Early voting to start Monday

By Melinda L. Lucas

Early voting for the Nov. 2 amendment election begins in Texas and Shackelford County, on Monday, Oct. 18 with the eight propositions ranging from not allowing the state to prohibit or limit religious services to one permitting charitable raffles at rodeo venues.

Shackelford County Clerk Cheri Hawkins said in-person early voting will be held on the first floor of the Courthouse through Friday, Oct. 29. 

The voting hours Monday through Thursday are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., including during the lunch hour on all five days.

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

Anyone 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.

Voter ID

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. 22.

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 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. 22.

Sample ballots are available at shackelford county.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.