Primary election underway

DAVENPORT — The Aug. 6 primary election is underway, and ballots are expected to have already been delivered to registered voters.

Lincoln County elections officials mailed more than 8,428 ballots to registered voters last week, officials said. They noted that voters who have not received their ballots by Friday, July 26, should contact the Elections Department of the county Auditor’s Office.

Ballots were mailed on Wednesday, July 17.

According to officials, however, a minor mechanical jam caused issues with folding ballots. Officials ask people to fold the ballot however they can to fit it properly in the envelope before mailing.

To be counted, ballots must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Voters waiting until election day to cast their ballots should consider using one of the county’s ballot drop boxes.

Ballots can be returned in person before 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the following locations:

Davenport — Lincoln County Courthouse, The 24 hr. Drive-up Drop Box in the East parking lot, and Elections Desk DropBox and 450 Logan Street from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Harrington — Harrington City Library, 11 South 3rd Street and the Drive-Up Drop Box–24hrs.

Citizens who want to vote in the election but have not yet registered can do so online or via mail on or before July 29.

Last-minute registration is only available at the County Elections Office, 450 Logan Street, from July 30 to Aug. 6.

There are dozens of candidates for local and state offices in the Aug. 6 primary election. While two candidates advance to the Nov. 5 general election, officials remind voters that they may only select one candidate per race.

Candidate Mark G. Schoesler - R is running for the 9th District State Senator seat unopposed.

Candidates vying for the 9th Congressional District seat, which represents Lincoln County, include:

Republicans — Mary Dye, Joe Schmick

Democrats — Patrick Miller, Pam Kohlmeier, Arianna Arends

Locally, Jo M Gilchrist- R, of Harrington, is running unopposed for County Commissioner District No.1.

Also running unopposed for County Commissioner District No.2 is Scott M. Hutsell-R.

Three minor taxing authorities also have continuing levies on the ballot, including the Town of Odessa, Fire District No. 5 (Davenport) and Fire District No. 8 (Almira).

Statewide offices on the ballot include governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer, auditor and more. Overall, 654 elected offices and 94 local measures are going before voters, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.