By Becky Long
Publisher
It may seem quiet so far, but as the general election approaches, behind the scenes Clay County Board of Elections workers busy preparing for it.
Poll workers are in training, supplies are being ordered, absentee ballots sent out and voter registrations are being processed as the BOE gets ready for the Nov. 8 election.
In Clay County, there hasn’t been an abundance of local campaigning yet, most likely because there are few Clay County candidates on the ballot.
The three Republican incumbent commission candidates, Scotty Penland, Dwight Penland and Clay Logan will face unaffiliated contenders Pam Roman and Dr. Russell Hughes.
In the school board race, Republican incumbents Jason Shook, Kelly Crawford and Robert “Robbie” Caldwell are on the ballot along with unaffiliated candidate Glen Marcel.
Republican Mark Buchanan sailed through the May primary to become the only candidate for sheriff on the November ballot. He will assume that role in December.
According to BOE Director Rebecca Hall, voter registration has been steady.
Voter registration stands at 9,621 as of Tuesday. It is made up of 1,464 Democrats, 4,600 Republicans, 59 Libertarians and 3,498 unaffiliated.
The final day to register at the office is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14.
One stop early voting at the Elections Board office starts at 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 and continues through Saturday, Nov. 5. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Saturdays of Oct. 29 and Nov. 5.
On Election day, polls are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Hall said people need to remember not to be on their phones while they are voting and no pictures or videos are allowed in the BOE voting enclosure.
The Election Board office is located at 75 Riverside Circle Suite 3 Hayesville. Call 389-6812 if you have questions about voting or registration.