Even though the primary is still two weeks away, some voters in Bladen County have already cast their ballots.

Under the No Excuse voting program, any registered voter in the county can go to the Bladen County Board of Elections office in Elizabethtown and vote between now and Saturday, Sept. 7.

The office will be closed for Sept. 2 for Labor Day, but will be open Tuesday through the following Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The primary elections are scheduled for Sept. 10.

Elections supervisor Larry Hammond said turnout has been light, but some people have been taking advantage of the new rules.

Unlike the previous system of absentee voting, no-excuse voters do not have to explain why they can't vote on election day.

"Like the name says," Hammond explained, "you don't have to have an excuse. Just come in, be prepared to show your identification, and you can vote."

The ballots are counted at the same time as those cast on the primary day.

The No Excuse program has also proven popular among residents who have moved within the county but aren't sure where their new polling station is located. Statewide, according to published reports, college students are among the most likely to take the option.

Voters must be able to confirm their identity to election workers, Hammond said.

"This gives them a good opportunity to make sure their information is up-to-date," he said.

Voting at the Election Board is just like voting at a regular polling booth, Hammond said.

"It's the same ballots, the same candidates, just earlier," Hammond said, "and at the main elections office."

People cannot change their party affiliation, but they can correct addressing information if they are registered in Bladen County, Hammond said.

People who have moved into the county but didn't register before the August deadline are out of luck for the primary, Hammond said.

"If you're a legal resident of Bladen County, and registered to vote, that's all you need," Hammond said.

Additional workers were hired by the Board of Elections to help with the No Excuse voting, Hammond said.

Registered voters who want to vote early can go by the Board of Elections office, Hammond said. Voters should be prepared to show identification and proof of voter registration.

While turnout has been light, Hammond said, election officials are gearing up for a busy primary.

"There's been quite a bit of interest in the U.S. Senate and the sheriff's race," he said. "Historically, when we have a sheriff's contest, people are more interested than in many non-presidential elections."

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