COLDSPRING — Early voting for the midterm elections end on Friday, and election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Most races locally were decided in the March primary, and a couple in the May runoff, but a few races still deserve voter attention.
The Shepherd Board of Alderman has a couple of open races on the ballot as current Mayor Charles Minton is facing a challenge from William “Billy” Lacoste. Alderman Yvonne Ryba Cones is running unopposed.
Write-in candidate James Crowson has filed to run against Precinct 2 County Commissioner Donny Marrs.
The southwest portion of the county residing in the Willis school district has several board positions up for election. Position 1 incumbent Nikita Lagway is running unopposed; for Position 3, Lewis Straughter, Cortney R. Lindley and Gary Granger seek the position; for Position 4, Keith Miller, David Hall and Chaundy Satterwhite seek the position; and for Position 5, Tim Burke, Tisa McCrorey and Stefanie Hollins have filed.
Incumbent District 18 Rep. Janis Holt, a Republican, is facing a challenge from Democrat Valorie Barton for the spot in the Texas Legislature. Additionally, incumbent Sen. Charles Schwertner, a Republican, is being challenged by Democrat Paul Thomasson for the District 5 position.
Incumbent Republican Audrey Young is running against Democrat Dana Van de Walker for the District 8 seat on the State Board of Education.
One of the most contested races this year is for the U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by John Cornyn. Republican Ken Paxton, who defeated Cornyn in the primary, is challenged by Democrat James Talarico. In the House race, Republican Chris Gober is challenged by Democrat Caitlin Rourk and Libertarian Ted Brown to replace the retiring Michael McCaul in the newly drawn District 10.
Also of major interest is the governor’s race, with incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott being challenged by Democrat Gina Hinojosa and Libertarian Pat Dixon. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has three challengers — Democrat Vikki Goodwin, Libertarian Anthony Cristo and Green Party candidate Kevin McCormick.
Several other state offices, including Attorney General, state Comptroller, Commissioner of the General Land Office and Ag Commissioner also are on the ballot.
Sample ballots can be found on the San Jacinto County website at https://www.co.san-jacinto.tx.us/page/sanjacinto.Elections.
Early voting dates and times
Early voting location is the San Jacinto County Election Administration Building, 51 E. Pine Ave., in Coldspring.
Applications for ballot by mail should be mailed to Cheri Waker, Early Voting Clerk. 51 E. Pine Ave., Room A-I, Coldspring, TX 77331.
