Area voters head to polls Tuesday

Area voters will head to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots in this year’s General Election. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Along with choosing the next U.S. President, voters will determine who will fill other national, state and local posts.

In Henry County, Republican incumbent Terence Patton will face off against Democratic challenger Michael Wassell for Henry County state’s attorney.

The only other contest is for coroner, with Republican incumbent Dave Johnson facing Democrat Laura S. Heath.

County board members will also be elected.

?All Henry County voters will be asked whether to authorize the county to impose a half-percent sales tax, the proceeds of which will be dedicated to crime prevention and other public safety efforts.

?AlWood Community Unit School District 225 is asking for a tax levy increase from 2.65 percent to 3.45 percent. If the increase is approved, the district estimates it will increase the education fund by approximately $387,000, and will increase the dollar amount available for education spending by 30 percent. If approved, it would mean about $200 a year to a homeowner whose real estate value of $80,000.

Knox County voters will elect a sheriff and recorder of deeds when they go to the polls.

In the sheriff’s race, Democrat David Clague, who was appointed to finish the term and is running to keep the job, is being challenged by Republican Gary Ryner, who retired from the department after 31 years.

Other than races for county board, the only other contest is Knox County is for recorder. Nancy J. McCune is retiring and Democrat Paula Monzo and Republican Carol Anell Hallam are seeking the post.

?Knox County voters will vote on the AlWood Community Unit School District 225 tax referendum.

GateHouse News Service contributed to this story.