Early voting began at the Fayette County Board of Elections and across the state of Ohio this week.
Local Board of Elections Director Beth Ann Snyder said there has been a good turnout so far and “we’ve got a great start,” but added, “We’d love to see more [early voters].”
Although an exact number of early voters in Fayette County was unavailable as of press time, the local board of elections office will update the number throughout this general election cycle.
Snyder said there are many reasons people choose to vote early, including travel plans on Election Day, concerns that they won’t be able to leave work on time to vote on Election Day, and the simple fact that “it’s convenient” and “it’s quiet” at the board of elections before Election Day.
In addition to voting early at the board of elections, voting by mail is an option. Individuals who would like to do so must fill out an application and mail it to the board of elections. This application can be found at fayette.ohioboe.com. Individuals who would prefer to do so may also receive this application by mail. To request this, call the board of elections at 740-335-1190.
Early voting at the board of elections, which is located at 133 S. Main St. in Washington Court House, will be available: Oct. 15-19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 22-Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 29-Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Election Day is Nov. 6. Information about polling locations, ballots, and more can also be found at fayette.ohioboe.com.
On the Fayette County ballot, all of those running for county official posts are unopposed:
– James Garland, a Republican, is running for county commissioner. He will take the open seat created by the forthcoming retirement of longtime commissioner Jack DeWeese. The full term will commence on Jan. 1, 2019.
– Brenda Mossbarger is running unopposed for county auditor in the general after defeating the current auditor, Aaron Coole, in the Republican primary election.
– Current Fayette County Clerk of Courts Sandra Wilson, a Republican, is running unopposed for an unexpired term that will end Jan. 3, 2021.
The local issues on the ballot are:
– The Board of Health’s 1.75-mill, 10-year renewal levy for operating expenses.
– The Washington C.H. City Schools’ additional 1 percent earned income levy for current expenses.
– In Concord Township (one precinct), there will be a 1.5-mill, five-year renewal levy for providing and maintaining fire equipment.
– In Madison Township (one precinct), there will be a 1-mill, five-year renewal levy for maintaining and operating cemeteries.
– Also for residents living in the school districts for Washington C.H., Miami Trace and Greenfield, there will be a Great Oaks Career Campuses 2.7-mill renewal levy for operating expenses.
