Democratic Runoff set for July 14
Register to vote until June 15; early voting starts June 29
The Howard County Elections Office is gearing up for the Democratic Runoff Election, set for July 14. Those who voted a Democratic ballot in the primaries will be able to vote, as well as those who did not vote in the primary. Voters who voted a Republican ballot will not be able to cast a ballot until the November election.
The Democratic Runoff will contain the following positions: Railroad Commissioner, which is Robert
R. “Beto” Alonzo against Chrysta Castaneda and the
U.S. Senator race which has Mary “MJ” Hegar against Royce West.
“For those who are not registered to vote, or need to update their information, they have until Monday, June 15 to get registered,” Jodi Duck, Howard
County Elections Administrator, said. “Those needing to register can do so by calling us or going online to have a form mailed to them. Voter registration can be done in person for those who choose to do so, but for those who are wanting to stay home this is a service that can be done with- out leav- ing the
house.”
In order to minimize the risk of exposure for the election workers and the voters of Howard County, an Emergency Action Plan was put in place and has been effective since April 2, 2020. The plan was designed by the
Howard County Elections team along with assistance from Big Spring Fire Chief Craig Ferguson and has been approved, to help provide a safe environment for voters in the upcoming elections. The plan will allow for each election worker to be provided with gloves that are required to be worn at all times, along with hand sanitizer for the voter and election staff. The sanitizer will be at each location that is open for voting, along with disinfecting wipes to be used on the machines before and after each voter use.
There will be limited amounts of handouts – sample ballots only. The
machines will be cleaned every hour regardless of use at each location open for voting use. In keeping with social distancing there will be a limit of 10 or less people allowed in each voting location at one time, this number will include staff and voters. All election staff and voters will be required to maintain a six foot distance between themselves and other persons at all times.
The plan also allows for election staff to wear masks and which will be supplied if resources are available.
“We will be visiting this plan daily and updating as information allows,” Duck said.
Voting will take place in the four voting centers located in Howard County: Ryan Hall, located at 605 N. Main Street; First Baptist Church, located at 705 W. FM 700; and Dorothy Garrett Coliseum, located at 1001 Birdwell in Big Spring; and in Coahoma at Coahoma Community Center, located at 306 N. Avenue.
Early voting will run from June 29 through July 2 from 8 a.m. Until 5 p.m. July 3 is a holiday and no voting will be done on this day. Early voting will pick back up on July 6-8 from 8 a.m. Until 5 p.m. and then extended hours will take place from 7 a.m. Until 7 p.m. On July 9-10.
For those with questions regarding the upcoming elections, call the Howard County Elections Office at 432-264-2273.