Early voting for the May 22 Arkansas primary election continued Saturday at the courthouse with a steady parade of voters. According to the Jefferson County Clerk’s office, 2,492 people have voted since early voting began May 7.
Early voting runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at the courthouse. Citizens will be able to vote at their polling places on Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, 112 people took advantage of early voting including 92-year-old George Caldwell and his 99-year-old brother Albert Taten. Graciously declining an offer of wheelchairs, they instead continued using walking canes as they made their way into the Jefferson County Courthouse to cast ballots. Caldwell said they treasure each time they are able to vote because as black men, it’s a privilege they have not always had.
“We were getting kicked out (of polling places) years ago and we couldn’t vote so now anytime I can vote, I vote,” he said. “I just like to vote because I’ve got the privilege to vote.”
“I come to vote because we have a voice on things,” Taten said, adding that it’s an opportunity to create change.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The two nonagenarians were accompanied by Caldwell’s daughters, Mary Trice and Thelma Hall.
“All my life they have looked forward to election day,” Hall said. “That’s what I do now because I was raised that way.”
Several of the people who came out Saturday said they try to take advantage of early voting because it’s convenient.
“I love it,” said Everlyn Bryant. “I don’t have to go to my precinct or take off work. I just walk in here, vote and be on my way.”
Lorenza Tyson said he came out to vote early Saturday to avoid long lines and Vencie Adams said it is usually simpler and faster.
“It’s an easy process for me,” she said. “It’s more convenient.”
As voters arrived at the courthouse, several candidates and/or supporters of the various candidates stood outside and waved campaign signs – remaining 100 feet from the polling location. One group served up hot dogs and drinks to anyone who wanted them.
Inside the courthouse, election officials were available to answer questions concerning voting or offer assistance if requested. While Saturday’s crowd was nearly half of the 305 that voted on Friday, the numbers are expected to increase on Monday.
“Today has been steady,” Jefferson County Clerk Patricia Royal Johnson said. “Everything has been going well. We’re looking for a busy day on Monday – the last day of early voting is usually busy.”
Voters will go to their designated polling sites Tuesday for the May 22 primary, she said.