Early voting heavy

Early voting heavy

Oct. 24, 2000

CORTEZ JOURNAL


	HILDA FISH of Cortez and Pat Boglino of Summit Ridge, along with an unidentified man (back turned) take advantage of early voting Monday at the county clerk and recorder’s office. More than 80 voters turned out on the first day of early voting, which continues through Nov. 3.

Perhaps spurred by fears of long lines at the polls Nov. 7, more than 80 of the county’s voters made their way to the clerk and recorder’s office in the county courthouse Monday to take advantage of the first day of early voting.

"If you’re hoping to avoid lines (by voting early), you can’t, but the lines may be shorter than they will be Nov. 7," said deputy clerk Carol Tullis.

She advised citizens to be well-prepared before they come by bringing sample ballots or "cheat sheets" to use in the booth. This year’s ballot features a number of candidates, six statewide ballot initiatives, six statewide ballot referenda, and three county ballot questions.

"It’s a difficult ballot and a long ballot," she said.

Voters are allowed no more than 10 minutes in the booth, according to Tullis.

Early voting will continue through Nov. 3 and will take place weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If the number of absentee ballots is any indication, turnout may be heavy this year. Tullis said the county has sent out more than 1,400 absentee ballots compared to the usual 300 or 400 issued during presidential election years.

Absentee ballots are due in the clerk’s office by Nov. 7. The office receives its mail around noon, Tullis said. Absentee ballots can also be hand-delivered to the office.

Anyone who has requested an absentee ballot must now vote that way, she said; it’s not possible to change your mind and come to the polls instead. The clerk’s office began sending out absentee ballots on Thursday.

"If you haven’t received yours yet, be patient," Tullis advised.

She said the clerk’s office still has some booklets on the various amendments and some sample ballots for persons who request them. Articles on the amendments and area candidates have been published in the Cortez Journal as well.

Citizens who have questions about their registration should call the clerk’s office, 565-3728. Tullis said it is still possible to change one’s address and vote in the general election.