Deadline Approaching To Register For Primary Election

It is shaping up to be an interesting election season, and not just because voters will be casting ballots for president.The Aug. 26 primary election includes four races that should draw people to the polls.

On the Democratic side, Michael Rowan is challenging incumbent Susan Benton for sheriff. In the Highlands County District 3 commissioner's race, Democrats Jeri Canale and Bruce Borkosky square off, while Republican Jeff Carlson opposes incumbent Andrew Jackson.

Three Republicans - Gayle Harrell, Tom Rooney and Hal Valeche - are vying for the chance to face Congressman Tim Mahoney in the District 16 race.

An important date is coming up Monday for those whowant to register but have yet to do so.

The voter registration books in Highlands County will close at 5 p.m. July 28 for the primary election next month. Those who are registering for the first time who have moved from another state and Highlands County is now their legal residence must register by the 28th.

Qualified registered voters in Florida who have moved from another county in the state do not have to register before July 28. However, a person in that situation needs to change his address at Supervisor of Elections Joe Campbell's office as soon as possible to avoid any confusion at the voting location. Regarding address changes, state law now allows a voter to change an address for voting by telephone - with some exceptions.

Early voting for the primary will run from Aug. 11-23 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. If you have any questions,call Campbell's office at 402-6655. He has a wonderful staff that is willing to help.