There was a bit of confusion at the polls in Fairfield on Monday, April 30, 2018 for voters who sought information at the doors of City Hall.
Two separate notices were posted about City Elections, with conflicting information on days and times that poll locations would be opened.
Thumb-tacked to the enclosed posting board, located to the right of the doors to City Hall, was an “Order” and a “Notice” of Election for the City of Fairfield, Texas.
The Order of Election specifies that polls would be open for Early Voting from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 30th.
The Notice of Election indicates that polls would not be open on April 30th for Early Voting.
While he understands the confusion, Fairfield City Administrator Jeff Looney stated last week that the Notice of Election, as published in the newspaper, is the one that voters should follow.
He explained that the Council first “orders” an election, and then posts a “notice” of election.
This fact may not be obvious to most voters, however, as both documents read that they were “passed and approved” on the 13th day of February, 2018.
The City Administrator stated that, normally, he will make sure the dates and times for both documents are the same. He states further that the City Secretary is the person charged with posting election documents.
City Secretary Misty Richardson is currently out on medical leave and not available for comment.
It is uncertain whether the conflicting information on poll locations will affect the City of Fairfield Election.
Clarification from the Secretary of State office was not received by press time.
Pick up a copy of this week’s print edition for follow up on this issue.
