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Absentees in Stanford wet vote not thirsty

September 18, 2009|By TODD KLEFFMAN

STANFORD — Early voting has begun in Stanford's special election to allow alcohol sales, but so far, not many folks appear thirsty to cast a ballot.

As of Thursday, only early eight votes had been tallied and no one had asked for an absentee ballot for the Oct. 6 election, said Lincoln County Clerk Sonny Spoonamore.

"I haven't had the first request for an absentee ballot yet," Spoonamore said. "I kind of figured I'd have some by now."

A machine for early voting was set up Monday in the clerk's office in the basement of the Lincoln County Courthouse. Spoonamore was busy Thursday posting official notices about the election in prominent locations in the three city precincts eligible to vote in the election.

Spoonamore said 1,197 city residents voted in the 2008 presidential election, which is about half of those registered in the city. He expects at least that many to turn out for the wet/dry vote despite the slow start.

"I think it will be at least 50 percent, but I don't know at this point," he said.

Concerned Citizens for Families of Stanford is ramping up its efforts to defeat the measure, which would allow package liquor stores and beer sales at many locations. Several "No" signs have sprouted in yards around town and the group has begun advertising.

The wet side has kept a low profile, with only a handful of yard signs on display.

Judge-executive Buckwheat Gilbert, who is retiring at the end of the month, said Thursday that he thinks city voters will approve alcohol sales, even though those against the measure are running a more visible campaign.

"I think it will win and win big," said Gilbert, who supports alcohol sales as a way to create jobs and revenue for the city and county.

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