Just in time for voters to head to the polls, the Orange-Chatham chapter of the Sierra Club and the alt weekly publication INDYweek have unveiled their endorsements in the Chapel Hill mayoral and town council races.

The Sierra Club is backing a slate of incumbents, plus first-time candidate Michael Parker. The environmental advocacy group says Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt, and council members Donna Bell, Lee Storrow and Jim Ward “have voting records and stated priorities for smart growth, with moderate-density mixed use development that will support walkability and bike-ability, as well as transit improvements.” They also cite Parker’s work on the Planning Commission and support of light rail.

INDYweek took a slightly different tack, endorsing Kleinschmidt, Bell, Ward, Parker, and newcomer Jessica Anderson, but shying away from incumbent Lee Storrow in light of his recent DWI conviction.

Though his legal troubles may have cost him the influential INDY endorsement, Storrow issued a press release citing 32 current and former Orange County elected officials who publicly support his bid for a second term.

The Daily Tar Heel released endorsements on Thursday morning, supporting Mark Kleinschmidt for Mayor with Donna Bell, Michael Parker, Lee Storrow and Jim Ward for Town Council.

The early voting period for the 2015 municipal and school board elections kicks off Thursday and runs through October 31. You can find a full list of voting sites and hours here.

University and community leaders are hosting an event at the Chapel of the Cross on East Franklin Street at 5 o’clock Thursday to celebrate the start of early voting.

UNC Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Winston Crisp, Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt and Carolina Student Body President Houston Summers will make brief remarks before casting their ballots. The public is invited to attend.

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