Yates expects large early voting turnout

Early voting begins today in both the Democratic and Republican primaries in the traditional early voting room behind the administrative offices on Locust Street.

?Nowadays we look for half the voters who are going to vote in an election to vote early,? said election administrator Donna Yates. ?The early voting turnout has continued to increase but even with the higher numbers, it?s still a quick, easy and convenient way for voters to cast their ballots.?

Yates said she would not be surprised to see over 10,000 people vote in the primaries given the number of offices up for grabs.

Early voting will be held today and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be no early voting this Friday and Saturday due to the Easter holiday.

Early voting will resume Monday, April 17 through April 21 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Voting will be held Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. until noon. Early voting will then continue from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, April 24 through Thursday April 27, the last day for early voting. For those who do not vote early, precincts around the county will be open May 2.

While there are no contested local races on the Republican primary which will have local candidates for the first time in a local primary setting, there are several contested races for those who vote in the Democratic Primary. One race, that of county executive, will be decided in the primary since all three candidates are running as Democrats.

There are also contested races for sheriff, county court clerk, trustee, district attorney and for county commission.