By Becky Long
Publisher
Weeks, and in some cases, months of campaigning will wind down with the primary elections on Tuesday, May 17.
So far 890 residents participated in early voting at the county Elections Board office. Of that total, 818 Republicans and 83 Democrat ballots have been cast.
Mail-in ballots received from Democrats is five and 12 from Republicans.
Residents can still participate in early voting through Saturday, May 14. It is open weekdays 8 a. m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On Election Day, May 17, voters must vote at their precincts which are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. If you do not know your precinct, call the Election Board office at 389-6812.
In the meantime, on the local level voters who request a Republican ballot can choose three candidates to fill seats on the Clay County School Board, Board of Commissioners and sheriff’s office.
Incumbent candidates for school board are Jason Shook, Kelly Crawford and Robert “Robbie” Caldwell. Also vying for a seat on the board is Jeanine Craig and Jarrod Penland.
Glenn Marcel has qualified as an unaffiliated school board candidate for the November ballot.
In the commission race, newcomer Jason Moore is facing incumbents Clay Logan, Dwight Penland and Scotty Penland.
Two unaffiliated commission candidates have qualified for the November ballot, Pam Roman and Russell Hughes.
The sheriff’s race is among George Elver, Joe Shook and Mark Buchanan. Sheriff Bobby Deese is not seeking a second term. There are multiple candidates for congress and senate.