Early voting ends Friday; turnout surprisingly high

The number of early voters in Carson City has been higher than expected, said Alan Glover, clerk-recorder and head of elections.

With no challengers for voters to choose from in such races as sheriff, assessor, treasurer and clerk-recorder, Glover said he initially expected overall turnout to end up well below 40 percent for this primary.

"This has been a surprise," Glover said. "I didn't think the numbers were going to go up that high."

Early voting ends at 5 p.m. Friday. Vote from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the first floor of the Carson City District Courthouse, 885 E. Musser St.

As of Tuesday, there were 2,999 votes cast, and roughly 250 more people voted Wednesday. During the 2004 primary at that same point, there were 2,712 voters, compared to the roughly 3,250 as of the same day in this year's early voting cycle, he said.

The number of early voters in 2004 reached 3,775.

Judging by the current pace of early voters, however, it could turn out to be a higher number.

There have been primary elections in Carson that have garnered up to 70 percent of registered voters, he said.

"I think it bodes well for Election Day," Glover said. "This has been a better turnout than everyone was predicting."

High early voting counts tend to be a good indicator of overall voter count, he said.

Local contested primary races include justice of the peace district 1, supervisor Ward 3 and school board district 6. There are a variety of statewide positions on the primary ballot, including governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state.

"And don't forget to bring your sample ballot," Glover advised. "It makes voting much easier."

The ballot also provides information that makes it easier for the elections clerks to find you in the elections database and can also prove to be a timesaver, he said.

For voting information, call the elections office at 887-2087. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, and the polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Don't go to the polling place printed on the ballot for early voting, go to the courthouse. Go to the polling place on Election Day.

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

Vote now

• Early voting ends Friday. Vote today or Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the first floor of the Carson City District Courthouse, 885 E. Musser St.

• Primary Election Day is Tuesday. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• For voting information, call the elections office at 887-2087.