Lawn signs are popping up around Lincoln County. Some display candidates’ names, but others have a different message. Because of the coronavirus, Lincoln County Democrats are urging all voters to request an absentee ballot to vote in the July 14 primary election. If many people vote absentee, the danger of exposure to the illness for town clerks and poll workers—as well as voters—will be greatly diminished.

If you have never voted by absentee ballot before, have no fear. It’s easy. You can request a ballot online at the Secretary of State’s website or with a quick link that the Lincoln County Democrats have created: LincolnCountyDemocrats.com/absentee Once you’re on the ballot request page, simply follow instructions.

Another option is to call your town clerk and request an application. A third option is to stop in at your town office and fill out an application there. If the ballots are available, you may be able to vote right then and there. But call first, as many town offices have limited hours these days.

If you aren’t registered to vote or aren’t registered as a Democrat but would like to vote in the Democratic primary, you will need to register to vote or change your party listing. Your town clerk can help with that.

Once you’ve completed an application, the clerk will send a ballot to you when they are available, which will be soon. Fill out and return that ballot quickly to ensure its arrival at the town office in plenty of time. The deadline is 8 pm on election day, July 14. But these days, with so many disruptions and so much confusion, it’s best to send your completed ballot in as soon as you can. Follow the instructions on the ballot and be sure to sign where indicated.

There are two local primary races among the Democrats: Chris Hamilton and Wayne Farrin are competing for House District 88 (part of Nobleboro, Jefferson, Whitefield, Chelsea); and Wendy Pieh, Lydia Crafts, and David Levesque are competing for House District 90 (Newcastle, Damariscotta, Bremen, Bristol, part of Nobleboro, and part of South Bristol). There is also a primary for U.S. senator. The three Democratic candidates are Betsy Sweet, Bre Kidman, and Sara Gideon. For more information about these candidates and others, visit LincolnCountyDemocrats.com/candidates. You can also find videos featuring the candidates at LincolnCountyDemocrats.com/primaryvideos

There are also two important bond questions to vote on: Question 1 asks if you support a Maine High-Speed Internet Infrastructure Bond; and Question 2 asks if you support a Maine Transportation Infrastructure Bond.

Even in the midst of a pandemic, it’s important to make sure your voice is heard by voting. We all seem to say to each other these days, “Stay safe.” By voting absentee, you can add, “Vote safe,” as well.