State primary set for February 5

Staff Reports

CENTRE — For the first time ever, voters in Cherokee County and across Alabama will have a chance to help settle the presidential races instead of having their preference relegated to an afterthought.

Alabama will hold its Democratic and Republican primaries Feb. 5, the same day as 23 other states across the nation. Previously, Alabama's primary was held in June, usually long after the parties had settled on their presidential candidates.

Nationwide next Tuesday, 52 percent of all Democratic and 41 percent of all Republican delegates will be up for grabs.

Cherokee County Circuit Clerk Dwayne Amos said ballots for the presidential primary include places to vote for the individual candidate and their delegates.

“Whoever you vote for for president, you have to vote for delegates for the same candidate or your delegate votes will not be counted and only your presidential vote will count,” Amos explained. “And you don't have to vote for any delegates if you don't want to.”

Amos also urged anyone who will not be able to participate in the primary to come by his office and vote absentee.

“For the primary, voters have until Jan. 31 to apply for an absentee ballot,” Amos said. “So if you're going to be out of town on Feb. 5, make sure to come to our office in the Cherokee County Courthouse of go to the Alabama secretary of state's website at www.sos.alabama.gov and vote absentee.”

Amos said he expects a high turnout next week.

“Come out and vote, because it's a very important election,” he said.