Early voting ongoing in cities

Residents in Zebulon, Concord and Molena can head to the polls for early voting through Nov. 1. The mayors of Concord and Molena is up for re-election as well as council members in Zebulon. Zebulon residents can vote for local council members by heading to the polls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early voting at Zebulon City Hall ends Friday, Nov. 1. Twenty voters have already taken advantage of early voting as incumbent Zebulon council member William Thomas faces off against challenger Joanne Tucker for the District 1, Post 1 seat and incumbent Rick O’Barr runs against challenger Joseph Walter for the District 2, Post 2 seat. Incumbent mayor of Concord Jim Roberts will be running against Doug Neath. Residents can vote early through Nov. 1 during City Hall office hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the office closed for lunch from 1 to 2 p.m. Incumbent John Strickland is running unopposed for Post 1 and newcomer Jacob Clay has no opposition for Post 2. Molena’s current mayor Brian Callaway will be running against Jay Garner, who will have to give up his council seat for the opportunity. The law states that when a council member qualifies for a city position other than the one held, he automatically resigns his council position. Garner took office in January. Residents can vote early at Molena City Hall during regular office hours Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the office closed for lunch from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Around a dozen residents have already cast their votes in Molena.The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.