Polls are open today as voters decide several municipal, school board and township races, as well as issues on a crowded ballot.

Shortly before 8 a.m., only 70 votes had been cast at the Houston Storm Shelter. Polls close at 7 p.m.

The only county-wide race on the ballot is for the Texas County Health Department Board. Four persons are seeking three positions. They are: C.J. Smith, Houston; Madeline Miller, Cabool; Kirby Holmes, Cabool; and David Turner, Roubidoux Township. Smith and Holmes are incumbents.

Other contested city races:

Jeremy St. John will oppose Houston Ward II incumbent Charles “Chalky” Wells. John Thomas and Kimberly Bittle are seeking the Ward III seat of David Arthur, who is seeking re-election. In Ward I, Donnie Wilson filed for the seat of Mary Barnes, who is seeking re-election. Both seats are two-year terms. Mayor Don Tottingham is challenged by Kenny Vawter.

Only two persons filed for three positions on the Raymondville village board. They are: Dennis Grose and Donald Barton Jr.

BALLOT ISSUES

At the Cabool School District, patrons will decide a $1.25 per $100 assessed valuation levy increase to fund several capital improvements on campus. At the Plato School District, patrons will face a 33-cent per $100 assessed valuation levy increase measure to fund improvements.

SCHOOL BOARD RACES

Six people filed for three seats on the Houston board of education. They are Darren Ice Timothy Malam, Lisa Scott, Christie K. Koch and incumbents Jo Holland and Sam Kelley. Incumbent Russell Gaither did not seek re-election.

Seven persons have filed for a trio of three-year positions on the Plato board of education.

They are: Billy Waters, Doug Caldwell, Landen Johnson, Joanne Daniels, Andrew “Andy” Cook, Steven Clark and Jennifer Thompson-Littlejohn. Kim Hodges and Robert Crabtree did not seek re-election.

At Cabool, seven persons are seeking three positions: Brenda J. Jarrett, Cynthia A. Flanagan, Mike Luerssen, Terry Gayer, Michael McCall, Susan Haller and Amy Tucker.

Ten residents are seeking three positions on the Licking board of education. They are: Buddy M. Brazier III, Barbara E. Rodgers, Brad Smith, Mike Hammond, Cassie Ingram, Alan Quick, Jason Stone, Mark Mitchell, John Huff and Bradley Robertson.

WATER DISTRICT RACE

Jane Lear and David Ek are seeking a director’s position on the Water District No. 1 board.

TOWNSHIP RACES

Two persons are seeking two posts on the Burdine Township board — Allen Baker, Andy Knapp and Tommy Nevill. Only one person ­— Tom Story — filed for two positions on the Cass Township board. Write-in votes will determine Clinton Township clerk and two board members. No one filed for Current Township treasurer, clerk and two board positions.

Three persons are seeking two board posts on the Current Township board: Roger Stoops, Alvin Bird and Marshall Barnard. The only candidate for two positions on the Ozark Township board is Roger Halstead.

Two persons are seeking the Pierce Township treasurer’s job, Sara Wagner-Buckner and Gayla Ellison. Scott Woolsey, Arvin Honeyfield and Wes Ellison are seeking two positions on the Pierce Township board.

Don Gaston was the only candidate for two slots on the Piney Township board. No one filed for Roubidoux Township clerk’s job. Roy Ogden, Ben Akers and Rodney L. Sullins are candidates for two Sherrill Township board jobs. 

The Texas County clerk’s office will be open 8 a.m. until noon Saturday for absentee balloting.