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Thousands turn out for start of WV early voting

Exponent Telegram photo by Darlene J. Swiger  By the look of the parking spaces provided at the Harrison County Courthouse, many people were taking advantage of early voting on the first day.
Exponent Telegram photo by Darlene J. Swiger
By the look of the parking spaces provided at the Harrison County Courthouse, many people were taking advantage of early voting on the first day.

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Secretary of State’s office showed reports, as of late afternoon Wednesday, of more than 21,000 West Virginians who had voted on the first day of early voting. Brisk numbers also were reported locally.

“We are very pleased to hear reports of good turnout on this first day of early voting in West Virginia,” Secretary of State Natalie E. Tennant said. “Voting is a right and a duty. Whether you go during the early voting period or on Election Day, I urge West Virginians to make their voices heard.”

Susan Thomas, county clerk for Harrison County, said 1,051 people voted with all three locations combined. Early voting continues in West Virginia through Nov. 5.

 “We were lucky to have 1,000 for the entire early voting period before now. As the day started, I thought it would be 500 or more, but I never dreamed it would be over 1,000,” Thomas said. “I think a huge part is that it is a presidential election. Turnout for those is always larger than a mid-term. Things seemed to run smoothly at the courthouse, mall and Eastpointe locations.

“I visited each one of the polling places. They were lined up waiting to get in this morning. It was steady all day,” she said.

Harrison County early voting locations are the courthouse annex, Meadowbrook Mall in the former Gordon’s Jewelers space and the former Mountain State Dermatology Office in New Pointe Plaza on Emily Drive in Clarksburg.

Voters can cast their ballots from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays in Harrison County. Satellite locations will be open from 10 a.m-4 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Lewis County Clerk Cindy Rowan said 222 voters cast their ballot on the first day at the courthouse.

“That is the highest number we’ve ever had for any day of early voting. We were extremely busy today. It went well and things went smoothly. People were very patient,” Rowan said. “Lines varied from a few to more. It didn’t take long to move them through. About a half-dozen voters could cast their ballot at the same time. Our courthouse lot provides public parking for them to be able to come in and vote conveniently.”

Early voting in Lewis County is available 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays on the first floor of the Lewis County Courthouse, 110 Center Ave., Weston.

 Upshur County had 416 early voters Wednesday, County Clerk Debbie Wilfong said.

“That is a great turnout. A couple times we had people waiting in line but there were no issues,” she said. “There’s two parking places on Main Street in front of the annex designated for voters and one additional 20-minute parking spot as well as a handicapped spot in front of the courthouse.

“It’s been steady all day, and I’m glad to see such a great turnout. It is fantastic,” Wilfong said.

In Upshur, voters can cast their ballots at the Upshur County Courthouse, 40 W. Main St., from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays.

 http://www.theet.com/Staff writer Darlene J. Swiger can be reached at (304) 626-1403 or [email protected]
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