For many, Wednesday was election day. For other voters, it could be today. In fact, between now and Nov. 3, registered voters can visit the Judge Black Courthouse Annex and cast their ballots for the Nov. 6 general election.
Wood County Clerk Jamie Six said approximately 20 percent of the county's 55,343 registered voters will vote early. While that is a sizable portion of the county's voting public and it grows every year, we do not understand why more residents do not take advantage of the opportunity early voting offers.
Early voting is easy-just stop at the annex and tell a worker you wish to vote. You will be given a ballot and can take care of it right then and there. It is convenient. The hours-8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday-are convenient for someone who wishes to go down at lunch or right after work. And while there may be a line, it probably won't be as long as those on election day.
In addition to the hours listed above, the courthouse annex also will be open from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Nov. 3. And four community sites will open Oct. 30 through Nov. 3. The sites are located at the Williamstown City Building, the Vienna City Building, the Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department, and the Lubeck Volunteer Fire Department. Hours at these sites are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and on Saturday Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
There is nothing wrong with voting on Nov. 6. Many people prefer to vote on the actual election day. However, with the number of offices to be decided-including the presidency, the polling places will undoubtedly be busy and the lines long.
The chance to vote early is one of the ideas attempted in recent years to get more voters to cast their vote. Remember whether voting early or waiting until election day, voting is a right, a privilege-and a duty as a responsible American citizen.
