Voting tallies continue to be high

By Sandy Morris

Early voting for the Nov. 3 election will wrap up in Texas and Shackelford County on Friday, Oct. 30, with the General Election Day set for next Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Shackelford County and District Clerk Cheri Hawkins said in-person early voting will continue to be held o n the first floor of the courthouse until Thursday, Oct. 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and through the lunch hour. Then on Friday, Oct. 30, residents have from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to early vote at the courthouse. 

Anyone who currently is registered to vote can participate during the early voting period. The Courthouse is the only voting location where a ballot can be cast during early voting. 

As of Wednesday morning, early voting had been very busy with 926 ballots cast. 

Hawkins stated that so far, the early voting process has gone smoothly, with her only concern being the mail-in ballots.

“We’ve gotten 127 mail ballots back, but some of the ones we’ve sent have not been returned,” said Hawkins, “We encourage mail-in voters to return their ballots as soon as possible.”

She explained that citizens who are registered for a mail-in ballot can return their ballots in person to the courthouse instead of mailing, but each voter must turn in his or her own ballot.

County residents who choose not to return their ballots by mail can also call ahead and a voting machine can be brought out to them. The curbside voting option is available as well for voters who may have trouble walking up the steps of the courthouse or those who fear exposure to the coronavirus. 

On The Ballot

The county ballot will have a write-in candidate for constable, and several local offices are on the ballot as well, although there are no contested county races.

Albany ISD, Shackelford County Hospital District, and City of Moran candidates will also be on the voting ballots for appropriate precincts. These elections were postponed in May due to COVID-19.

Voters are reminded that no straight party voting is allowed.

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

Voter ID

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

When citizens arrive at the polling location, they will need to sign in and present one of seven acceptable forms of photo ID, usually a Texas drivers license. 

Election Day

Voters on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3 can vote anytime 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.”