Kootenai County Clerk Cliff Hayes sent out a press release on September 6, 2011, announcing that voters who choose to mail their absentee ballots for the November 8 elections will get the postage paid on their returned ballots.    The process is intended to make it easier and more economical for persons throughout the county to vote early by absentee ballot.  Additionally, it should save the County money, because  paying the postage to have the ballots mailed back is less expensive than staffing outlying absent elector’s voting places (satellite locations).  The Kootenai County Elections Department office will still be the absent elector’s voting place for absentee in-person early voting as required by state law. 

And as noted in my post titled Pulling the Plug on Satellites, the new process will eliminate the need for bulk voting materials to be delivered, handled, and stored at satellite locations.  To whatever extent first class US Mail is secure, this enhances the security of the voting process.

Any comments about the new process?

ADDENDUM 09-07-2011:  This is in response to Ancientemplar’s comment.  Assuming you are already registered to vote, you can complete this Application for Absent Elector’s Ballot and either mail or fax it to the Kootenai County Clerk’s Office.