CLAY COUNTY-How significant is the early voting period for candidates hoping to win their respective races here in the county general election?
Calling it crucial is an understatement, because more people voted early than on election day four years ago.
In 2014, the last time the majority of county-wide offices were up for grabs, a total of just over 3,000 votes were cast and nearly 1,700 of those ballots came early.
Early voting begins Friday and many candidates have shown they realize its importance by ramping up their campaigns in the last couple of weeks.
Not only have they hit the streets trying to visit with as many voters as possible, but an increase in campaign signs has been evident along area roadways and a spattering of political ads have found their way into the pages of the HORIZON newspaper ofJuly 11, 2018.
Voters are gearing up to head to the polls opening at week’s end here in Celina at the county election office located at 145 Cordell Hull Drive and they will continue to do so on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon through Saturday, July 28.
The only exception to those hours is that the office will be closed for lunch from 12 noon to 1 p.m. each day the polls are open.
Four years ago, the 3,066 ballots cast represented just over a 62% voter turnout, but half of the county-wide offices were contested at that time.
This time around, only three current officeholders have challengers.
Incumbent county mayor Dale Reagan is being challenged by David “Rat” Westmoreland, incumbent sheriff Brandon Boone is seeing opposition from Terry Scott, and newcomer Tony Daniels has entered the race against incumbent register of deeds Brenda Browning.
The other four are unopposed and include incumbents Susan Birdwell (circuit court clerk), Donna Watson (county clerk), Jason Browning (road superintendent), and Charlie Key (trustee).
Besides those races, all 10 county commission seats are on the ballot, a total of six school board spots are available, and there is major interest in primary elections.
Two of those feature local candidates. Dwayne Craighead is a candidate for District 17 Republican State Executive Committeeman and Carol Venea’ Abney is running in the 38th District State Representative Democratic Primary for the seat currently held by Republican Kelly Keisling—who is also making a re-election bid in his respective primary.
Add in heated primaries for U.S. Senate, 6th District U.S. Congress, Governor, 17th District State Senate, and others, and it could turn out to be very busy at the polls.
For questions about the early voting, how to obtain an absentee ballot, or any other information concerning the election, contact local election administrator Wanda Daniels at 931-243-2536.