Wilsonians are voting early and in heavier than normal numbers for the May 6 primary elections.
In the first week of the one-stop voting, 738 people voted in Wilson County, Elections Director Ann Cone said. That's nearly 150 per day, she said, and "more than we would have normally seen by this point."
The one-stop precinct at the local board of elections, 112 Douglas St., is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and will also be open from 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
Early voting has been smooth so far, Cone said. The polling place has had rushes every day, so people occasionally have had to wait but not for long, she added.
This is the first primary election where state election offices have offered same-day registration, allowing people to sign up and vote in one visit. Wilson has averaged around five such voters a day, or about 30 total.
Same-day registration was also offered during the 2007 municipal elections. Only 29 people took advantage then, "so we have already had more," Cone said.
Same-day registration will only be offered through the end of one-stop voting. It will not be available on Tuesday, May 6.
People who are eligible to register in Wilson County but have not done so, can go to the one-stop precinct during voting hours. They need to bring acceptable forms of ID that show their current address.
More information on same-day registration can be found on the State Board of Elections' Web site, www.sboe.state.nc.us.
That site is also where registered voters can see samples of the primary ballots. Click on "My Election Information" and follow instructions to see ballots with the appropriate contests for your address.
Wilson Democrats are selecting their candidates for the following: president, U.S. Senate, governor, lieutenant governor, auditor, insurance commissioner, labor commissioner, superintendent of public instruction and state treasurer. Around half the county's voters are also voting for a candidate in the U.S. House's 3rd District.
Wilson Republicans are choosing candidates for president, U.S. Senate, governor, lieutenant governor and superintendent of public instruction. As with the Democrats, around half of the voters are also selecting a nominee for the U.S. House, 3rd District.
All voters are also choosing between three N.C. Court of Appeals candidates and four N.C. Court of Appeals candidates.
Nearly all county residents are also voting on the county's .25-percent sales tax referendum. Excluded from voting on that question are 17-year-olds, who are eligible to vote in primary elections because they will turn 18 by Nov. 4. They are not allowed to voted on the referendum, though.
Wilsonians needing more information may call 399-2836. Residents of other counties can call the State Board, 919-733-7173, or their local elections boards.
mshaw@wilsontimes.com | 265-7878