Lewes flooded with absentee ballots

In an unusual year where COVID-19 has forced a delay in the City of Lewes’ municipal election, city hall has received an extraordinary number of absentee ballots ahead of the Saturday, July 18 election. 

As of July 16, the city had received 600 completed absentee ballots; it has sent out 763. In Lewes’ last election in 2016, 108 voters cast absentee ballots. 

Absentee ballot applications must be received by the city no later than noon, Friday, July 17. Completed absentee ballots must be received no later than 6 p.m., Saturday, July 18. Ballots received later than this date and time will not be counted.

The walk-up service window and drop box, both located in front of Lewes City Hall, are the quickest way to return completed applications and ballots. The service window is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is closed 1 to 2 p.m.

Registered voters may vote in person from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on election day, July 18. Polls are located in council chambers at Lewes City Hall, 114 E. Third St., Lewes. Voters are asked to bring ID, wear a face covering and maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from others.

Seeking two seats on city council are incumbents Fred Beaufait and Dennis Reardon, and challengers Kay Carnahan, Tim Ritzert and Andrew Williams.