Published: October 28, 2008 10:29 pm      

Another strong finish for early voting

Another slow start, but another strong finish for early voting at the Walker County Annex on Tuesday.

Voters were lined up outside the annex at 4:45 p.m. and by the time they cast their ballots 828 people voted for the day and that figure could be considered a record vote for a presidential election.

With three days of early voting remaining in the Nov. 4 general election, 7,146 voters have cast ballots, edging closer to the 7,546 mark set during early voting for the 2004 presidential election, including mail-in ballots.

Registered voters in Walker County can vote today through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the county annex at 1301 Sam Houston Ave.

Dee Brimer, county deputy elections administrator, said voting got off to a slow start Tuesday because of the cooler weather, but picked up once the temperature started climbing.

“It was steady all day,” Brimer said. “I thought more voters would have come out today. It was down from Monday, but I am happy with it.

“I am afraid people will wait until Friday to vote and just swamp us.”

Brimer said Walker County has more than 31,000 registered voters for the presidential election.

Heading the Nov. 4 ballot is the presidential election with Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin up against Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

There is also the U.S. Senate race between John Cornyn and Rick Noreiga and incumbent U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady of The Woodlands seeking re-election against Democrat Kent Hargett and Libertarian Brian Stevens.

Also are on the ballot are three contested races for county positions.

They include sheriff — incumbent Clint McRae (R) opposed by Doyce F. Cook (D); Precinct 1 commissioner — incumbent B.J. Gaines Jr. (D) opposed by Bobby Bates (R); and Charles W. Rushing (R) is opposed by Bobby Warren (D) for Precinct 3 commissioner.