The Nov. 2 general election is less than two weeks away, which means that the deadline for registering to vote is also close.

The last day to register to vote is this Friday, Oct. 22, and registration information and applications can be picked up in the registrar’s office in the courthouse.

There is also another voting deadline approaching — the absentee ballot deadline.

Oct. 28 is the last day for absentee voting, and Sandra Berry is again serving as the absentee elections manager.

Probate Judge Jim Perdue said there have already been a number of absentee ballots cast.

“We’ve had more than 150 applicants, and that’s a sign of some pretty aggressive campaigning,” he said. “A lot of people get uneasy about absentee ballots, but all of those ballots have to meet the qualifications. After those are verified, it’s a legitimate vote.”

The upcoming election is somewhat unusual because of the number of Democratic candidates facing opposition.

Four of the five county commission races feature both a Democrat and a Republican, while the sheriff’s race also includes several independent candidates.

“This is a very active race,” Perdue said. “With all of the local Republican candidates, it’s created a local interest that’s unusual for us.”

The election could become even more unusual if a Republican wins public office.

Perdue said that hasn’t happened in Crenshaw County since Reconstruction.

“I expect a good turnout,” he said. “Crenshaw County usually has a higher turnout than the statewide number.”

In addition to the races, there are four proposed statewide amendments.

Perdue said he wasn’t able to give any advice about the amendments, only to help interpret their contents.

The first amendment concerns the distribution of an existing tax, the second amendment relates to special county educational taxes and changes the approval mark from three-fifths to a majority vote, the third amendment involves making money available for roads and bridges from the Alabama Trust Fund, and the final amendment pertains to Blount County.

These amendments can be read on Page 7A or online at www.luvernejournal.com.