Early voting ends Friday

The last day to vote early is Friday.

As of midday Oct.27, more than 3,800 Carson City residents had participated in early voting since it started Oct. 21.

There are 22 voting machines along a section of the first floor of the courthouse and voters enter and exit the building often at a steady pace. The primary allure of early voting for many people who take advantage of it is that long waits hardly ever occur, according to elections officials.

"It's our first time," said Jerry Wells, who was leaving the courthouse Friday with his wife, Donna. Both long-time residents are regular voters, but this is the first time they've voted early.

"It went real smooth," she said.

"Less busy," he said of the method. "And more convenient."

Registration was down for this election when compared to the 2004 general election, with only 25,365 voters this year compared to 26,367 at that time, said Alan Glover, the city's Clerk-Recorder.

While there is no presidential election, it's an important year for Nevadans to vote because so many state and federal offices are up for grabs, Glover said.

"This year, a lot of new people are running," he said. "And that tends to get people to vote."

Voters will be choosing a new governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. representative and secretary of state, among others.

There are also a slew of state ballot initiatives focusing on such issues as eminent domain, smoking in public places and decriminalizing marijuana.

Carson City voters will have the opportunity to choose a new district attorney. Incumbents and challengers are vying for justice of the peace, District 2, supervisors representing Wards 1 and 3 and school district trustees seats 3, 4 and 6.

They also are being asked to approve a $25 million bond issue for building, repair and maintenance of schools.

Glover expects overall voter turnout for the general election to reach 80 percent, however.

He advises people to bring their sample ballots with them whether they vote early or on Election Day Nov. 7 because it's quicker to check in with officials and go through the voting process with their choices marked.

"It's just easier," he said.

Tomorrow is the last day to request absentee ballots, which can be returned until the polls close at 7 p.m. on election day.

Carson City residents can call 887-2287 for voter information or visit www.carson-city.nv.us/Index.aspx?page=90.

Where to go for early voting

Early voting can be done in person at the following locations.

CARSON CITY

Extended hours through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Carson City District Courthouse, 885 E. Musser St.

STOREY COUNTY

Virginia City - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday at the Storey County Clerk's Office, Storey County Courthouse on B Street, Virginia City.

LYON COUNTY

• Yerington - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday at the Lyon County Clerk's Office, 27 S. Main St.

• Smith Valley - 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Smith Valley Library, 22 Day Lane.

• Dayton - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 3 at Lyon County Administration Office, 801 Overland Loop, Suite 201.

• Fernley - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Nov. 3 at Fernley City Hall, 595 Silverlace Blvd.

DOUGLAS COUNTY

• Minden - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Nov. 3 at the Douglas County Clerk's Office, 1594 Esmeralda Ave.

• Lake Tahoe - 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Lake Tahoe/Douglas County administrative building, 175 Highway 50 West.

• Topaz Ranch - 3:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Estate Park building, 3939 Carter Way.

• Johnson Lane - 3:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Johnson Lane Fire Station, 1450 Stephanie Lane.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.