Polls open for early voting

By Megan R. Harrell
Star Staff
mharrell@starhq.com

   A few local residents braved the rain and cold to come out Wednesday and cast their votes early. The public can take advantage of the opportunity to vote early until Oct. 31.
   After looking at numbers from Wednesday morning, the County's Administrator of Election, Tracy Harris, did not expect to see as many first day early voters as she saw this summer. Nearly 300 people came out on the first day of early voting in August.
   Harris stated the poor weather most likely contributed to the low turn out at the polls yesterday. "We had hoped there would be a lot more," Harris said. "This morning we have not had that many. Probably the rainy, cold weather has kept them away."
   Those that do make it out to the polls early will escape the crowds that could gather on election day in November. "They do not have to go to the polls and wait in line," Harris said. She stated that 10 minutes is the longest early voters ever must wait in line.
   The early election process is beneficial for both the voter and the Election Commission. Harris stated if any problems arise they can be dealt with immediately at the office.
   All early voting takes place at the Election Commission's offices, room 207 on the second floor of the Carter County Court House. Polls will be open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon.