Thursday the final day for early voting

There?s been a better-than-expected turnout for early voting, which continues through Thursday.

?It is a higher number than I expected,? said election administrator Donna Yates. ?And, if we can vote a few hundred every day this coming week, we have a good chance of making 5,000 early voters, which is a good number.?

Early voting will continue through Nov. 2 in the traditional early voting room located downstairs in the rear of the county government building on Locust Street. Early voting will be open through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering several MicroVote machines along with a specially designed machine which accommodates people with physical disabilities. Waits have been minimal for early voters thus far, Yates noted.

All voters are asked to bring their voter card or some type of ID. Anyone who does not cast their ballot early will have a last chance Nov. 7 when polls at all precincts around the county open for election day.

There are elections on the state, local and federal level, as well as a pair of questions, one asking to define marriage as being between one man and one woman and the other offering property tax breaks for senior citizens.

Locally, the cities of McMinnville and Morrison both have municipal elections. In McMinnville, eight candidates are seeking election to the three aldermanic spots up for grabs this year. In Morrison, two aldermanic spots and the mayor?s seat are up for election.

Also on the local level there is a special election to name a 2nd District county commissioner due to one of the August winners declining to take office. Seven candidates are seeking that office.

On the state level, incumbent 47th District Representative Judd Matheny is facing opposition from challenger David Clark, while Gov. Phil Bredessen is seeking re-election against challenger Jim Bryson.

On the federal level, the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dr. Bill Frist will be contested by candidates Harold Ford Jr. and Bob Corker.