Early voting time in capital

Carson City residents have about two weeks to vote early for the Sept. 3 primary.

The primary election could whittle a field of five sheriff's candidates to two -- or even one -- and will allow Carson's Republican voters a say in the primary races for governor, lieutenant governor and Assembly candidates in districts 38 and 40.

Democrats will vote in the primary only for sheriff and governor.

Carson Clerk Alan Glover said the first day of early voting Saturday drew 351 people, nearly on par with the last election, which drew more voters in 2000 because it was a presidential election year. Monday, about 326 people had voted by 5 p.m.

Glover said he expects between 3,300 and 3,500 of Carson City's registered 21,630 voters take advantage of early voting this year, which lasts until Aug. 30.

Traditionally, in an off-presidential election year fewer voters cast ballots. But there is a danger to ignoring voting, Glover said.

In non-partisan races, such as the sheriff's race, primaries can decide the election. A sheriff's candidate will need 50 percent of the primary vote to move to the Nov. 5 general election unchallenged.

"If (voters) think they can wait around and vote for these races in the general," they may be wrong, Glover said. "(Candidates) might not get there."

In 2000, 3,567 voters voted early. Glover said he's hoping for more than 40 percent of voters to vote in the primary, but doesn't expect that many to turn out.

The clerks office at the Carson City Courthouse, 885 E. Musser St., is open for early voting from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. For information, call 775-887-2087.

What: Early voting

When: weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Aug. 30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday

Where: Carson City Courthouse, first floor, 885 E. Musser St.