Voter411 site offers additional candidate information

Voter411enc.org, a one-stop online option for nonpartisan information about local candidates, is now available to Pitt County voters for the sixth consecutive election.

All candidates who responded to requests for information are included on the website along with a photo. The site features opposing candidates with their positions side-by-side to help voters make informed choices. While not every candidate has participated, most have, and candidates will continue to be added as they respond.

The site’s organizers reached out to every candidate running for local office as well as those running to represent Pitt County in the state legislature. Those running for election to judicial positions in Pitt County District and Superior courts also were contacted.

“It’s so easy in a presidential election year to forget about the candidates running for local office,” said Cindy Elmore, an ECU journalism professor and one of two founders of the website. “Too many voters skip making a choice for those offices far down on the ballot. Yet these officeholders control the spending of millions of dollars of residents’ taxes and make pivotal decisions about local schools, flood control, development, public safety, transportation, parks and so much more.”

All local candidates who participated were asked to complete a brief questionnaire about their priorities, backgrounds, how they plan to include their constituents in making decisions and more. The free platform is open through Election Day.

Early voting runs Oct. 17-Nov. 2 at seven sites in Pitt County. Hours are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 19, 26 and Nov. 2) and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27 at the following locations:

Pitt County Agricultural Center, 403 Government CircleAyden Community Building, 548 Second St.H. Boyd Lee Park, 5184 Corey RoadEppes Recreation Center, 400 Nash St.Farmville Community Center, 3886 S. Main St.ECU Student Center, 501 E. 10th St.