Breckenridge Texan

Stephens County residents will begin heading to the polls today for the Democratic and Republican Primary Elections, with Early Voting taking place this week and next week in the Stephens County Courthouse lobby. New this year: Early voting will be held on a weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24-25.

This week, voters can cast their ballots from Tuesday through Friday, between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 24, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Next week, from Feb. 26 through March 1, Early Voting hours will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In Stephens County, Early Voting is held only at the courthouse in the lobby. According to the Stephens County Tax Office, to maintain privacy and order, the front doors of the courthouse will be locked during voting hours. However, the east, north, and west doors will remain open. Additionally, a designated curbside parking spot will be available for voters with disabilities. Those voters can call the number provided on the sign for assistance with curbside voting.

Voting By Mail

Those opting for Ballot By Mail must submit their applications by 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, to the Stephens County Tax Office. It’s essential to remember that applications must be received in the tax office by this date, applications received after that date will not be honored, regardless of the postmark. Voters must re-apply each year for a Ballot By Mail. Last year’s applications have expired.

You may qualify to vote by mail if you are 65 years of age or older, if you will be out of the county for the two-week early voting period and election day, or if you are disabled. In order to use the out-of-county reason, you must be able to provide an out-of-county address and the ballot must be mailed to that address.

Also, if you are 65 or older, you do not have to apply to vote by mail if you would rather vote in person during Early Voting or on Election Day.

Election Day

Election Day on Tuesday, March 5, will see voters heading to their respective polling places. Notably, there has been a change in the location of Precinct 3 voting. Instead of voting at the Chamber of Commerce building, Precinct 3 voters will now cast their ballots at the new Stephens County Annex Building at 222 N. Baylor Ave.

Stephens County Polling Locations:

• Precinct # 1: First National Bank Tower Room, 101 E. Walker St.
• Precinct # 2: Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 1601 W. Elliott St.
• Precinct # 3: Stephens County Annex Building, 222 N. Baylor Ave.
• Precinct # 4: B.I.S.D. Support Center (Bus Barn), 907 U.S. Highway 183 North
• Precinct # 5: Wayland Volunteer Fire Department, 10276 FM 1852

The primary elections encompass county, state and federal offices, including sheriff and county commissioner positions.

In the State Representative District 60 race, incumbent Glenn Rogers is facing challenger Mike Olcott. Meanwhile, State Senator District 10 sees incumbent Phil King running unopposed in the Republican primary, while Andy Morris is unopposed in the Democratic Primary.

In the U.S. Representative 25 Congressional House Race, incumbent Roger Williams faces challengers Vince Crabb and Matthew Lucci in the Republican Primary. There are no Democratic candidates vying for the position.

The primary election will also feature candidates for the Republican and Democratic nominations for U.S. President and Vice President, Senator, and various other offices.

For more information regarding Ballot By Mail and other election-related matters, individuals can contact the Stephens County Tax Office at (254) 559-2732.

Cutline, top photo: Early Voting begins today in the Democratic and Republican primary elections. It will take place in the Stephens County Courthouse, as seen in this 2020 Breckenridge Texan photo. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)