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Early voting is still going on, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Nov. 4. On Saturday, Nov. 5, the Richmond County Board of Elections office will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for early voting.

The Board of Elections office, at 221 S. Hancock St., in Rockingham, hasn’t been as busy this fall as during early voting in the past years.

“It still seems like a slow turnout in comparison to years past,” said Board of Elections Director Connie Kelly. “Of course, you can’t compare it to a national, state or countywide election. But compared to the last municipal election, it appears to be about one-third of the voters voting early in comparison to 2009.”

With only five days left to take part in early voting, the Board of Elections has “only had 231 voters vote One-Stop compared to 623 total in 2009.”

In 2007, no more than 571 people voted.

This year, only six people have requested absentee by mail ballots.

Heading into the last week of early voting, there may still be a chance to see the numbers increase.

“The last week of one-stop is typically very busy so there is still a chance that we could reach those numbers,” said Kelly.

Even though turnout numbers are low, things are going swimmingly.

“So far — knock on wood — everything has gone smoothly,” said Kelly. “I hope it continues through the certification for election results.”

Election Day is next Tuesday, Nov. 8.

To vote in Ellerbe, head to the poll at Ellerbe Town Hall, 108 W. Page St. Olivia Webb is running for mayor, Jim Lane and John Sears Jr. are running for Town Council, and James “Buddy” Cooper is running for the seat on Town Council that he took over from Jerry Meacham when Meacham resigned in January 2010.

In Hamlet, voters have two places to cast ballots: First Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 300 Charlotte St., is for voters registered in Marks Creek #1 Precinct; and the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall located at 200 Rice St. is for voters registered in Marks Creek #2 Precinct. Jeff Smart and Jesse McQueen are running against each other for mayor, Dewey L. Brower, Johnathan M. Buie, Tony Clewis and Pat Preslar are running for Town Council.

To vote in Hoffman, registered voters must go to Fletcher’s Chapel United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 108 McCoy Drive. Jo Ann Jasper Thomas is running for mayor. Lee P. Butler, Tommy Hart, Rory Kevin Jones and Daniel Kelly are running for Town Council. Voters in Hoffman will also get to vote on two issues. Voters will choose if they are for or against permitting the “on-premises” and “off-premises” sale of unfortified wine. Voters will also be able to choose if they are for or against the sale of mixed beverages in hotels, restaurants, private clubs, community theaters and convention centers.

To vote in the town of Norman, voters will need to head to the Norman Community Center at 107 E. Moore St. Kenneth Broadway is running for mayor. Stephen D. Cranford and Cynthia Ingram are running for Town Council.

Polling locations for voting in Rockingham are the Parks and Recreation Building at Browder Park located at 1311 Rockingham Road for voters registered in Rockingham #1 Precinct; and the Clavin Little Room at the Leath Memorial Library located at 412 E. Franklin St. for voters registered in Rockingham #2 Precinct. Gene McLaurin is running for mayor. C. Bennett Deane III, John P. Hutchinson and Gene Willard seek re-election to the City Council, and Teressa Beavers is also running for a seat on the council.

If you have questions about candidates, early voting, One-Stop or the upcoming elections, contact the Board of Elections at 910-997-8254.