As Election Heat Cranks Up, City To Offer More Voting Options

These are heady times. If you believe the hype, maybe the biggest election of our lives, if not ever.

History tells us, whoa, hold on there, we've been polarized like this before, but still, with all the possibilities to mess with our vote, but folks, both inside and outside the borders, this is still one important election.

So, to that end, The Kalamazoo City Clerk's office says it is offering extended hours, and more leading up to the big day.

Among the things being added or expanded: a new branch office, drop boxes, and even return postage to help Kalamazoo voters cast a ballots next month.

The new branch office opened yesterday on the first floor of the Bernhard Center on Western Michigan University’s campus. That site and the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 241 West South Street, "will both have extended hours in October leading up to Election Day, including evening and weekend hours." Both locations are be open from 9a-5P.

In addition to that, there will be even longer hours on these dates:

Monday, October 19: 9a-9pm.
Saturday, October 24: 10a-6pm..
Tuesday, October 27: 9a-9pm
Saturday, October 31: 10a-6pm..
Monday, November 2: 9a-6pm.
(Election Day) Tuesday, November 3: 7a- 8pm.

Along with the extended hours, four new drop boxes have been installed throughout the City. These are in addition to the drop box that is south of City Hall on St. Johns Place.

Douglass Community Association, 1000 W Paterson St
Eastside Neighborhood Association, 1301 E Main St
City of Kalamazoo - Stockbridge Offices, 415 E Stockbridge Ave
Kalamazoo Public Safety Station 7, 2331 Parkview Ave

The City says "voters that choose to vote absentee can return their ballots to either office, to a drop box, or by mail. Voters that are returning ballots by mail are encouraged to mail them as early as possible."

You can also track and check the status of your absentee ballot at www.michigan.gov/vote to verify it has arrived.