Texas County voters travel Tuesday to precincts to decide party nominees who will advance to the November General Election. Polls close at 7 p.m.
Shortly after 8 a.m., just under 200 ballots had been cast at the Houston Storm Shelter. Voting began at 6 a.m.
Here’s a look at the races:
Three Republicans running for Texas County Presiding Commissioner
Three persons are seeking the Republican nomination for presiding commissioner: Glen D. McKinney, Houston; Scott Long, Cabool; and Bill Villapiano of Houston. The winner will oppose Democratic nominee, Rick Dixon of Houston, in November. The incumbent, Republican Fred Stenger, filed but later withdrew from the race.
Two candidates for Texas County Clerk
The only other contested county race on the ballot is for the Republican nomination for county clerk. The incumbent, Laura Crowley of Houston, is opposed by Brenda J. Jarrett of Cabool. The winner will serve as county clerk for a four-year term.
Unopposed races in county
Running unopposed are incumbents State Rep. Robert Ross, Circuit Judge Bill Hickle, Associate Circuit Judge Doug Gaston, Circuit Clerk Marci Mosley, Recorder of Deeds Lindsay Koch and Prosecutor Parke Stevens Jr., all are Republicans and face no opposition in November.
In November, U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, a Salem Republican, will oppose Democrat Kathy Ellis of Jefferson County.
Statewide races in Missouri
Eleven candidates are vying for the Republican nomination for U.S. senate: Tony Monetti, Austin Petersen, Josh Hawley, Fred Ryaman, Christina Smith, Kristi Nichols, Bradley Krembs, Ken Patterson, Brian G. Hagg, Courtland Sykes and Peter Pfeifer. Hawley, Missouri’s attorney general, is expected to win the nomination and face U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill in November. She has token opposition on Tuesday.
Four persons are seeking the Republican nomination for Missouri auditor: Kevin M. Roach, David Wasinger, Paul Curtman and Saundra McDowell. The winner will oppose Nicole Galloway, the incumbent, and the only statewide Democrat.
‘Right to Work’ will be decided
Voters will be asked to approve or reject a Missouri law making it illegal for unions to mandate workers to join or pay dues as a condition of employment.
A “yes” vote is a vote for “right-to-work.” A “no” vote is a vote against the ban on mandatory union dues.
Profiles of candidates in contested races appear on pages A4 and A5 of this week’s print edition.