Early voting ends Friday at 4 pm
By Kathy Thomson
Almost 200 local Republicans and Democrats participated in the first week of early voting in the Texas primaries, around 100 less than at the comparable time during the last presidential election race in 2016.
Election Day is next Tuesday, March 3.
Four years ago, there were several contested local races in addition to the national and statewide contests, while in 2020 the only Shackelford County office with more than one candidate on the primary ballot is for the Republican nominee for County Commissioner Precinct 1.
Early voting ends Friday, Feb. 28, when the Courthouse closes at 4:00 p.m.
All early voting is being held at the Shackelford County Courthouse.
The polls on the first floor of the courthouse are open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. today (Thursday).
On Friday, Feb. 28, voters can cast their ballots while the courthouse is open, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Early Voting Numbers
According to county clerk Cheri Hawkins, as of Tuesday morning, 151 voters had cast their ballots in person.
Hawkins also said that of the 54 Republican ballots mailed out, 41 had been returned. Also received at the Courthouse have been four of the eight Democratic mail-in ballots that were requested.
The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail was Friday, Feb. 21.
Hawkins emphasized that all remaining mail-in ballots must arrive before the polls close on Election Day, Tuesday, March 3.
Because this is a presidential election year, the final voter turnout is expected to be heavy.
Precinct Polling Sites
Voting locations on Election Day vary by precincts. All of the polling sites will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
Precinct 101, 202, 307, and 406 vote at the Shackelford County Courthouse in Albany.
Precinct 303 voters will cast their ballots at the Moran Community Center at 333 Waters Street in Moran.
Precinct 4 Barn at 100 CR 241 in Lueders is the location for voting for Precinct 404.
Precinct 405 voters will be in a new building.
The old school where Precinct 405 voting has been held in past is deteriorating and needs major repairs, so commissioners voted earlier this year to buy a portable building.
The new building is at the same general location as the old Rock Hill school in Hamby on County Road 155.
Work on the pad, electricity, and water was scheduled to be finished before the end of this week. Hawkins plans to set up the tables and equipment on Monday, and be ready for voting on Tuesday.
Hawkins added that the county is seeking legal ownership of the defunct school, which is thought to belong to the Clyde school district. If necessary, the county-owned portable building can be relocated at some point in the future.
On The Ballot
Republican primary voters will select from candidates for President, United States Senator, United States Representative, Railroad Commissioner, Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Place 3, State Representative, and Justice for the 11th Court of Appeals.
There is also one contested local race in the Republican primary.
Incumbent Steve Riley and Bobby Williams are both running for Shackelford County Commissioner, Precinct 1.
Democratic primary voters will select from candidates for President, United States Senator, Railroad Commissioner, Chief Justice for the Texas Supreme Court and Justices for Places 6, 7, and 8, and Court of Criminal Appeals Judges for Places 3 and 4.
In addition to candidates for various offices, both parties also have several propositions up for consideration.
Registered voters will need to show a photo ID to be able to submit an electronic ballot.
Primary Ballots
Sample ballots for both primaries are available at www.shackelford county.org.
Those seeking the ballots on the county website can click on “Elections,” and then click on “Democratic and Republican Sample Ballots.”
Photo IDs
Registered voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven forms of approved photo ID have additional options when voting in person.
“If you have proper ID, make sure to bring it,” said Hawkins. “These options are only for those who can’t obtain a proper ID.”
Acceptable photo ID options include a Texas Department of Public Safety issued driver’s license, Election Identification Certificate, personal ID card, or handgun license to carry, or a United States issued passport, military ID card containing a photograph, or citizenship certificate containing a photograph.
If a voter does not posses and cannot reasonably obtain an approved photo ID, they can sign a declaration at the polls explaining why they cannot obtain one of the seven forms of approved photo ID and provide supporting documentation.
Types of acceptable supporting documentation include a certified original birth certificate, valid voter registration certificate, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, government paycheck, or another government document that shows the voter’s name and address.
