Friday, October 15, 2010

Early Voting Available October 14-30; 40 Percent Expected To Vote Early

Mecklenburg County Board of Elections Director Michael Dickerson
estimates that 40 percent of voters casting a ballot this fall will do
so by voting early. Early voting starts Thursday at the Hal Marshall
Annex and on Monday at 15 other locations throughout the county before
ending on Saturday, Oct. 30.

The presidential election of 2008 was the first time more people voted
early than on Election Day in Mecklenburg County. "Voters truly
appreciate the option of having an extended voting period rather than
a single day," Dickerson says. "It also helps us report results sooner
on election night."

The Board of Elections will use social media to help direct voters to
early voting locations with the shortest lines. The BOE is partnering
with the County's Public Service and Information Department to post
real-time reports weekdays throughout the early voting period. Voters
planning to use the early option are encouraged to follow @MeckCounty
and watch for Twitter hashtag #earlyvote. Those who prefer Facebook
should friendMecklenburg County. Workers at each early voting location
will report regularly on high or low traffic patterns in order to help
direct people to places with the shortest lines.

The list of early voting locations and hours along with other details
about early voting, candidates, precinct locations and much more can
be found at www.meckboe.org.