Large turnout expected for election
Local voters have until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, to vote early in person for the upcoming gubernatorial election, with Election Day scheduled for next Tuesday, Nov. 6, from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Early in-person voting takes place on the first floor of the Shackelford County Courthouse from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. today (Thursday), and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
As of press time on Tuesday, 481 Shackelford County residents had voted in person, about 100 less than at the same time for the 2016 presidential election, but an above average number. Another 94 had returned their mail-in ballots, according to election clerk Cheri Hawkins.
An additional 13 mail ballots were sent out, and must be delivered to the post office on or before Tuesday, Nov. 6, for the votes to be counted.
“Officially, the deadline is 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, but since the local post office closes at 4:00 p.m., they have to have been delivered by that time,” said Hawkins.
Polling Locations
The Courthouse is the only location open for early voting, but all county polling places will be open on Election Day, including the Courthouse for precincts 101, 202, 307, and 406.
Precinct 4 Barn at 100 CR 241 in Lueders is the location for voters in precinct 404, and the Rockhill Building at 715 CR 155 in the Hamby area will be open for those in precinct 405.
Precinct 303 votes at the Moran Community Center, 233 Waters, in Moran.
Hawkins added that curbside voting is available if needed.
“We do have curbside voting available if it is hard for someone to get up the steps or walk that far,” said Hawkins. “Call ahead of time if possible so we can be expecting you. It is a service we are glad to provide, and it should be available at the other polling locations also.”
On The Ballot
Up for election this cycle are a U.S. Senator, District 18 U.S. Representative, Texas Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Commissioner of the Land Office, Commissioner of Agriculture, and a Railroad Commissioner.
Three Texas Supreme Court justices will be chosen. Two justices and the presiding judge for the Court of Criminal Appeals are also on the ballot.
Running unopposed are several incumbents including state representative Mike Lang, justice John Bailey, district judge Brooks H. Hagler, district and county clerk Cheri Hawkins, county treasurer Tammy Brown, and justice of the peace James Breeden.
Also unopposed in the general election are Robert “Bob” Skelton for county judge, Ace Reames for precinct 2 commissioner, and Cody Jordan for precinct 4 commissioner.
Sample ballots are online at shackelfordcounty.org under election information.
CHECK!! ...Then Elect
Hawkins cautioned voters to check their voter summary page before they cast their ballot.
“Check over all your selections on your ballot before you hit the red ‘cast ballot’ button!” Hawkins stressed. “Everyone needs to be careful and check their summary page to make sure that they didn’t have any voter errors.”
Hawkins said that there have not been any machine inaccuracies.
“The machines come pre-programmed, and they are tested before every election,” said the election clerk.
Hawkins added that voters can request help if needed.
“If you need assistance, ask for it,” she said. “That’s what we are there for. If you think you may need help, ask for it before you press the red button!”
Once the red ‘cast ballot’ button is pushed, the vote can not be changed.
Voter ID
Voters should bring a photo ID and, if possible, the voter registration card that was mailed to them.
Acceptable forms of identification include a Texas driver license, Texas Election ID, Texas personal ID, Texas handgun license, U.S. military ID, U.S. citizenship certificate, or U.S. passport.
If voters do not possess acceptable forms of photo identification and can’t reasonably obtain one, they may present a supporting form of identification and fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration, noting their reasons for not obtaining photo identification.
