Big turnout expected as early voting begins
Election officials are looking for a large turnout as early voting gets under way today at Warren County Administrative Offices on Locust Street.
Early voting will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday through July 27 in the back of the administrative office building. Signs are posted directing voters to the polls, where MicroVote machines will be used.
“We’re expecting an absolutely wonderful turnout,” said Election Administrator Donna Yates. “We have several contested races, plus we have primaries for the offices of governor, senator and congressman where there are no incumbents running. We also have primaries for both state house positions, one of which is new to this area.”
On the local front, Yates said the number of candidates in the mix are sure to stir excitement. In the race for County Commission, 11 of the county’s 12 districts have contested races, with only the 3rd District already decided, meaning 22 of the 24 County Commission seats remain in the balance.
Voters who take to the polls will also determine who will occupy the circuit court judge’s bench, marking the first time anyone other than long-time judge Charles Haston has had the title of 31st Judicial District Judge. Five candidates including Robert Newman, Peg Stewart, Bart Stanley, Richard McGregor and Keith Smartt are vying for the job.
The county executive seat is also up in the air as Democrat Kenneth Rogers looks to avenge his 20-vote loss four years ago to now-incumbent Carol Hamblen. Meanwhile, Bob Warren hopes to beat both the hopefuls to attain the executive’s role.
Sheriff Jackie Matheny will be seeking a third term as sheriff. He is being challenged by former deputy Doc Smith, former multi-term sheriff Everette Pearsall and former two-term sheriff Mason Black, the latter of whom is mounting a write-in campaign.
Incumbent Trustee Joy Slatton, who survived a Democratic Primary scare this May, will be looking to carry her winning momentum in against her sole challenger Emily Panter.
Register of Deeds Terry Smith will be seeking a second term in the position while former librarian Susan Curtis hopes to unseat the incumbent.
Those not casting their votes during the two-week-long early voting period will have one last chance to have their voice heard when the polls open around the county Aug. 1 for the general election.
Those voting early are asked to come to the back of the administrative offices, on the corner of the building which faces Chancery Street. There will be parking available there and the room is handicap accessible. Yates pointed out coming to the election office itself via the front entrance to the administrative office building would necessitate a walk to the back of the building where voting is being held. Yates said it is easier to take advantage of the parking area in the back, close to the voting room.