Voting in Aug. 2 election starts Friday

If you're the superstitious type, you may want to avoid the first day to cast your ballot in the August 2 County General Election and State Primary.

That's because early voting will begin this coming Friday -- the 13th.

According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, NC, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day, making it the most feared day and date in history.

Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed.

However, if you're cool with pressing your electoral luck, then the Cannon County Election Office will be open to take your vote from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Early voting will take place from Friday through July 28. Hours are 8 to 1 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Major county positions on the ballot include county executive, sheriff, circuit court clerk, trustee, county clerk and register of deeds.

Also on the ballot are two school board positions, in District 5 and District 2.

All 10 county commission seats are also up for election.

Three road commission and one constable seats are also among the open position.

Several of the races feature only one candidate, virtually assuring them a victory. They include the two school board seats and register of deeds.

The position with the most candidates seeking to fill it is that of county clerk. Nine are vying to take the place of Bobby Smith, who is not seeking reelection after four decades on the job.

The election also serves as a State Primary for Republicans and Democrats running for statewide offices in the Nov. 6 General Election for State and Federal Offices.

State offices are for that of governor, District 17 State Senator and District 46 House of Representative. Federal offices on the November ballot are for that of District 6 U.S. House of Representative and for U.S. Senate.