Paul Teague

Paul Teague

pteague@newstopic.net

Beginning Thursday morning, voters in Caldwell County's eight municipalities will be able to make their way to either of two polling locations to cast their ballots.

Polls will open at 8:30 a.m. at the Alden E. Starnes County Office Complex in the City-County Chambers, located at 905 West Ave. NW, Lenoir, and at the Shuford Recreation Center, located at 56 Pinewood Road, Granite Falls.

Both locations will have ballots for all municipal races, meaning, for example, that someone who lives in Lenoir but works in the Granite Falls area would be able to vote in the Lenoir election at the Shuford Recreation Center site.

Polls will remain open until 5 p.m. on weekdays through Oct. 30. There also will be voting on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 31.

Early voting has proven to be popular in recent balloting, including last year's general election in which more than 60 percent of all votes were recorded prior to Election Day. The early voting process also gives those who are unregistered the opportunity to register and cast a ballot.

Same-day registration WILL NOT be available on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. On Election Day, polls will open at precincts within the municipalities at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.

Among the most competitive races is the one for Lenoir City Council. Eight candidates, including three incumbents, are vying for four spots. A fourth incumbent, Councilwoman Dr. Marjorie Strawn opted not to seek re-election after more than 25 years of service.

For additional information about early voting or Election Day, contact the Caldwell County Board of Elections at (828) 757-1326 or (828) 757-1342.

Board of Elections issues ruling

The Caldwell County Board of Elections announced Monday that it has received a letter from Rhodhiss Town Council candidate Alicia Witherspoon stating her desire to withdraw from the race. Witherspoon's name appears on the ballot, however, Caldwell County Board of Elections Director Sandy Rich said votes cast for Witherspoon will not count in the election.