purge is done to help maintain voter registrations by keeping them current and up-to-date and to eliminate voters who are deceased or have moved from Moultrie County. Jonathan Creek Precinct, Marrowbone 1 and 2 Precincts, and Sullivan 3 Precinct voters received new Voter Registration Cards at the time their polling location was changed and will not receive new cards at this time.

England urges voters to check their voter’s card and familiarize themselves with their districts and polling location. Voter’s should sign the new card and destroy the old card.

England is asking for voters’ assistance in returning Voter Registration cards that were delivered to individuals who no longer live at the address where the card was delivered. Should a household receive a Voter ID card for a member of their family or for an individual who once resided at that address but no longer does, mark on the Voter ID card “NOT AT THIS ADDRESS “. If you know the address to where the individual has moved write that on the card also. Place the card in the mail to be returned to the county clerk’s office. No additional postage is required. It is important that these cards be returned to the clerk’s office and not just destroyed, nor should they be given to the person listed on the card who does not live in that household. If the addressee on the card is deceased, notify the county clerk’s office in writing. The sole purpose of a purge is to have correct voter data for the election process.

Also, if an individual’s address has been changed by municipality or post office action, inform the county clerk’s office of said changes. England says that if a person had a Rural Route Box number that was changed by 9-1-1 addressing but their new voter card reflects an incorrect address, her office needs to be informed.

Registered voters who do not receive a voter’s card by June 12 should notify the clerk’s office at 728-4389.

England would like to reiterate the importance to change voter registration information whenever a person changes their name or moves, even if the move is across the street. If the address or name change is not made in a timely fashion before an election is held, the voter may be prohibited from voting a full ballot at the polls or may be required to Grace Period Register and vote at the County Clerk’s office.

The next election will be the General Primary March 20, 2018. If an individual is not registered to vote, now is the time to do so. Registration may be done in the county clerk’s office, with precinct committeemen and at all Moultrie County libraries. For information regarding registration qualifications call the county clerk’s office or visit their website at moultriecountyil.com