Absentee ballots available beginning Thursday

SPRINGFIELD -- If they want, Illinois residents can add absentee voting ballots to their last-minute Christmas lists.

Absentee voting for the primary election starts Thursday. Voters no longer need a reason to vote absentee in the election, so they can start picking their candidates for the Feb. 2 election.

County officials don't expect many voters asking for ballots Thursday, but offices will be open. Some will close early for the holiday.

Macon County Clerk Stephen Bean expects people who will be leaving for warmer climates to pick up ballots after Christmas.

Coles County Clerk Sue Rennels said interest in casting a ballot before Election Day has risen in recent years. Rennels said people like the flexibility and convenience of voting early.