Early vote drawing big crowd

Donley County voters are taking advantage of early voting in the local option election on the sale of alcoholic beverages in the county.

The county clerk’s office reported 95 people cast ballots on the first day of early voting on Monday, and election officials said that tally had reached 153 Tuesday afternoon as the Enterprise went to press.

Early voting continues through November 1 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Extended voting hours will be held October 24 and October 28 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day will be Tuesday, November 5.

The alcohol question appears on ballots countywide along with several proposed amendments to the state constitution. Voters will be asked to choose FOR or AGAINST the following option: “The legal sale of all alcoholic beverages including mixed beverages.” The election for the Clarendon Board of Aldermen will be on a separate ballot.

Early ballots may be cast at the Donley County Courthouse Annex.

Those unable to vote in person during early voting or on Election Day can apply for a ballot by mail by contacting the county clerk’s office or by downloading the application from http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/pol-sub/5-15f.pdf. In order to vote by mail you must be 65 or older or your ballot must be sent to an out of county address. The completed application must be received (not postmarked) by October 25. Photo ID is not required to vote by mail.

Texas now requires voters to show photo ID at the polls. IDs that can be accepted include: one of four Texas Department of Safety issued photo IDs (driver’s license, personal ID card, concealed handgun license, and election identification certificate) or one of three US government issued photo IDs (passport, military ID card, US citizenship or naturalization certificate). The photo ID must be current or expired no more than 60 days.