Officials ready to tally votes

Voters turned out on a beautiful spring day to make a decision on stormy issue of whether to renew McCook's one-cent city sales tax.

Proponents said the tax was vital for property tax relief and to continue need ed community improvements.

Opponents said the City Council had not proven itself trustworthy and should not be given more tax dollars until expenses are cut.

The ballots will be brought back to the Red Willow County Courthouse after the polls close and the poll workers have gathered the election supplies.  County Clerk Pauletta Gerver and two disinterested persons will count the ballots on the third floor of the courthouse while Deputy Clerk Tami Teel tallies the results in the clerk's office as each precinct is counted and reported to her. The public is invited to the courthouse after the close of the polls at 8 p.m. The results will be posted to the county's We site. 

The counting board will begin counting absentee ballots at 7 p.m. Absentee ballots received after 8 p.m. will be rejected.

The only way a person can vote absentee on Election Day is by appointing an agent to pick up their ballot and return it to the county clerk's office before 8 p.m. All questions are welcome at 345-1552. 

There should be no discussion of the sales tax issue within the polling place or within 200 feet of the polling place, Gerver said.