Texas County voters will cast ballots today on several constitutional amendments and elect a representative to Congress. Polls opened at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.
Texas County Clerk Don Troutman predicted Tuesday about 42 percent of the county’s registered voters will travel to precincts. Rain was falling Tuesday morning across the county. At about 2 p.m., more than 700 had voted at the Houston precinct.
The only local race on the ballot is for the 8th Congressional District in southeast Missouri. Incumbent Jason Smith of Salem, a Republican, is challenged by Barbara Stocker, Democrat; Rick Vandeven, Libertarian; Doug Enyart, Constitution; and Terry Hampton, Independent. It is a two-year term.
There are four constitutional amendment issues on the ballot: Amendment 2, allows prior criminal acts to be admissible in sexual crimes involving victims under 18; Amendment 3, involves teacher performance and their employment; Amendment 6, would allow early voting if funded; and Amendment 10, which involves purse string powers exercised by the governor.
Of the issues, Amendment 3 has drawn the most interest statewide. Teacher groups and many school boards oppose the measure. The organizer of the issue, St. Louis activist Rex Sinquefield, earlier announced it would not be actively pursuing passage.
Houston voters will decide whether to renew a quarter-cent sales tax for transportation matters for another five-year period. Funds are used for such efforts as the city’s annual asphalt overlay effort.
Retention matters related to Missouri Supreme Court and Missouri Court of Appeals judges also appear on the ballot.
Polls open at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, and close at 7 p.m. Absentee balloting can be done Saturday morning at the Texas County clerk’s office in the Texas County Administrative Center on Grand Avenue.