No problems expected locally for election

PRESCOTT – Much has been made about how the 202o election will be rigged.

However, Nevada County Clerk Julie Oliver said she doesn’t see how this could be done. On the national level, claims are being made about mail in or absentee voting. Locally, though, Oliver said there’s never been a problem with absentee/mail in voting. “This is a small community and we know everybody.” She admitted it would cause problems if everyone sought to vote absentee and applied for mail in ballots this year, but not because of anyone trying to rig the outcome. Instead, she said there could be a problem getting the ballots where they need to go and back in a timely manner. There’s also the problem of bad addresses.

As far as the election locally, Oliver said all nine precincts will be open in Nevada County, though precautions are being taken to protect the poll workers and voters because of COVID-19. She said there will be hand sanitizers at all locations, masks, shields, gloves and social distancing will be observed. “I think we’ve got it under control right now,” she said. “I’ve not had a problem with my poll workers saying they won’t work, but they may later.”

Voting in person at the polls isn’t the only way for people to cast their ballots in this year’s election. They can also vote early. Early voting will begin Oct. 19 and run through Nov. 2 with the polls at the courthouse open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturdays. The polls will close at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. Oliver suggests those who plan on voting early to do so when it starts to avoid having to wait in line. Social distancing will be observed in the courthouse as well.

According to Oliver, most counties in Arkansas use the same kind of voting machines so there shouldn’t be a problem there.

In talking about the post office, Oliver said she’s been assured the local office will be ready and there will be no problems. But, she said, her concern is how ballots for Prescott voters are first shipped to Shreveport before being returned. She said there could be a problem with ballots not getting where they need to be because of this. “I wish they would just stay here.”

On the whole, though, Oliver doesn’t expect any problems with the 2020 election, other than for it to be hectic. Presidential elections, she said, see more people turn out to vote.

When asked how someone can vote by mail, Oliver said they need to call her office at 870-887-2710 and ask for an application for an absentee ballot. An application will be mailed to them and whe it’s been signed and returned, a ballot will be mailed when they’re ready.