Henry County voters planning to cast their ballots by mail in the November 3 general election can expect the same procedures used in previous elections, according to Henry County Clerk and Recorder Barbara Link.

Following a recent dispute involving U.S. Postal Service rules and mail-in voting, Link confirmed that her office has received relatively few questions or concerns from residents.

Link emphasized that voters who have already received their mail-in ballots should return them as soon as possible to ensure timely delivery.

"I would like to remind voters that have received a vote by mail ballot to make sure they get it in the mail as soon as possible to meet the deadline and to assure it reaches my office on time," she said.

Voters also have the option of returning their completed ballots in person at the Henry County Courthouse, located at 307 W. Center St. in Cambridge. Ballots may be delivered directly to the County Clerk's office or placed in the secure ballot drop box located inside the courthouse's front entrance near the deputies.

For voters who want to verify that their mail-in ballots have been received and accepted, Link said they can contact her office at 309-937-3575, option 2, to check their ballot status.

Link also addressed what voters should do if they requested a mail-in ballot but later decide they would prefer to vote in person.

"For voters that have requested a vote by mail ballot and decide they want to instead vote in person, they MUST return the vote by mail ballot to my office before they will be able to vote in person or at their respective polling place," Link explained.

Voters considering this change are encouraged to contact the Clerk's office for guidance on the process.

In addition to regular early voting opportunities, the Henry County Clerk's office will offer Saturday voting hours on October 24 and October 31, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is Thursday, October 29. Under Illinois election law, ballots returned through the mail generally must be postmarked no later than Election Day, November 3, and received by election officials within 14 days after the election.

Although the recent USPS dispute has generated questions about mail-in voting procedures, Link's office reports that local operations remain unchanged.

Residents with questions about ballot delivery, voting in person after requesting a mail-in ballot, or other election procedures are encouraged to contact the Henry County Clerk's office at 309-937-3575, option 2.

The November 3 general election is two weeks away, and Link's primary message to voters using mail-in ballots is straightforward: return them early and contact her office with any questions.