Adam RasmussenChannel 2 News
The June 12th primary is a little more than two weeks away, but early voting started Saturday morning.
Voters will be chipping away candidates to reveal who will appear on the general election ballot next month. The first hour of early voting saw 500 Washoe County residents making their way to the polls.
"It's important for us to get involved with the voting process," says Rudy Flores.
The county is optimistic that more inspired voters like Flores will continue filling out their ballots. That's why officials expect to see about a 25 percent turnout for the primary.
"There's a lot of very important things to vote on, particularly in the City of Reno," says Dan Burk, Washoe County Registrar of Voters. "It's very, very interesting with 27 candidates running for city council. I mean, those kinds of things really should bring out the voters."
The general election also includes candidates running for spots in the state legislature and the house of representatives. The race receiving much of the attention though, is for the U.S. Senate seat.
GOP Senator Dean Heller is expected to easily defeat his challengers. The same goes for Democratic congresswoman Shelley Berkley. That means we should see those two face off in the fall.
"Hopefully, the candidate that does win that particular election will continue to do a good job or will do a good job for the state of Nevada," says Flores.
Because these races are so important to our community, voters say there is no excuse not to hit the polls.
"I don't care whether it's inconvenient, or you're really not sure what you want," says Carlene Griffin. "Try to listen, read as much as you can on them."
But, from what we saw Saturday morning, it looked like our nation's youth did not get the memo. Folks say it's a little disappointing more young voters are not participating.
"It's for everybody, but the young people, that's the heart and soul," says Jim West. "They're the up-and-comers. It's important for them to get in the process as well."
In just six months, we will cast our votes for the next president. Voters say this primary is a good way to get fired up for November.
"It's absolutely going to creep up very fast," says Saundra Goodman. "There will be a big push for that."
Officials say the best case scenario is that 60,000 Washoe County voters hit the polls before this election is done. That would bring the turnout up to around 30%
Libraries will offer early voting for the Primary Election from May 26-June 8 during open hours as follows:
Incline Village Library, 845 Alder Ave., Incline Village, 832-4130
Tuesday-Thursday from Noon-6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
South Valleys Library, 15650A Wedge Parkway, Reno, 851-5190
Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Spanish Springs Library, 7100A Pyramid Lake Highway, Sparks, 424-1800
Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday Noon – 8 p.m.
Sparks Library, 1125 12th Street, Sparks, 352-3200
Tuesday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Citizens can vote early at any location, no matter where in Washoe County they live.
"We're happy to be able to offer the convenience of early voting to our community again this year," said Washoe County Library System Director Arnie Maurins. "We also hope voters will spend some time exploring their local library, seeing the great services we provide, and signing up for a library card if they don't already have one."
Early voting will also take place at other Washoe County locations including the Registrar of Voters Office, Reno Town Mall, Shoppers Square, Sun Valley Neighborhood Center, and the University of Nevada Joe Crowley Student Union. For a complete schedule, see http://www.washoecounty.us/voters or call the Washoe County Registrar of Voters Office at 328-3670.
For more information about library hours and programs, please visit us online at www.washoecountylibrary.us
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