With much of the focus in this year’s general election centered on selecting the president/vice president of the United States, several key state, federal, county, municipal school board and bond propositions to be decided are less featured but still important.
Early voting for the Nov. 5 federal election has been scheduled for Monday, Oct. 21, through Friday, Nov. 1.
Jefferson County
Voters have three contested county races to decide. Incumbent Sheriff Zena Stephens, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Steven Broussard. Republican Kate Carroll and Democrat Rashawn “Shawn” Webb-Locke are seeking the tax assessor-collector position left vacant by the death of Allison Getz in October 2023. Also, Republican Brandon Willis is being challenged by write-in candidate Addie Allen for the Pct. 1 commissioner's seat.
During a Voter Approved Tax Rate Election (VATRE), Beaumont ISD voters will be asked to approve a tax rate of 96.491 cents per $100 valuation that will result in an increase of 14.3% in maintenance and operations (M&O) tax revenue for the current year, an additional $13.1 million compared to the preceding year.
In Groves, voters will decide three contested city council races and for city marshal. Chris Boone and Michael Boudreaux are running for mayor. Paul Oliver, Tanner Thompson and Brandon Holmes are seeking the Ward 2 council seat, while Rhonda Dugas, Rae Shauna Gay and Kyle Collier are running for the Wart 4 post.
The city marshal race consists of Christopher Robin and Rudy Guerrero. Robin is currently the interim city marshal.
Contested races in the city of Bevil Oaks are Justin Duff and Stephanie Cramer, both seeking the Ward 2 council seat vacated by Doug Emmons, while Casey Carl takes on incumbent Jim Wright for the Ward 3 post.
In Hamshire-Fannett ISD, Shawn Smith is challenging incumbent Celeste Ramsey for the Trustee Position 1 seat.
Registered voters, including those in Orange, will help decide the U.S. District 14 representative race between incumbent Republican Randy Weber and Democratic challenger Rhonda Hart.
State Reps. Dade Phelan (District 21) and Christian Manuel (District 22) are running unopposed.
Check online for early voting hours and locations at www.jeffersonelections. com.
Hardin County
Republican Janis Holt, who defeated incumbent Earnest Bailes in the March primary, faces Libertarian Seth Steele for the District 18 state representative seat is on the ballot.
Lumberton Municipal Utility District voters will decide between two propositions on a Defined Area Road Bond Election.
“This is for the defined area only, the Longleaf Subdivision,” said Rob Starr, district manager of Lumberton MUD. “It is a means of recouping his investment in infrastructure.”
Proposition 1 is for $472 million in bonds and the levy of taxes, without limit as to rate or amount within the defined area, in payment of principal and interest on said bonds.
Proposition 2 is for $472 million in refunding bonds to refund bonds.
In West Hardin CCISD, there are three contested school board races. Morgan Smith and Jacob Cotten are vying for the Position 1 seat, incumbent Michael Campbell and Heather Pilgreen Swindle for Position 2; and Bobby Joe Love, Joel Alpert and Bryan Wilson for Position 3.
Hardin County Emergency Services District No. 8, serving the Village Mills area, is asking voters for a 2% increase in sales taxes.
For early voting hours and locations, visit www.co.hardin.tx.us/page/ElectionsDepartment.
Orange County
Voters will be asked to select two of four candidates for the Orange County Emergency Services District No. 3 AtLarge seat – from Scott McDonald, Jeremy Kent Nichols, Cathy Drake and Jeff Braun.
In Orangefield ISD, voters will decide the Board of Trustee Place 3 seat between Richard Lasseinge Jr., Dustin Loga and Jude Graffagrino.
Voters in Orange County ESD No. 1 will select Wyatt Boyett, Ronnie Herrera or Rose Luce as Commissioner 1, AtLarge.
Vidor ISD voters will ask district voters to approve a $98.4 million bond that would include renovations and additions to five campuses.
Visit www.co.orange.tx.us/departments/ElectionsAdministration for early voting hours and locations.