Early voting now underway

By Lynsi Musselman

Early voting for the Nov. 3 election began in Texas and Shackelford County, on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Shackelford County and District Clerk Cheri Hawkins said in-person early voting is being held on the first floor of the Courthouse until Friday, Oct. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including during the lunch hour.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20 and again on Tuesday, Oct. 27, the Courthouse will be open for voting from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on those two days only.

“We do offer curbside voting for those who may have trouble walking up the steps,” Hawkins added.

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.

The county ballot will have a write-in candidate for constable, along with several local offices.

Albany ISD, Shackelford County Hospital District, and City of Moran will also be on the voting ballots for relevant precincts.

Hawkins reminds voters that no straight party voting is allowed.

“Voting may take a little longer with the long ballot this election,” Hawkins said. “Please bring your patience, and we will be happy to help.”

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.

Mail-In Ballots

The last day to register for a mail-in ballot is Friday, Oct. 23.

Hawkins said applications must be received by the deadline, not just postmarked by that day.

Annual applications are marked on the ballot by mail application and they are good for one election cycle, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31.

Hawkins explained that citizens who are registered for a mail-in ballot can still 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 have been very fortunate that our local post office works closely with us for the mail-in ballots,” Hawkins added.

Shackelford County residents can find a printable application for a ballot by mail by clicking on “Elections” at the website 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. 23.

 Election Day

Voters on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3 are required to vote between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Polling places for Shackelford County will be at the Courthouse for voting precincts 101, 202, 307, and 406, Moran Community Center for 303, Hastings/Precinct 4 barn near Lueders for 404, and Rock Hill School near Hamby for 405.

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

For more information about the voting process, contact Hawkins or Belinda Perez at the Shackelford County Courthouse in Albany at 325-762-9420.