Voters in Donley County and across the nation will go to the polls next Tuesday, November 4, to cast ballots in this year’s General Election.
In addition to voting for presidential electors, local citizens in two precincts will decide contested races for the office of county commissioner.
In Precinct 1, incumbent Democrat Commissioner Ernest Johnston is being challenged by Clarendon Mayor Mark White, a Republican; and Precinct 3 incumbent Republican Commissioner Andy Wheatly is being opposed by Democrat Henry Stephens.
Early voting, which began last Monday, is already drawing a big turnout in Donley County, according to County Clerk Fay Vargas.
As of Tuesday morning, 511 people had already cast their ballots with 50 of those being mail-in ballots.
Vargas said the last time early voting saw this kind of turn out was in 2000 when the county had a hotly contested election for sheriff.
This year’s close presidential election is drawing many people to the polls, but Vargas said some folks have given other reasons for voting early.
“We’ve had several tell us that they are afraid they might be out of town or even be dead on Election Day,” she said.
In fact, one voter who cast her ballot early has already died, Vargas said.
Most local races are unopposed this year. Two incumbent county officers – Sheriff Butch Blackburn (D) and Precinct 1&2 Justice of the Peace Connie Havens (D) – have no opponents.
Linda Crump (R) is unchallenged in her bid to become the next County Tax Assessor/Collector. Incumbent Wilma Lindley is retiring at the end of her current term.
County Attorney Landon Lambert has filed as a write-in candidate to keep his current post and is the only declared candidate for that office.
Another race of local interest is that of US Rep. Mac Thornberry (R) of Clarendon challenged by Roger Waun (D) for the 13th Congressional District seat. State Rep. Warren Chisum (R), District Judge Stuart Messer (R), and District Attorney Luke Inman (D) are also running unopposed for their offices.
Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade reminds all voters to bring their voter registration certificate with them to their proper polling place to expedite the voter check-in process; however, if their registration certificate is unavailable, the voter will still be allowed to vote with a valid I.D.
Early voting continues in the Donley County Clerk’s office inside the Courthouse Annex through Friday, October 31, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Election Day will be Tuesday, November 4, at the following locations: Box 101 – Clarendon College Bairfield Activity Center; Box 102 – Howardwick City Hall; Box 201 – Donley County Courthouse; Box 301 – Assembly of God Fellowship Hall; Box 303 – Hedley Lions Club; and Box 401 – Clarendon Church of Christ Family Life Center.
Check your voter’s registration card to see which location you must vote at. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
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