Polls are open until 7:30 p.m. tonight for voters to cast their ballots in the primary election. Despite the rain and chilly temps, voters were turning out in the hundreds this morning. Precinct workers at New River (pictured) report a good crowd showing up to mark their ballots in the various primaries. Approximately 1,800 voters cast ballots in early voting.

Voters registered as Democrat, Republican or Libertarian will receive the ballot for the party with which they are affiliated. Unaffiliated voters may request the ballot for any one of the primaries (Democratic, Republican, Libertarian or Official Non-Partisan).

The primary will determine which candidates will appear on the ballot for the Nov. 6 general election. Candidates with no opponent from their own party can skip the primary. There have also been candidates to drop out of a race before the primary but their names may still appear on the ballot.

There are seven ballots for this year's primary election: one each for the Democratic Party Primary, the Republican Party Primary, the Libertarian Party Primary, the Official Non-Partisan Primary (constitutional amendment question only), and then a separate ballot for Democratic, Republican and Libertarian primaries for 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by the Nov. 6 general election. The ballots for 17-year-olds do not include the constitutional amendment question because voters must be 18 years old to be eligible to vote on this constitutional amendment.

The constitutional amendment question (called Amendment One) states: “Constitutional amendment to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State.” Mark the circle 'For' or 'Against.'

Go online to www.ashecountygov.com and click on departments and then Board of Elections to see sample ballots, current elected officials for the county and towns, and candidates for the Board of Commissioners along with precinct maps, polling places, calendar and other helpful information. Or call the Ashe County Board of Elections at 846-5570 for more information.