Voting outside the lines popular [Times photo: Steve Hasel] For many reasons, including crowds, more people are voting by absentee ballot.

Duty, issues drive young voters
Civic lessons from the elections supervisor, political forums and mock elections help to educate first-time voters.

They work, they care -- and they're voting
These folks, some voting for the first time in years, are energized because of issues that affect their families.

Ignorance costly in this election
Take a moment and consider what's at stake on Tuesday.

Wanted: all eligible voters
Presidential elections generally draw a large turnout, but in this close race, election officials are hoping to get every voter out.

Candidate reply
The Times offers candidates not recommended by its editorial board an opportunity to reply. Here is one of those replies.

Bloopers add levity to otherwise decorous politics
As election years go, 2000 has been a doozie.

Times recommends
The Times has studied the candidates seeking office in Tuesday's general election. We offer this summary of previously published recommendations to our readers.

Political Scene
Rides to area polling sites will be available on Tuesday by calling either of the following numbers:

The week in review
MAN CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER: A jury found Norman Byrum guilty of manslaughter for the August 1999 death of Arthur Schultz, a Hernando air conditioning repairman.

Sideline
Football

Heroes and happenings
NOT YOUR ORDINARY BATH Crystal River's players have never been fond of the passe, so when the Pirates give their coach a bath of Gatorade -- or, in this case, water -- it's usually for a good reason.

Crystal River's win avoids dreaded 3-way tiebreaker
CRYSTAL RIVER -- The mere concept of a three-way playoff to determine a champion in Class 3A, District 5 was one Crystal River coach Jere DeFoor wasn't willing to accept.

Citrus briefs
Salvation Army seeks food donations

Forum geared to black voters was a first
The forum two weeks ago filled a Baptist church, and organizers hope it is a sign that the black community is becoming more politically active.