 This year's official July 4th counting period starts on July 3rd and ends on July 7th. An absentee voting for the August 6th primary election is now officially underway across the Lake area and the state. Those wanting to vote absentee by mail can go to their local county clerk's office to request a ballot. It must be received back by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 24th. That's your Lake News Now. I'm John Roeger.