Big crowd for first days of Early Voting
Big crowd for first days of Early Voting
Long lines flow smoothly as county residents cast ballots
ralphhardin@gmail.com Early voting for the upcoming Nov. 8 General Election started in Arkansas on Monday morning, and after months of election build-up hundreds of Crittenden County residents have been lining up to cast their votes for U.S. President, U.S Senator, ballot initiatives, and a number of county and local races.
Nearly 800 votes were cast on Monday alone, with long but steady-moving lines throughout the day. On Tuesday morning, it was more of the same as candidates and their advocates stood in the designated (no less that 100 feet from the Courthouse) places stumping for votes.
“It was pretty much nonstop in the morning yesterday,” said West Memphis City Council candidate Don Christian. “I was glad to see so many coming out to vote.”
Unlike some of their counterparts seeking office a little higher up the food chain, Christian and his opponent in the council race, Wayne Croom, were able to campaign side-by side at the end of the courthouse sidewalk and maintain a friendly rapport.
“You could see the line all the way out to the doors,” said Croom. “It was lighter in the late afternoon, but it was steady.”
Inside, the crowd worked its way to the polling stations in an orderly fashion. Poll workers were on hand to steer them in the right direction, and ballot information was posted in the hallway to give voters the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the candidates and the lengthy ballot initiative information.
Outside of some minor software bugs early on Monday, poll workers said there had been no issues with the voting process. Several voting machines were in operation and voters were able to sign in, vote and step out with little in the way of confusion or disorder.
Marion City Council candidate Bryan Jackson commented on the early going with the voting on his Facebook page and offered some advice.
“Friends, the election polls opened today for early voting,” he posted. “The average wait time was about 30 minutes, but it got up to an hour wait at several points today. I recommend getting there at 8:30 a.m. or late in the day after 5 o'clock.”
Early voting runs through Nov. 7, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All Early Voting takes place at the Crittenden County Courthouse in Marion.
Early Voting ends Monday, Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. Polls on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
By Ralph Hardin
