Elections Commission ready to go to work

By By William F. West / community editor
Oct. 29, 2002
With a week to go before the Nov. 5 general election, Lauderdale County Election Commission Chairman Ann Watts is making sure poll workers know their responsibilities.
Watts and the four other commissioners will supervise more than 300 workers in 53 voting precincts and at 83 precinct tables.
Their primary job: Make sure people who cast ballots are registered voters. If they aren't, poll workers must have voters check with the county Circuit Clerk's office and complete affidavit ballots.
Watts said she and her fellow commissioners have conducted training sessions for poll workers. She said she plans another session today in the Lauderdale County Courthouse.
On election day, votes will be counted by computer at the Circuit Clerk's office. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and officials expect counting to run as late as 10 p.m.
Watts is a mainstay in the county's election business, serving in her eighth year as chairman of the election commission and her 18th year as a member of the commission.
PRECINCT CHANGE
Lauderdale County voters in the Pickard Precinct will cast their ballots in the Nov. 5 general election at The Church of God of Prophecy, 2667 31st Ave. South.
Previously, those voters had cast ballots at Mathis Superette on Valley Road. The Lauderdale County Election Commission announced the precinct change on Monday.