Early voting began Tuesday in Bandera County for the March 3 Republican and Democratic primary elections, with several contested local races on the Republican ballot and no contested county races among Democrats.
Early voting runs through Feb. 27. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Perhaps the most closely watched local race is the Republican primary for Bandera County judge, where Dennis Fitzgerald, Susan Junker and Kim Manglberger are vying to replace Richard Evans, who first took office in November 1998.
Republican voters will also choose a nominee for district clerk from Alma Baker, Jessica Salinas and Paula (Maier) Swinney.
In the race for county treasurer, incumbent Beverly Schmidt faces challenger Mickie Towers Carnes in the Republican primary.
Republican voters will also see new leadership, with incumbent John F. Irving running unopposed for county chair. In an opposed race, Precinct 101 voters will choose between incumbent Laura Briscoe and Tiffany Shirey.
Several county offices do not have contested primaries. Tandie Mansfield is unopposed for county clerk. Justice of the peace candidates running without opposition include Mike Towers in Precinct 1, Gina Grothues in Precinct 2, Charly Seale in Precinct 3 and Nell Hardin in Precinct 4. Phil Shaffer is unopposed for county commissioner, Precinct 4.
Bandera County voters will also cast ballots in state and federal races, including the Republican and Democratic primaries for U.S. Congress, statewide offices and judicial seats.
In Congressional District 21, which includes Bandera County, the Republican primary features Daniel W. Betts, Jason Cahill, Jacques DuBose, Zeke Enriquez, Weston Martinez, Paul Rojas, Kyle Sinclair, Mark Teixeira, Heather Tessmer, James “Trey” Trainor III, Peggy McCormick Wardlaw and Mike Wheeler. The Democratic primary includes Kristin Hook, Gary Taylor and Regina VanBerg.
Early voting is available at the Ray Mauer Courthouse Annex in Bandera, the Lakehills Area Library and the Medina Annex. On Election Day, voters must cast ballots at their assigned precinct location.
Voters are required to present an approved photo ID at the polls.
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