Elections Administrator provides early voting update, encourages residents to vote

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Election day is almost a week away and the chance to cast an early vote ends this Friday night.

The Lubbock County Elections Administrator, Roxzine Stinson, is impressed by the turnout so far.

“It‘s going really well. We are up to 62,375, I believe, through yesterday. That’s 31.4% of the registered voters in Lubbock County and that’s great,” Stinson said. “I’m really happy and like I talked about in Commissioner’s Court today, I’m really, and our entire staff is, grateful that folks are turning out.”

Stinson says there are rules people must follow to cast a vote.

One of those she encourages people to be aware of is what they wear to the polls to cast a vote.

“You cannot and you’re not supposed to be wearing t-shirts, hats, jackets, pins, buttons, anything from past or current elections,” Stinson said. “And the law was changed for a few years where you could wear from past elections but back about a year ago, or maybe about nine months ago they, changed that. It’s all back to the full thing - nothing from past or current elections - you’re not allowed to wear in there.”

As for anyone who may be concerned about the safety of their vote, the elections office says it is working hard to be transparent with voters and ensure that a vote is protected.

“We’re doing everything we possibly can to make sure these votes are kept safe and where the ballots are that come in every evening from early voting - they are under camera; you can see them. Or where our equipment which is predefined and ready to go out is under camera,” Stinson said. “And even our ballot scanners that go out on Election Day - they’re under camera. They have been predefined and ready to go out so anybody can watch us at any given time.”

There are more than 198,000 registered voters in Lubbock County. Stinson encourages everyone to do their civic duty.

“Well, it’s very important. You want your voice heard. If you want your voice heard, you need to get out and vote,” Stinson said. “I do know watching the weather, we do have a good chance of rain the last day of early voting, so I encourage folks to get out there early just in case. Election Day we have 50 locations currently that will be open.”

The elections office is urging the community to call them with any questions and they will be more than happy to help.

For any questions or information on voting, click here.