Early voting to begin Tuesday

by Kathy Thomson

Tuesday, Feb. 18 is the first day of early voting for the March 3 primary election, with balloting taking place at the Shackelford County Courthouse, in the lobby area on the first floor, through Friday, Feb. 28. 

Early voting hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, closing one hour earlier on Fridays to correspond to normal business hours at the Courthouse. 

“Voting is not open during the lunch hour,” said election clerk Cheri Hawkins. 

The last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) is Friday, Feb. 21, and those must also arrive before the Courthouse closes at 4:00 p.m.

“If you’ve gotten your ballot by mail, don’t forget to mail it back in,” said Hawkins.

The ballots must be returned to Hawkins before voting closes on March 3.

There are a number of important decisions to be made in state and area offices in both of the upcoming primary elections, but the only locally contested race is on the Republican ticket, and is for County Commissioner, Precinct 1. 

Incumbent Steve Riley and Bobby Williams have filed for the position.

Both parties have multiple candidates on the ballot for President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, and other offices.