Smith County voters heading to the polls Tuesday should be ready for possible rain and waits, especially at curbside voting. Elections Administrator Michelle Allcon said 35 polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Any voter in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote. Election workers plan to move waiting lines indoors where space allows. Allcon said voters who go out during storms should bring rain jackets or umbrellas.
Turnout varies across the county's sites. Allcon said central locations, including First Christian Church on Broadway Avenue and the Whitehouse City Center, often see high volume. Hill Creek Baptist Church north of Whitehouse typically sees far fewer voters. Registered voters in Smith County can cast a ballot at any official county polling location.
Curbside voting is available at every site, but officials said state law limits it to voters who are physically unable to enter the building. Voters must sign a qualifying statement. During early voting, curbside waits reached 30 to 45 minutes at several sites. Officials said the ExpressVote ballot-marking devices are not waterproof, so service may be delayed during heavy rain. Curbside voters can call the number posted at the site or contact the elections office at (903) 590-4777.