Staff Writer

Unsure of how to cast a write-in vote electronically? You can learn how at the Union County Voter Registrar's Office.

Voters in the City of Union will choose a new mayor by write-in ballot in November. Election commission chairman Keith Vanderford said some people have expressed concern about how a write-in ballot is cast on the county's voting machines. A voting machine has been set up in the registrar's office to demonstrate the procedure and will allow you to practice casting a write-in ballot.

Vanderford said the slots for mayor and the three Union City Council seats will be at the end of the ballot behind proposed amendments to the state constitution. He said that when you get to the section for mayor you should press the button that says “Write-In.” A keypad will then appear and youmust type in the name of their candidate.

Once the name is typed in you must push either the “accept” or “cancel” button. If accept is pushed, your vote is listed with the others already cast. You must then push the “confirm” button to have your choice recorded by the computer.

If cancel is pushed you can go back and recast their ballot. Once you're satisfied you again push accept and then confirm.

Six candidates have announced write-in campaigns for mayor including Mayor Pro Tem Harold Thompson who is serving as acting mayor; Chamber of Commerce director Torance Inman; businessman Don Shetley; and political newcomers Hutch Hall, Melvin Young Jr. and Tim Bowers.

Located at 320 East Main St., Union, the Union County Voter Registrar's Office is open Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-noon and from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For more information call 429-1616.