Big turnout for first day of early voting

Several Donley County voters could hardly wait to cast their ballots when early voting began Monday, October 24.

County Clerk Fay Vargas said people were waiting before the election officials were even ready to go, and by day’s end, more than 140 people had cast early ballots. That’s about nine percent of the entire local turnout for the presidential election in 2012.

Interest is high in the race for president, but further down the ballot there is little excitement except for one local race drew a late challenger.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Andy Wheatly is facing a write-in opponent from Neil Koetting. The race has generated some spirited advertising in the Lelia Lake community, and is the only office that is being contested locally.

Unopposed local candidates this year include Sheriff Butch Blackburn, County Attorney Landon Lambert, County Tax Assessor/Collector Linda Crump, and Precinct One Commissioner Mark White.

Local congressman, Rep. Mac Thornberry, is facing third party challenges, but State Rep. Ken King, District Judge Stuart Messer, and District Attorney Luke Inman are not.

Voters head to the polls this year with the state’s voter ID law facing legal challenges. Vargas says voters may be asked to show ID when they vote and the following forms of identification are acceptable: state driver’s license, a Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS, Texas personal identification card issued by DPS, or a Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS.

Other forms of ID accepted under the law are a US military ID card that includes a personal photo, a US citizenship certificate that includes a personal photo, or a US passport.

A July court ruling as provided some relief for voters who cannot “reasonably obtain” the proper ID. They may be asked to sign a form in which they swear that they have a “reasonable impediment” from obtaining appropriate identification. Even then, those voters may be asked to produce one of the following: a valid voter registration certificate, a certified birth certificate, or a copy or original of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other document that shows the voter’s name and address. Any government document that contains a voter’s photo must be an original.

Vargas also says that she has heard rumors that poll watchers may be out on election day to observe the voting process, but nothing is official yet.

Any poll watcher would be required to have certain paperwork allowing them to observe the election, and they may not watch anyone actually mark their ballot.

Early voting by personal appearance continues through November 4. Mail-in ballots are due in the clerk’s office by October 28. Election Day will be Tuesday, November 8.