Early voting began Monday, with the line extending from inside the County Annex out into the side parking lot. Grey skies loomed overhead, but no fear or speculation of rain seemed to deter voters from casting their ballots, a process that some voters said took between 40 to 50 minutes to complete upon entering the line.
The majority of voters wore face coverings and attempted to social distance while in line, with no penalties met for those who chose not to wear a face covering.
Columbia County Clerk Tammy Wiltz said the number of voters who their way to the ballots for early voting was much higher than in years past.
“We are surpassing it easy,” said Wiltz.
As of 2:30 p.m., the County Clerk’s office saw 365 ballots placed, with 67 of those placed between noon and 1 p.m.
“We would be lucky to get 100 on a busy day (of early voting),” Wiltz said.
Early voting will continue through Nov. 2. Voters will not be forced to wear masks; they are also not authorized to wear material stating which issues or candidates they will be voting for. Voters cannot illicit signatures for a petition or distribute campaign literature at a polling center. Any electioneering must take place over 100 feet away from the polling location.