Early voting has begun for the May 8 special election being held by the District 241 school board. Absentee voting began March 23.

The special election will determine whether the school board will be able to issue a general obligation school building bond, of which approximately $22.3 million would be available for construction costs for updates to athletic facilities at Hammer Complex.

Voters will fill in bubbles “yes” or “no” for the following ballot question:

“Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 241 (Albert Lea Area Schools) be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $24.615 million to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of upgrades and improvements to the Hammer Field football complex and related athletic fields and facilities; the construction of a full-size gymnasium at Halverson Elementary School and the construction of safety and accessibility improvements to that facility; and the finishing of the high school locker room and the installation of dehumidification improvements to the high school gymnasium?”

According to the Freeborn County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office, citizens can cast an absentee ballot for any reason. Those who would like to vote via absentee ballot can stop in for a ballot or print a ballot request form online to mail in or drop off at the County Auditor/Treasurer’s Office. Voters can pick up a ballot in person or request one be mailed to them. Ballots must be turned in by 3 p.m. May 8 to be counted.