Early voting for Dayton election begins next week

By Mason Edwards, Contributing Reporter for The Herald News

(Staff Photo)

The upcoming Dayton Municipal Election on April 19 decides the fate of two available Dayton City Council seats, as incumbents Bobby Doss and Caleb Yawn face challenger Dennis Van Meter.

It's early voting window begins on Thursday, March 30, until Friday, April 14, according to the Rhea County Election Commission. During that period, Dayton residents can vote inside the courthouse Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Rhea County Deputy Administrator of Elections Amy Birdsong explained that even though the election commission cannot count the votes until election day afternoon, early voting helps residents find time and, if needed, help as they vote.

“If there are any issues [early voting], it can be handled at the office,” Birdsong said, and she added that people should early vote “because they can pick their day, they can pick their time, and they can pick their weather, and if something happens on election day, they’ve already voted.”

The last day to request an absentee ballot will be Thursday, April 13, and the polls will be closed for the Good Friday holiday on April 7.