Strong Early Voting numbers continue

Strong Early Voting numbers continue

Election Day just one week away

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 5,000 votes were cast last week in Crittenden County, with long but steady-moving lines throughout the day. On Monday 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. 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.

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. Voters are asked to provide identification, but voters are not requred to show ID. Contested ballots may use signature comparison to verify voter legitimacy. Today is the final day to turn in absentee ballots.

Early voting runs through Nov. 7, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday 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