Early voting underway

October 26, 2006

By BEN GARRETT
INDEPENDENT HERALD EDITOR

HUNTSVILLE — Some 546 voters have cast their ballots for the November 7 election in the first six days of early voting, according to figures released by the Scott County Election Commission Office.

A total of 124 persons cast their ballot in person Monday at the Election Commission’s early voting locations here and in Oneida, making it the second-busiest day in the early voting period so far.

Some 156 voters cast ballots on Friday.

In all, 459 persons have voted early and another 87 have voted by mail for the November 7 state and municipal elections.

Early voting continues through Thursday, November 2, and Scott County Administrator of Elections Brenda Sexton is encouraging voters to take advantage of the early voting period to avoid potential long lines and waits at the polls on election day.

“Early voting can be utilized by any registered voter in Scott County,” Sexton said. “No reasons are required. Voters can vote at either early voting location regardless of which precinct they reside in.”

Early voting precincts are located at the Oneida Municipal Services Building and the Scott County Office Building. Early voting times will be 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday), 9 a.m. - 12 noon Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tennessee offices on the November 7 ballot include governor, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative in the Fourth Congressional District and State Representative in the 38th District.

Democratic incumbent Phil Bredesen is squaring off against Republican challenger Jim Bryson, a state senator from West Tennessee, in the governor’s race. The race for the U.S. Senate pits Democratic nominee Harold Ford, Jr., a Congressman from Memphis, against former Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, the Republican nominee. Ford and Corker are vying for the seat being vacated by retiring Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.

In the Fourth Congressional District, Democratic incumbent Lincoln Davis is being challenged by Republican nominee Kenneth Martin. In the state’s 38th District, Democratic incumbent Leslie Winningham is being challenged by independent candidate Champ Langford.

Also on the ballot are two state constitutional amendments, one which would recognize marriage in the state of Tennessee as being a union between one man and one woman, and another which would allow additional tax relief for residents over the age of 65.

In addition to the statewide general election, municipal elections will be held in Huntsville in Winfield.

In Huntsville, incumbent Mayor George W. Potter is being challenged by candidates Milford D. Chambers and Glenn G. Lawson. Incumbent Vice Mayor Mark E. Love and Aldermen Sharra Crowley, Wesley Riggins and Robert E. Smith are running unopposed. Huntsville voters will also decide a liquor by the drink referendum.

In Winfield, incumbent Mayor Kenny Burchfield is being challenged by former mayor Cecil Strunk. Incumbent Aldermen Vurscle (Bert) Burchfield and Chad D. Jones are seeking re-election, with a challenge from Winfield Fire Chief John D. Sexton.

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