Early voting turnout higher than 2016 presidential election
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The Red River Sun/Nicole Dill
Michael Rodriguez, the son of Eric and Karen Rodriguez, votes for the first time.
By mail and in person
By Whitney Wyatt/The Red River Sun—
CHILDRESS – Early voting turnout in Childress County is higher than normal, voting officials said.
As of 1:20 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, 1,373 Childress County registered voters have voted early and by mail, Childress County Clerk Barbara Spitzer said. That is 37.6 percent of registered voters.
“I believe that the people of Childress County know the importance of this election and are acting accordingly,” Spitzer said. “It is awesome to see the determination of the voters to make their voice heard.”
This is more than the total number of early voters in the last presidential election, Childress County Deputy Clerk Ruby Weese said. In 2016, 1,135 Childress County residents voted early and 74 mailed in ballots.
Weese added there have been no complaints from voters who are wearing face masks. The COVID-19 changes voting officials have made include marking the floors at least two arm lengths apart and having hand sanitizer stands for easy access.
“We continue to practice social distancing,” she said. “Polling area workers are ready to continue all safety practices along with cleaning supplies.”
She encourages residents to think safety when they come to vote. She said to be sure to bring an ID, too.
“Come early,” Weese suggested. “Lines are shorter. Even when there are lines, they move pretty quickly.”
For those who want to vote early, hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 28-29 and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 30, Spitzer said. Early voting is located at the Law Library at the Childress County Courthouse.
Election Day polling locations are:
- Precinct 101 at Housing Authority, Shady Grove Apartments at 407 Ave. B NW;
- Precinct 201 at Church of Christ Fellowship Hall at 210 2nd St. SE;
- Precinct 301 at City of Childress Auditorium Banquet Room at Fair Park, 1000 Commerce St.;
- Precinct 401 at Calvary Baptist Church on Ave. I NW.
Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
“I encourage anyone who hasn’t voted to do so,” Spitzer said. Weese added, “Every vote counts. People have power, and they can use it.”
