Voters urged to get to polls early

Friday, March 16, 2001 | 10:53 a.m.

The city of Las Vegas is urging voters to take advantage of early voting, which is being offered for the second time this year.

Early voting for the primary election begins Saturday and runs until March 30.

Early voting went into effect in 1999, for the race for mayor and Wards 1, 3 and Municipal Judge Department 3. Last year, early voting was offered for two weeks in addition to six-days of in-office voting.

The city typically receives a higher voter turnout during a mayoral race.

During early voting before the primary election in 1999, 6.32 percent of voters participated in early or in-office voting. A little more than 3 percent voted by mail. On election day for the primary election, there was a 15.74 percent voter turnout, totaling a 25.15 percent voter turnout.

This year, residents will vote at-large for one municipal judge race, Department 2, between Bill Henderson and Betsy Kolkoski.

But seats for Wards 2, 5, and 6 can only be voted on by residents living in the ward.

The city will utilize its new television station, KCLV Channel 2, to encourage early voting and also broadcast locations. It will be the first time the station has been available during an election.

Citizens interested in casting their votes before the April 3 primary election may do so at various locations throughout the city including the city clerk's office on the first floor of City Hall located at 400 Stewart Avenue, the Meadows Mall and several community-based mobile sites.

A complete list is available at the city's web site at www.ci.las-vegas.nv.us or by calling the City Clerk's office at 229-6312.

The general election is June 5. Early voting will begin on May 19 and continue through June 1.