Early Voting Opens with Significant Turnout, Delays in Downtown Tyler

Smith County reported significant voter activity on the first day of early voting Monday, seeing 5,859 ballots cast in person. However, the county also noted long lines at The Hub voting location in downtown Tyler, according to a release issued Tuesday morning. Officials are encouraging voters to consider casting their ballots at other available locations to alleviate congestion.

Including 1,301 mail-in ballots that have already been received, the total number of votes recorded so far in Smith County stands at 7,160. Early voting is underway and will continue through Oct. 30, ahead of the Nov. 3 general and special elections.

Voters planning to visit The Hub, located on East Ferguson Street in downtown Tyler, are advised by the county to use designated parking areas. Parking is not permitted on the street or within the construction yard off Ferguson Avenue. This area is experiencing active construction as crews work to complete the new Smith County Courthouse. Direct parking options at The Hub include curbside voting spaces, handicapped spots, and a limited number of regular parking spaces immediately in front of the building. A free parking garage is also available just west of The Hub. The Smith County Pct. 1 Constable’s Office has been assisting with traffic patrol in the area.

Illegal parking areas to avoid include in front of the Constable’s Office or the Animal Shelter, and in the former jury parking lot, which is currently being utilized by the Courthouse construction project.

For those who prefer to avoid downtown construction, four other early voting locations are available throughout Smith County:

* **The Heritage Building:** 1900 Bellwood Road, Tyler * **Kinzie Community Center:** 913 Mt. Sylvan St., Lindale * **Noonday Community Center:** 16662 County Road 196, Tyler * **Whitehouse City Center:** 109 E. Main St., Whitehouse

Voters participating in the upcoming Nov. 3 general and special elections have the opportunity to select up to three candidates. Texas law requires voters casting ballots in person to present one of seven approved forms of photo identification. For comprehensive information regarding early voting and the election process, residents can visit votetexas.gov or www.smith-county.com/213/Elections.

Early voting continues daily until Oct. 30, providing residents multiple opportunities to participate in the election.