Early voting not much more than a trickle
Early voting for the local Democratic primary got off to a mediocre start this week with 215 people casting ballots as of Friday.
The number, according to Election Administrator Donna Yates, is less than was hoped. However, she believes the turnout will pick up before early voting ends May 2. Yates noted the final week of early voting usually sees the largest voter participation.
The present early voting period, which began Wednesday, is for the May 7 Democratic Primary. Those who do not exercise their early vote option may go to the county’s polls May 7, on primary day, to cast their votes. Early voting is presently being held at the Warren County Administrative Offices. Balloting hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. The polls are located in a large room in the back of the building on Locust Street.
Yates said there are several races which will be heavily impacted by the primary while at least two will be decided by the primary.
“There’s two races, that of county clerk and the 3rd District County Commission seats, which will be decided by the primary since all the candidates are running as Democrats and will face no opposition in the general election on Aug. 1,” Yates said. “So, there’s every reason to vote in the primary.”
Also to be impacted by the primary will be the race for trustee as incumbent Joy Slatton is facing two fellow Democrats, Darlene Bryant and Don Alexander for the Democratic nomination. The winner will move on to face Emily Ann Smithson Panter in the general election.
Register of Deeds will also be impacted as first-term incumbent Terry K. Smith is being challenged in the primary by Randy England. The winner will move on to face Susan Curtis in the general election. County Executive Carol Hamblen and Sheriff Jackie Matheny face no Democratic opponents but will be challenged in the general election.
There will be four county commission districts, or eight total commission seats, impacted by the primary including the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 7th districts. The 7th District has five candidates running as Democrats.
Two commissioners are elected from each of the county’s 12 districts. There are no Democrats on the ballot in the 6th District.
Early voting will take place at the county administrative offices until May 2