Early voting to end Friday

By Melinda L. Lucas

Early voting for the Nov. 5 amendment election will end tomorrow, and registered voters who have not already cast their ballots are encouraged to participate in early voting this week or to vote on Election Day next Tuesday, Nov. 2.

At deadline time on Tuesday afternoon, there had been only 38 ballots cast compared with 660 at the same time last year during a presidential election.

Early voting will continue today, Oct. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Friday, Oct. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Shackelford County Courthouse.

“We offer curbside voting for those who may have trouble walking up the steps,” Shackelford County and District Clerk Cheri Hawkins said.

Anyone properly registered to vote in Shackelford County can vote during early voting hours.

The Courthouse is the only location in Shackelford County where residents can cast a ballot during early voting or on the Nov. 2 election day.

Election Day

On Election Day, Nov. 2, all Shackelford County precincts will vote at the Courthouse between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

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

When citizens arrive at the polling location, they will need to sign in, and they will be asked to present one of seven acceptable forms of photo ID.

The deadline to register for a mail-in ballot has already passed.

Hawkins explained that citizens who have received a mail-in ballot can return their ballots in person to the Courthouse instead of mailing if they prefer, but each voter must turn in his or her own ballot.

“We are very fortunate that our local post office works closely with us for the mail-in ballots,” Hawkins added.

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

For more information about the voting process, contact the Clerk’s Office at the Shackelford County Courthouse in Albany at 325-762-9415.

Hawkins cautioned voters to check their voter summary page before they cast their ballot. 

“Check over all your selections before you hit the red ‘cast ballot’ button!” Hawkins said. “If you need assistance, ask for it. That’s what we are there for.”

Hawkins said that even while voters are in the voting booth, the clerks can help them if they request the assistance, but once the red ‘cast ballot’ button is pushed, the vote can not be changed. 

There are eight proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution listed on the ballot, covering topics ranging from not allowing the state to prohibit or limit religious services to one permitting charitable raffles at rodeo venues.