Early Voting Numbers Could Increase With Touch-Screen Machine

Early voting is underway and it’s on a broader scale this time. Instead of just Charleston, early voters are casting ballots in five Kanawha County communities for the first time. The goal is to increase access to the polls and get more voters to turn in ballots with the new touch-screen voting machine system. Instead of ovals and pencils, the touch screen lets you make selections and make changes before you click ok. In addition to the Voters Registration Office in Charleston, early voting is also available at the Belle Town Hall, Marmet Town Hall, the sheriff’s detachment in Elkview, the sheriff’s detachment in Cross Lanes and the Sissonville Public Library. Early voting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays through May 5th.