EARLY VOTING OPENS FOR MARCH 3 PRIMARY
Early voting is underway today (Tuesday) for the March 3rd primary election.
Voters can head to the Washington County Courthouse Annex from today through February 27th to cast ballots for local, statewide and federal offices.
Locally, Republican voters will decide on the races for County Judge, Precinct 2 and 3 Commissioner, and Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace. Republican and Democrat voters will both choose their party’s nominations for U.S. Senator, U.S. Congressional District 27, and state offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller of Public Accounts, General Land Office Commissioner, Agriculture Commissioner and Railroad Commissioner. Additionally, voters will consider a set of nonbinding propositions meant to gauge support for possible legislation in the future.
For County Judge, Douglas Cone, Kirk Hanath and Brad Tegeler are running for the position held by John Durrenberger, who is not seeking another term.
Similarly, Candice Bullock is not pursuing re-election as Precinct 2 Commissioner, a role now being sought by Jim Chisolm, William “Bubba” Herrin, Amanda Klehm and Mark Schonefeld.
Chad Dismukes and Gil Janner are vying for Precinct 3 Commissioner. Kirk Hanath is currently serving as the holdover commissioner after declaring for County Judge.
The Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace race will feature Holly Johnson and Travis Semora, after Douglas Cone stepped down to run for County Judge. Semora was sworn in in November to serve out the remainder of Cone’s unexpired term. Johnson serves as the office’s chief justice clerk, a position she has held for over 20 years.
For the newly redistricted Washington County, which is now in U.S. Congressional District 27, Republicans will choose between incumbent Michael Cloud and Chris Hatley. Democrats will nominate one of Eustaquio “Stock” Castro-Mendoza, Tanya Lloyd and Wayne Raasch.
The Texas Senate and House seats of Lois Kolkhorst and Trey Wharton are uncontested on the Republican primary ballot, but they will face opposition in November from Democrats Erica Gillum and Andie Ho.
Voters casting a ballot in person must present one of the following approved forms of photo ID:
- Texas Driver License
- Texas Election Identification Certificate
- Texas Personal Identification Card
- Texas Handgun License
- United States Military Identification Card
- United States Citizenship Certificate
- United States Passport
Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven approved forms of photo ID can fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polls and present an alternative form of identification, such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check or voter registration certificate. Mail ballot applications must be received by early voting clerks on or before Friday.
Early voting hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. next Monday through Friday, February 23-27.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, March 3rd. Anyone who chooses to vote that day will visit their designated polling place according to their precinct number.
Additional election information is available on the county’s website, www.co.washington.tx.us, or www.votetexasgov.