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C.D. Gray (left), dressed as Uncle Sam, served hot dogs to Nancy Candanoza and Andy Candanoza on the Scurry County Courthouse lawn as part of the Your Vote Counts campaign today. Hot dogs were free for anyone who voted today, the first day of early voting.
In an attempt to encourage the public to vote, Scurry County resident C.D. Gray Jr. kicked off the Your Vote Counts campaign by cooking and serving hot dogs outside the Scurry County Courthouse today.
Early voting began at 8:30 a.m. on the first floor of the courthouse, but the first votes were actually cast before then because of an early turnout and the fact the polling place workers and machines were prepared.
Gray and his committee advertised in 253 Texas newspapers before early voting began. He issued a challenge to other counties that Scurry County would have the most people, percentage-wise, vote on the first day of early voting, as well as in the election as a whole.
Gray said he felt compelled to do something because this election season has concerned him more than any in recent memory.
“I’m more concerned about the election and voter apathy than I’ve ever been,” Gray said. “We had a meeting once a week for about a month trying to figure out ways to get voters to come out.”
Gray said he issued the challenge to other counties in an effort to urge people to vote, not just in Scurry County, but around the state. He said the cookout was not about promoting a particular candidate, but rather encouraging people to vote.
“We’re not pushing a candidate, we’re just pushing for votes,” Gray said. “We’re not campaigning, and we’re far enough away from the courthouse doors that it’s not a problem.”
United Supermarkets donated 200 hot dogs, 200 hot dog buns and hundreds of water bottles for the cookout. Gebo’s loaned Gray a large metal bucket to fill with ice to keep the water cold. The hot dogs and water were free to the public.