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Amendment early voting underway

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Albany News

by Kathy Thomson

Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 5 Special Election to adopt or reject the Proposed Constitutional Amendments to the Texas Constitution will take place at the Shackelford County Courthouse from Monday, Oct. 21 through Friday, Nov. 1.

Early in-person voting is held on the first floor of the Courthouse Mondays through Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., and on Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

“We do offer curbside voting for those who may have trouble with walking up the steps,” said election clerk Cheri Hawkins.

Anyone properly registered to vote in Shackelford County can vote during early voting hours, and the Courthouse is the only location in Shackelford County where people can cast a ballot in this election.

There are 10 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution listed on the ballot, covering topics that include judicial rules, bonds, taxes, distributions of school funds, creation of a flood infrastructure fund, and the transfer of ownership of law enforcement animals.

Voter ID

Voters who vote in person, either for early voting, or on Election Day, should bring a photo ID and their voter registration card with them if possible.

“When you arrive at the polling place, you will be asked to present one of the seven acceptable forms of photo identification, unless you are a voter with a permanent exemption on your voter registration certificate,” said Texas Secretary of State Ruth H. Hughs. “If you do not possess a form of acceptable photo identification and you cannot reasonably obtain one, show a supporting form of identification to the election official and execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.”

Vote by Mail

There are four specific reasons that entitle a registered voter to vote early by mail if they prefer. 

“You may request a ballot by mail if you will be away from your county on Election Day and during the hours that early voting is conducted, are sick or disabled, are 65 years of age or older on Election Day, or are confined in jail,” said Hughs.

The last day to apply for a ballot by mail is Friday, Oct. 25. 

“Applications must be received, not merely postmarked, by this date,” Hawkins said. 

The ballots must then be returned to Hawkins’ office by mail by Nov. 5.

Shackelford County residents can find a printable application for a Ballot by Mail by clicking on “Elections” at shackelfordcounty.org, and then scrolling down the page. Once the application is completed and signed, it should be delivered to Cheri Hawkins, C/D Clerk Shackelford Co., PO Box 2109, Albany, TX 76430 before Oct. 25. 

People with questions can call Hawkins at 325-762-9415.

Election Day

Voters on Election Day, Nov. 5 are required to vote between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

All Shackelford County precincts will vote at the county courthouse on Nov. 5.

Sample ballots are available at shackelfordcounty.org by clicking on “Elections.”