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The Burnet AgriLife Building (pictured here) and the Marble Falls courthouse annex are two of the most utilized polling locations in Burnet County. Delays encountered during the first week of early voting have been recitfied, Elections Administrator Doug Ferguson said. Teresa Hernandez/Special to the Bulletin
Burnet County elections officials reported unprecedented turnout through the first week of early voting, despite a presidential cycle wrought with concerns about COVID-19, officials said.
By day five of early voting Oct. 13 through 16 and much of the day Oct. 19 (first day of the second week), in person and mail in ballots received totaled 10,054 voters, Burnet County Elections Administrator Doug Ferguson said. High Turnout
High Turnout
Tw By Monday afternoon, Oct. memb 19, he characterized the turnout and C as, “we’re far ahead.”
“We have voted 7,921 in person to the minute (2:15 during p.m. ife Oct. 19),” he said. “The first five E days of early voting in 2016, trict we 7 held voted 6,236.”
Other comparisons revealed Bill F that total absentee ballots received up to 2:15 at Oct. 19 were 2,139, compared to 1,686otal mail-in N y ballots Christi in Bertelson 2016, Ferguson man, stated. Texa “We’re on pace to at least
“We’re on pace to at The least G double,” he said. “We sent highest more c o Burnet County 4-H than double out what we rs – Jarrett Haydon award received an in 2016.” loe DeSplinter – were once in a
Polling site clerks reported 28 youths honored Haydon, brisk turnout at the Bertram Kelly Ha the library Texas with A&M the AgriL location being ension the first Service’s of two additional is a sites mem 4-H for Gold early Star voting. Banquet Residents County could 4 onday, choose Oct. from 26, any at four the sites is to a junior vote anklin early.
Social Distancing
As voters approached in profess the O entryways, they self distanced approximately six feet from others in line.
Even though face coverings are not a requirement of voting, a number of residents chose to wear them.
Most polling workers are wearing face coverings as part of the elections department’s coronavirus mitigation efforts.
“Voters are not required to do so but most of them are (wearing them),” Ferguson said.
Also, a crew contracting with the department is performing periodic sanitation measures.
“They’re doing a fantastic job,” he said.
New Technology
Voters utilized stylus’ to input their registration verification on digital devices.
Once voters handed photo identification to clerks, they grabbed a stylus out of one container to use on screen prompts then placed the “used” one in another container to be sanitized and later placed back into use.
“We’re constantly having to bring them more supplies because of the turnout, but that’s great,” Ferguson said. “That’s what we want.”
