Convenience, importance big draws for early voters
A steady stream of people cast their votes for local, congressional, statewide and legislative races at Galleria at Sunset mall in Henderson on Saturday, the first day of early voting.
At the end of the day, more than 10,300 voters across Clark County had voted, said Assistant County Registrar of Voters Donna Cardinelli, as compared to more than 17,000 in a nonpresidential election in 2010.
Though some just stumbled upon the voting station on the first floor in front of Kohl’s, many people said convenience, the fact that they were going out of town during the Nov. 4 general election or the importance of the election itself were major factors for voting early.
Maurice Robertson of Henderson said he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to vote, as he’s gearing up for a European vacation.
“I wanted to make sure I had the chance to elect our representatives,” he said. “Without a vote you, have nothing to say, and it’s the one voice that can’t be taken away.”
Sylvia Flemming, who emigrated from Mexico and became a U.S. citizen in 1999, said she wouldn’t pass up the chance to cast her vote.
“We need to get things done, and it’s important that we all participate,” she said.
Flemming added that she’s not happy with those who are currently in office.
“We need to clean house because of the failed leadership,” she said. “We need to have candidates who are passionate about our future.”
Henderson resident Russell Oliver said Question 3, which would impose a margins tax on large Nevada businesses in order to fund public education, was an issue he was concerned about.
“I voted no, and I feel strongly about it because it’ll hurt businesses, and we don’t need to put more taxation on business, especially small businesses,” he said. “If it passes, it’s not clear that the money will go to the schools.”
A 58-year-old Henderson resident, who declined to give his name, said as a small-business owner himself in the health care industry, the margins tax proposal would greatly affect his future.
“It seems they try to tax people there aren’t many of so they can’t go against it,” he said. “You don’t see them trying to tax casinos, just small businesses that will mount little response in opposition, and that fries me.”
Jeff Davenport of Henderson also voted against Question 3 because it will affect business owners like him.
“I’m in real estate, and the Board of Realtors pushed to get us out here and vote,” he said. “It felt really good to come out and vote today, it really did. I hope it builds momentum.”
Attorney David Korrey of Henderson said he doesn’t miss an election, not only because it’s his constitutional right but because it’s disrespectful to those who have and are fighting for Americans’ freedom.
“A lot of people aren’t focused on midterm elections because there isn’t a presidential election, but they’re just as important,” he said. “Every decision you make has an impact on the government and isn’t just tied to a four-year cycle.”
Catherine Lowe, 75, said she voted for primarily Democratic candidates and was focused on the sheriff and lieutenant governor races.
“It’s partly an age thing but as I get older I get more patriotic, and I want to go out and vote as soon as I can,” she said. “I like to wear the voting badge; it makes me proud.”
The two-week early voting period lasts until Oct. 31.
Contact Ann Friedman at afriedman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588. Find her on Twitter: @AnnFriedmanRJ.
Voting information
For a full schedule of early voting times and locations, visit the county election website at clarkcountynv.gov/vote. Voters who are uncertain if they are registered to cast ballots can check their registration status in the registered voter services box on the site.
Those without Internet access can call the Election Department at 702-455-8683.
For background information about candidates and ballot measures, visit the Review-Journal’s Election Guide.
