Deadlines for November election coming up
By Becky Uehling
The Grant Tribune-Sentinel
With what is turning out to be a heated Nov. 8 General Election in the United States just one month away, the public should become aware of some upcoming dates and deadlines for voter eligibility.
Early voting in the Perkins County clerk’s office will starts on Tuesday, Oct. 11, which is a full four weeks ahead of the General Election. Perkins County started mailing out ballots on Oct. 3, according to County Clerk Rita Long.
Perkins County residents, along with every U.S. citizen, should check their voter registration status, especially if they’ve had some life changes since voting last.
To vote in the Nov. 8 election, the last day to make changes or to register for the first time is Friday, Oct. 28, when the Perkins County Clerk’s office will be open until 6 p.m. Voters must come into the office to register, or make changes such as a new address or name change due to marriage. It’s also necessary to contact the office if a voter wants to change party affiliation. The breakdown of current registered voters in Perkins County according to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s office is: Republican – 1411, Democratic- 223, Libertarian -11, Legal Marijuana NOW - 1, Nonpartisan – 243, Grand Total – 1889.
Local Races
Only one contested race will be on this year’s Perkins County local ballot, which is for the two seats that are up for reelection in the Village of Elsie. Currently, there are three individuals vying for these seats— Douglas J. Curtis, Lynn R. Cook, and Victor M. Perez.
While all of the county officials’ seats are up for election this year, all of the candidates on the county tickets filed as Republicans, and since only one from each party can advance, voters will see only one name on the November ballot for the county offices.
All other contested races in the county—including for Hospital Board and County Commissioner Dist. 2—were decided on in the Primary Election in May.
Economic Development
Grant citizens will also see an issue on this years’s ballot whether if they want to continue the Grant Economic Development program. The question on the ballot will read, “Shall the City of Grant maintain an Economic Development Program as described here by appropriating annually up to $25,000.00 for an additional ten (10) years?” YES (For the Program); NO (Against the Program)
State Level Races
On the state level, voters will choose a new Governor among the three candidates of : Jim Pillen/Joe Kelly, Republican; Carol Blood/Al Davis, Democratic; Scott Zimmerman/Jason Blumenthal, Libertarian. Attorney General between Mike Hilgers, Republican; Larry Bolinger, Legal Marijuana NOW. Seat for State Legislative District 42, Mike Jacobson and Chris Bruns. State Board of Education District 07, Robin Stevens, or Elizabeth Tegtmeier. University of Nebraska Board of Regents District 07: Matt Williams or Kathy Wilmot. Upper Republican NRD Board of Directors At Large: Brock Stromberger or Brad K. Dixon.
National Level Races
On the national scene, a Third District congressional representative will be elected to a two-year term, with voters choosing among the following: Adrian Smith, Republican; David J. Else, Democratic; Mark Elworth Jr. Legal Marijuana NOW.
Election Day
Once again, like the Primary Election, all Perkins County voting will take place at the Perkins County Fairgrounds in Grant November 8, with polls being open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Those in Perkins County with any question related to the upcoming General Election should contact The Clerk’s Office at (308) 352-7560.