Early voting ends Friday for the March 1 primary. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and tomorrow.
The primary election will determine which candidates will appear on the ballot as the nominees from the Republican and Democrat parties in the November general election. Texas voters may vote in either the Republican or Democratic primaries, but not both.
The primary races are expected to be more competitive than the general election races in November due to the battle for the White House.
Among some of the local contested races, 26th Congressional District Congressman Michael Burgess faces two primary challengers in his re-election bid for a seventh term: Joel Krause and Micah Beebe. The winner faces Democrat Eric Mauck in November.
Denton County Sheriff Will Travis of Copper Canyon has drawn an opponent in his bid for a second term; Republican candidate Tracy Murphree of Sanger. The winner will face Randy Butler of Denton, who is running as a Libertarian, this November.
The State Representative District 64 seat being vacated by Myra Crownover has atttracted five hopefuls: Republicans Lynn Stucky of Sanger, Read King of Lake Dallas, and Rick Hagen of Denton, as well as Democrats Connor Flanagan and Paul Greco, both of Denton.
State Rep. (Dist. 63) Tan Parker of Flower Mound, County Commissioner (Pct. 3) Bobbie Mitchell of Lewisville, 16th District Judge Sherry Shipman, Tax Assessor-Collector Michelle French, Pct. 4 Constable Tim Burch, Pct. 1 Constable Johnny Hammons, and Pct. 3 Constable Jerry Raburn are among those running unopposed.
The last day to register to vote in time for the March 1 Primary was February 1, but qualified Texans who missed the deadline can still register by April 25 for the primary runoff election on May 24.
“I encourage voters to take full advantage of the convenience of voting early,” said Texas Secretary of State Carlos H. Cascos. “Don’t forget, during early voting you can cast your ballot at any polling location within your county of registration.”
Secretary Cascos also reminded voters they will need to bring photo ID if they cast a ballot in person.
“The photo ID requirement is still in effect,” said Cascos. “Voters will need to present one of seven forms of approved photo ID when coming to the polls.”
The forms of approved photo ID are:
Texas Driver License – issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Texas Personal Identification Card – issued by DPS
Texas Concealed Handgun License – issued by DPS
United States Military Identification card containing the person’s photograph
United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
United States Passport – issued by the U.S. government
Election Identification Certificate – issued free by DPS
Any citizen who does not have an approved ID can apply for a free Election Identification Certificate and should visit VoteTexas.gov or call 1-800-252-VOTE for more information.
Early Voting Locations, Dates, and Times (Click Here)
Sample Ballot (Click Here)
Meet the Candidates (Click Here)
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