18 percent have already cast ballots

As of Friday, 6,339 early votes had been cast at the Jackson County Voter Registrar’s office at the administrative building in Jefferson. There are approximately 35,000 registered voters, an office spokesman said.

Officials are expecting a huge turnout nationwide, thanks to a spirited race between Arizona Sen. John McCain and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama. Voting early is one way to avoid any Election Day lines.

Early voting can take place at the Administrative Building through Oct. 31. Hours are 8:00 to 5:00 Mondays through Fridays.

But during the week of Oct. 27, satellite offices in Commerce and Braselton will expand the advance voting option. Local voters will be able to cast their ballots at the Commerce Recreation Center office at 204 Carson Street and at the Braselton municipal complex from 9:00 to 7:00 Monday though Friday that week.

For the full story, see the Oct. 22 issue of The Commerce News.