The Cannon County Election Commission will not have to change venues during early voting despite 18 violations cited by the state fire marshal's office during a recent inspection.
The state fire marshal listed 18 violations following an inspection of the Adams Office Building, which houses the Election Offices, Cannon County SAVE, and the Veterans Office, among others.
The Cannon County Election Commission conducted an Emergency Meeting, Sept. 24, to discuss the violations and determine a plan of action with the November general election just around the corner. Early voting begins Oct. 17 and runs through Nov. 1
There is no risk of early voting location being moved according to Mike Gannon, Cannon County Executive. He says the issue has been addressed. Gannon is working with engineering firm Hailey and Associates to explore what options there are to bring the Adams Building into compliance.
"I had discussions with the Fire Marshal at the time of the inspection and there are no plans to close the building for early voting," Gannon said. "The only stipulation that has to be done for Early Voting to be held in the Election Offices is that the back doors, which are connected to the Cannon County Ambulance Service, must be unlocked and accessible during early voting hours."
The Election Commission agreed that the back door would be open during early voting hours. They will also put together an emergency plan diagram to display in the building, as well as provide a volunteer firefighter to walk the ground and make sure there are no fire hazards throughout the early voting periods.