Early voting starts Monday
Published 9:06 am Saturday, October 22, 2016
By Dawn Burleigh
dawn.burleigh@orangeleader.com
Selection of the next President for the United States begins on Monday.
After listening to the debates and doing the research, one may finally cast a vote for the candidate of their choice as early election begins.
Locally, all the choices were made during the run-off elections in May.
To vote, one has the option to cast a straight-party vote. This option will cast a vote for all nominees of one of the four parties running – Republican (REP), Democrat (DEM), Libertarian (LIB), or Green Party (GRN).
One may also vote for a write-in candidate by writing in the name and darkening the oval next to it.
One must darken the oval next to the candidate of choice to actually cast a vote.
On the federal level, one has the opportunity to vote for their choice for President and Vice President.
United States Representative, District 36 seat is on the ballot. Brian Babin (REP) incumbent is running against Hal J Ridley Jr. (GRN).
State level, seven races are on the ballot: Railroad Commissioner, Justice Supreme Court Place 3, Place 5 and Place 9, Judge Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2, Place 5 and Place 6.
Voters can find other helpful information on voting at the LWV-Texas website www.lwvtexas.org or at www.VOTE411.org. The Official 2016 League of Women Voters Guide can also be found on the League of Women Voters website.
VOTE411 allows one to compare two candidates at a time, side by side, to help educate voters.
Early voting locations are Orange Public Library, located at 220 North 5th Street in Orange, Bridge City Public Works Building, located at 220 Nitsche in Bridge City, Mauriceville Volunteer Fire Department, located at 10691 North State Hwy. 62 in Mauriceville, and Raymond Gould Community Center, located at 385 Claiborne in Vidor.
Early voting will take place 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Oct. 24 – Oct. 29 and Oct. 31 – Nov. 4. One Tuesday, Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, the hours will be extended from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. for those unable to go during regular hours.
Election Day is November 8.
Sample ballots are available below or http://www.co.orange.tx.us/Elections_Information.html
