"Early voting: Turnout looking good; you can help"

Turnout for early voting in the March 4 primaries has been impressive in El Paso so far.

Let's keep it up.

At least part of the heavy turnout can be attributed to a couple of races, one on the Democratic ticket, one on the Republican side.

There are 11 candidates vying for the El Paso County sheriff's position, and it's a strong slate of people with a great deal of current and previous law-enforcement experience.

On the Republic side, Dee Margo is trying to unseat incumbent Pat Haggerty in the District 78 state representative race. This battle is controversial, which probably has contributed to voter interest and turnout.

Then, of course, there's the close battle for the Democratic presidential nomination. It appears that despite having a relatively late primary, Texas will prove crucial in the race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

That could also be a reason for El Paso's early heavy turnout, and is a reason why others should get out and vote.

Early voting continues through Feb. 29, and we encourage you to get out and cast your ballot. Voting now, at your leisure, will save the last-minute rush of making sure you have enough time to vote on the actual day of election, March 4.

Although there have been some lines at various early voting locations, lines will probably be worse on Election Day.

Early-voting turnout must be considered a good sign, because El Paso generally is known for its apathy at the polls. As we've seen in the past, turnout is dismal and often struggle to reach double digits.

So far it looks as if El Pasoans have a chance to change that picture this year.

A list of early-voting sites will run in the El Paso Times calendar every day through the end of early voting on Feb. 29.

Please find a convenient location, and go cast your vote.

For more information, visit the El Paso County Elections Department website at www.co.el-paso.tx.us/elections/.