Early voting for the Nov. 2 general election is now open and will run through Friday, Oct. 22; advance voting will open Monday, Oct. 25.

According to Shea Hicks, chairman of the county Board of Elections, her office has had a steady stream of voters coming in.

“It’s been more than I anticipated,” said Hicks.

She encouraged voters to visit the secretary of state’s page for sample ballots. In addition to the general elections, voters have a number of local issues to decide on, as well.

Gordon County, including Calhoun, will be voting on a new educational special local option sales tax or E-SPLOST. The current one expires in June 2010 and, if passed, the new one would begin in July 2012.

Besides the E-SPLOST, state and national level offices on the ballot, local residents will have several resolutions to consider:

Resaca residents will have the chance to vote on whether they will allow alcohol by the drink in local restaurants. The issue has come up in Resaca and Fairmount, but Fairmount did not get its resolution approved in time to make it on November’s ballot.

Calhoun residents will vote on whether the City of Calhoun should issue the bonds for the Calhoun City Schools.

At www.sos.ga.gov/mvp, voters can see sample ballots by entering some basic information.

Those who do not have computer access, but wish to have a sample ballot or a copy of the resolutions, can call the Board of Elections office at 706-629-7781.