Judith Harris of Dresden took advantage of the early voting period for the Aug. 2 county general and state primary elections Monday with the help of poll worker Linda Davis of Martin

This year boasts several significant elections and Weakley Countians are coming out to let their voices be heard for the early voting period which will decide certain county seats and primary candidates for state slots.
As of 4 p.m. Monday, 193 people in the county had already cast their ballot. Early voting began Friday. According to a report issued by Weakley County Administrator of Elections Barbara Castleman, 73 people voted by mail before the start of early voting. Forty-eight people cast a Democratic ballot, while the remaining 25 votes went to the Republican ticket.
Both parties were neck-in-neck Friday with 27 Republican ballots cast and 28 Democratic ballots cast. Saturday’s numbers showed a lighter turn-out with 19 people voting; 17 Democrats and 2 Republicans.
The Republicans took the lead on Monday with 27 ballots cast in the party’s favor and 17 cast for Democratic candidates.
Early voting continues through noon July 28. Voters can cast their ballots at the Election Commission office, located at 135 Poplar St., in Dresden. Hours are 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. until noon Saturday.
Election day is Aug. 2.
Candidates wishing to seek office in the November municipal elections have until noon Aug. 15 to qualify. Those seats include aldermen slots in each city across the county.
For information about qualifying for office or early voting, voters are asked to call the Election Commission office at 364-5564.

WCP 7.17.12