Early voting for the March 3 Primary elections begin today/Tuesday in Texas. Voters will choose the Democratic and Republican candidates in 12 contested State and County races. Party winners will be heading on to the Nov. 3 general election.
Here’s what you need to know to vote in the primaries, and some races to watch for McLennan County.
Who can vote and where do I go?
Early voting for the March 3 primary runs February 17 – 27. Anyone registered in McLennan County can early vote at one of five early voting locations.
- McLennan County Elections Administration Office, 214 N 4th Street, Suite 300, Waco 76701
- Robinson Community Center, 106 W Lyndale Ave., Robinson, 76706
- Waco Multipurpose Community Center, 1020 Elm Ave., Waco, 76704
- Waco First Assembly of God Church, 6701 Bosque Blvd., Waco, 76710
- Hewitt City Hall/Library, 200 Patriot Court, Hewitt, 76643
While it’s too late to register to vote for this election, you can check you registration status here. If you’re registered in McLennan County, but forgot to change your address, McLennan County Elections Administrator Jared Goldsmith says not to worry.
“If you’re still registered in McLennan County, you’ll vote your old address,” he said.
If you cannot make it to the polls, some voters may be able to apply for a ballot by mail. Goldsmith said Texas’ rules on voting by mail are pretty strict.
“If Baylor students are listening, you can contact your old county, get an application for ballot by mail, and you would qualify to vote by mail,” he said.
Other valid reasons to request a ballot by mail include being 65 or older, having a disability or illness that prevents you from getting to the polls, being absent from the county during the voting period and expecting to give birth within 3 weeks of Election Day. The last day to apply for ballot by mail is Friday, February 20.
In Texas, voters will be deciding on party candidates for November’s general election. You can only vote in one party’s primary, and any associated runoffs.
“In Texas, you do not register under a party. So when you go vote, they’re going to give you an option to choose either the Democratic ballot or the Republican ballot,” Goldsmith explained.
What should I bring with me (and what can’t I bring)?
Voters should have one of seven acceptable forms of photo ID. Most voters take their driver’s licenses, U.S. issued passports or Texas handgun licenses. A full list can be found here.
If you don't have, and cannot reasonably obtain one of these forms of ID before the elections, here are other options.
No electronic devices, including phones, are allowed inside the polling place. Its recommended you have a list of candidates you support written down on a piece of paper to reference while voting. You can find sample ballots for both parties here.
Who’s on my ballot?
Voters will decide the Republican candidate for Texas Senate District 22, left empty by State Sen. Brian Birdwell’s retirement. The Waco Bridge has a comparison of the three Republican candidates. The winner will face Democrat Amy Martinez-Salas of Arlington.
In House District 56, which covers most of Waco, republicans will decide between incumbent Pat Curry and Ralph Patterson of Waco. Democrats will decide between Waco attorney Janessa Givens and Ashley Bean Thornton, a civic leader and founder of McLennan County Talks and Waco Walks.
Democratic voters in County Commissioner Precinct Two will see a rematch between Waco ISD board trustee Jeremy Davis and Bellmead city council member Travis Gibson. The winner will challenge current commissioner D.L. Wilson in the November primary.
Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace, Republican Dianne Hensley, is facing three challenges from within her party. Hensley made national headlines by refusing to marry same-sex couples and has declared her intent to challenge Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 US Supreme court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in the US.
Find a full list of all Democratic and Republican candidates here.
Got a tip? Email Molly-Jo Tilton at Molly-jo_tilton@baylor.edu.
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