HARLINGEN — Voters in Cameron and Willacy counties can head to the polls starting tomorrow as early voting begins for the Nov. 6 general election.
On the ballot are critical races such as U.S. senator, U.S. representative District 34, governor and Cameron County judge.
In a race that has gained much national attention, incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is being challenged by Democrat U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke of El Paso.
Longtime incumbent U.S. Rep. District 34 Filemon B. Vela, D-Brownsville, faces Republican challenger Dr. Rey Gonzalez, Jr., a former adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Brownsville.
In state elections, incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott faces former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, a Democrat, and Libertarian Mark Jay Tippetts. Also on the ballot, incumbent Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is challenged by Democrat Mike Collier and Libertarian Kerry Douglas McKennon. Current Attorney General Ken Paxton faces Democrat Justin Nelson and Libertarian Michael Ray Harris.
Other state races include comptroller of public accounts, commissioner of the general land office, commissioner of agriculture, railroad commissioner, Supreme Court justices and court of criminal appeal judges.
For State Board of Education, District 2, voters will choose between two Brownsville natives as incumbent Ruben Cortez, Jr., faces challenger Charles “Tad” Hasse.
In Cameron County, voters will decide on the county’s top administrator between incumbent County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr., and former Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos, who preceded Trevino as Cameron County judge.
La Feria voters can expect a special election ballot to fill the open position of city commissioner, Place 2, which was vacated by the August resignation of Eric Hoff. Voters will decide between Alma Martinez-Botello and Devin Rey Martinez.
There are also four La Feria Independent School District Board of Trustees positions on the ballot. For Place 4, incumbent Lisa Ayala Montalvo faces Anna Aleman. For Place 5, incumbent Javier Loredo is being challenged by Gloria Casas and Maria Rincon. For Place 6, current Board Vice-President Katie Johnson faces Alfonso Rodriguez. For Place 7, current Board President Juan “Johnny” Briones faces Victor Gonzalez, Jr.
Some voters in Cameron County can also expect bond elections.
In San Benito, voters will decide on the San Benito CISD $40,000 bond election for the construction of school facilities, including an aquatic center, a performing arts center and a multi-purpose indoor facility.
Port Isabel voters will decide on three propositions for the city’s bond elections. Proposition A is for $4.1 million for street and drainage improvements. Proposition B is for $750,000 for city buildings and facilities. Proposition C is for $1.1 million for parks and recreation.
Cameron County Elections Administrator Remi Garza said voter registration had reached 207,000, and his office continues to process voter applications that were submitted by the deadline. He said voters should keep in mind that they can cast their ballot at any of the 29 early voting locations across the county.
“You’ll be able to vote in all the elections you’re eligible for,” Garza said. “Give yourself a little time because you may be voting on more than one election depending on where you live.”
On Election Day Nov. 6, residents will be limited to voting in their precinct polling place.
Garza previously called the voter registration rate “unprecedented” for a midterm. Cameron County had about 195,000 registered voters during the 2016 general election, and county records show 93,716 ballots were cast.
Registered voters are reminded that valid proof of identification, such as a Texas driver’s license or ID card issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, must be provided at the polling site.
Garza said if voters have a reasonable impediment to obtaining a photo ID, to take an alternative ID such as a utility bill or paycheck. People who use alternative IDs will have to complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
Acceptable forms of photo ID are:
• drivers license
• Texas ID
• Texas Election Identification Certificate
• Texas Handgun License
• U.S. military ID
• Citizenship Certificate
• passport card or book
Early voting runs through Friday, Nov. 2. For a complete list of early voting polling places, including locations, dates and times, visit the Cameron County Elections and Voter Registration website at www.co.cameron.tx.us/Elections or the Willacy County Elections website at www.co.willacy.tx.us/page/willacy.Elections.
For a complete list of early v
For a complete list of early voting locations:
Cameron County Elections and Voter Registration
www.co.cameron.tx.us/Elections
Willacy County Elections
www.co.willacy.tx.us/page/willacy.Elections
See tomorrow’s edition to find
See tomorrow's edition to find your early voting location.
