HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Early voting is in its second week across North Carolina. So far, over 3,800 people have cast an early ballot in Mecklenburg County.
Right now, there are 19 early voting sites open across Mecklenburg County, including the North County Regional Library here in the town of Huntersville. Huntersville voters will be deciding on some key office positions, including the next mayor and town commissioners.
“I have a vote and if I don’t use it, then I don’t have a voice,” said Pat Rickert, a Huntersville resident.
In this election, Huntersville voters will also make their voices heard on future transportation needs in town.
“I am probably like everyone else who is going to talk about traffic and roads,” said Rickert. “and curbing growth to a degree until we can catch up with the infrastructure
“You can tell from driving around that we are in a deficit,” said Richard Fernald, Huntersville resident.
The town of Huntsville is growing fast, but Mayor Melinda Bales said the infrastructure hasn’t kept up. That’s why a $50 million transportation bond was placed on the ballot.
“We have got to get caught up on these bonds and projects we have tee’d up,” said Bales. “It will make a difference to the quality of life that our residents enjoy every day.”
If it passes, money from the bond will go towards projects to improve traffic flow, current roads, and intersections.
“We will utilize those for cost-sharing that we have already committed to for NCDOT projects, like the NC-73 widening and the widening of the NC-115,” said Bales. “We are looking to do a second north-south road project connecting the church street extension that will go through downtown up to NC-73 as well.”
If the bond is not approved by voters, Bales said it will take several projects off track.
There’s also an $8 million parks and recreation bond on the ballot to go towards renovating and expanding greenways, parks, and recreation facilities.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.