HUNTSVILLE — The polls are open across North Alabama and election officials say, so far, there have been no major issues.
“Things are going pretty well, I would say a vanilla election morning, which is what you hope for,” said Madison County Probate Judge Frank Barger. “We have 75 precincts and 850 election workers to oversee in Madison County and I’m very proud of this team and everything they have done to ensure this primary election is a success.”
Reports from one Madison County polling location reveals no voting issues but it was hot inside the site. One voter at Precinct 53 in a former Intergraph building said the air-conditioning is out. Around 25 to 30 people inside the building were getting by with a portable unit in the middle of a room “blowing hot air.”
Despite the heat, poll workers say the process is running smoothly and it has been a steady stream of voters since opening at 7 a.m.
In Limestone County. election officials said the day is off to a good start. Bobbi Baily with the County Probate office said, “We have 25 physical precincts with about 250 workers manning the polls.
“We have more than 72,800 registered voters in Limestone County and lots of local races on the ballot. I expected a 30% turnout but, based on this morning’s numbers, it could be closer to 24%.”
Voters in Colbert County are also heading to the polls. Board of Registrars Chairman John Lackey said, “We’ve been completely devoid of any issues out of the ordinary. We’ve had some people who moved and forgot make an update but that’s about it.”
Lackey also said turnout has been steady.
“We’re seeing quite a bit of voter activity in Colbert County,” he said. “We expect a good election day.”
William Jones at Scottsboro Rec-Com, the largest precinct in Jackson County, said, “At this point in the day (8:50 a.m.), (turnout) seems to be light but a lot of factors are involved in that — I don’t really know why.”
Colbert County Probate Judge Daniel Rosser said if it rains this afternoon that can affect voter turnout.
“But,” he said. “With such highly publicized races like the governor’s and Senate races, we expect a good turnout.”
Workers at the Tuscumbia Multi-Purpose Center next to Deshler Middle School in Colbert County reported things are moving right along and going well.
Polls are open until 7 p.m.
Secretary of State John Merrill expects more than 1 million voters to turn out for today’s primary election in Alabama. Merrill urged voters to visit the Secretary of State “Alabama Votes” website for voter election information and polling locations.
Also appearing on the Primary Election Ballot today is Amendment 1. Supporters say a “Yes” vote on Amendment 1 will allow the state to repair and expand infrastructure and amenities at Alabama’s 21 state parks and historical sites.
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