Voters head to polls today; here’s what to know

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Texas County voters are arriving at polls today to decide state races, a contest for U.S. president and several statewide issues. Election day comes as flooding is reported across the county.

Only two local contested races are on the ballot: One is for state representative and the other is representative to the U.S. House. There are no county contested races. Each candidate will be elected to office. The marquee national race is for U.S. president with Kamala Harris heading the Democrat Ticket and Donald Trump on the Republican Ticket. 

Absentee voting was brisk in the county clerk’s office on the top level of the Texas County Administration Center on Grand Avenue in Houston. No-excuse balloting this year elevated the vote count from four years ago. Four years ago, the count exceeded 2,000 amid a political atmosphere charged by Covid. No-excuse voting was not in place in 2020.

Polls close at 7 p.m. at precincts throughout the county. A sample ballot can be found online. A plain English explanation of five constitutional amendment issues and one proposition appeared in the Herald and can be found online. Election results will appear at houstonherald.com after polls close. 

CONTESTED BALLOT

Rep. Bennie Cook of Houston, a Republican, is opposed by Bernadette Holzer, a Democrat, for the 143rd House seat that includes Texas County. Three names appear on the ballot for the 8th District, incumbent Jason Smith of Salem, a Republican; Randi McCallian of Edgar Springs, a Democrat; and Jake Dawson of the St. Louis area, a Libertarian. 

UNOPPOSED

Running unopposed are most local candidates: Brad Hudson, District 33 state senator; Bill Hickle, 25th Circuit Judge; John Casey, District 1 county commissioner; Robert Ross, District 2 county commissioner; Scott Lindsey, sheriff; Taylor Clinton, assessor; Tammy Cantrell, collector/treasurer; Brenten Honeycutt, coroner; Charles M. Manier, surveyor; and Tina Garrett, public administrator. All are Republicans except for Cantrell, who is a Democrat. Assessor Debbie James and Coroner Marie Lasater did not seek reelection. 

STATEWIDE RACES

Gov. Mike Parson could not seek reelection leading to a spirited August Primary for party nominees. Republican Mike Kehoe, lieutenant governor; is challenged by Democrat Crystal Quade, a Democrat, for governor. For the U.S. Senate, incumbent Josh Hawley is opposed by Democrat Lucas Kunce. Other statewide races: Lieutenant governor, Dave Wasinger, a Republican, is opposed by Democrat Richard Brown. Denny Hoskins, a Republican, is challenged by Democrat Barbara Phifer to fill the seat held by Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft. Treasurer Vivek Malek, a Republican, is challenged by Mark Osmack, a Democrat. Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, is opposed by Elad Jonathan Gross, a Democrat. 

There are five constitutional amendments and one proposition on the ballot: Amendment No. 2 (sports betting), Amendment No. 3 (abortion), Amendment No. 5 (riverboat gambling), Amendment No. 6 (court fees for law enforcement) and Amendment No. 7 (ranked choice voting). Proposition A would increase the minimum wage. A majority vote is required for passage. 

Voters also will decide whether to retain four judges.