MASON — As election officials ramp up for the approaching general election, the Ingham County Clerk’s Mason office has closed until further notice due to an asbestos discovery.

The Mason Historical Courthouse Office is undergoing renovations and asbestos tiles were discovered under a carpet that was being replaced, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum said in a press release Friday morning.

“It is my hope that this temporary closure is resolved quickly and will allow the Mason office to open again soon,” she said. “I appreciate the public’s patience as we work through this unexpected delay.”

The clerk’s Mason office staff will continue to operate, completing normal functions via mail, fax, email and phones. The Lansing Branch Office remains open to the public for any in-person transactions needed.

The Lansing Branch Office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for lunch each day at the Veterans Memorial Courthouse, 313 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48933.

Byrum said the asbestos must be remediated for her staff’s and visitors’ safety, but it’s imperative they continue to operate.

“This closure will not impact my office’s ability to oversee and execute a safe and secure election this November,” she said.

Contact Bryce Airgood at 517-267-0448 or bairgood@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @bairgood123.