By Chelsea Vance | The Selma Times-Journal

Election season for the Dallas County area is almost here, and those who haven’t registered to vote only have a few weeks left to do so.

Dallas County Registrar Bobby Willis encourages people who have not registered to do so before it is too late.

The last day to register for the March 1 primary is Feb. 12.

The Dallas County Board of Registrars Office is located on the first floor of the Dallas County Courthouse at 105 Lauderdale St. in Selma.

Absentee ballots can be filed in the office of the Absentee Election Manager/ Circuit Clerk no less than five days prior to the election. Applications for ballots can also be downloaded at www.sos.state.al.us. The deadline to apply is Feb. 25.

Anyone who is not sure if they qualify can see the requirements in the office of the circuit clerk.

The circuit clerk’s office is located in room 204 at the Dallas County Courthouse, 105 Lauderdale St. in Selma.

In addition to turning in applications to the circuit clerk, people can also forward it by mail to Dallas County Absentee Election Manager, P.O. Box 327, Selma, AL, 36702.

A copy of current valid photo identification must accompany the ballot. If ballots are being filed in the circuit clerk’s office, they must be turned in no later than 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 29.

No one is allowed to bring in absentee ballot applications for another person.

If ballots are mailed they must be postmarked no later than one day prior to the election and received in the mail no later than noon on March 1.

Circuit Clerk/Absentee Election Manager Cheryl Strong Ratcliff encourages everyone to do his or her part in making sure that everyone votes.

“Do it on time. If you know of anyone who you can assist, try to help,” Ratcliff said.

Office hours for both the registrars and clerk’s office are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For further information about registering to vote or voting absentee, you may call Willis at (334) 874-2534 or Ratcliff at (334) 874-2524.