Preparations are being finalized in the Monroe County Clerk’s office at the courthouse for the upcoming March 18 primary election, which will determine Republican sheriff and county commissioner nominees locally and narrow down the governor’s race statewide.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.

If you don’t want to wait, early voting began this week and continues through Saturday, March 15. Early voting is conducted on Touch Screen machines available only in the county clerk’s office.

All early voters must present a valid photo ID.

Call 939-8681, ext. 302, for more information.

In addition, absentee votes may be cast by mail or in person at the county clerk’s office until March 17.

Grace period voting is also available, which allows people who have never registered to vote or who failed to change their address or voting information, to register or make changes after the normal deadline.

Next week’s Republic-Times will include a preview of primary races.