Races to be decided Tuesday; early voting brisk

Early voting was doing a brisk business at mid-afternoon Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Veteran election judge Betsy Churgai said the number of voters was high for an election that did not include presidential or mayoral candidates.

Voters seem to know what they're doing, too, Churgai said.

"They're not hesitant," she said about voters who are moving in and out of the Community Center, 408 N. Alister, where the balloting is taking place.

Voters also seem to have reached a comfort level with the computerized voting machines, although some agree to a review of the process before going into the voting booth, Churgai said.

By 3 p.m. Tuesday, 483 had cast early ballots, she said.

Early voting ends tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 3. Voting hours today, Thursday, Nov. 3, and tomorrow, will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7, when voting will be at the Community Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters registered in Nueces County may cast early ballots at any of the early voting locations in the county. If voting outside of Port Aransas, voters must specifically request the Port Aransas ballot that includes three local propositions.

In addition to voting on three proposals to sell bonds for street, drainage and facilities improvements, Port Aransas voters will have a say in some key county and statewide races.

Statewide races attracting attention of Port Aransas voters are those for U.S. Senator between Republican incumbent Kay Bailey Hutchison and Democratic challenger Barbara Ann Radnosfky, as well as the race for governor between Republican incumbent Rick Perry, Democrat Chris Bell and Independent candidates Richard "Kinky" Friedman and Carole Keeton Strayhorn.

Also of interest is the hotly contested race for state representative for District 32. Incumbent Republican Gene Seaman is in the race with Democratic challenger Juan M. Garcia.

The race for Nueces County judge is to replace incumbent Terry Shamsie who is not seeking re-election. On the ballot are former Corpus Christi mayor and Republican candidate Loyd Neal, and former Nueces County sheriff and the Democratic candidate Larry Olivarez.

Another fast-paced race is for Nueces County sheriff between Republican Jim Kaelin and Democrat Jimmy Rodriguez.

The Port Aransas ballot will include three propositions. Proposition 1 is for issuance of $1,305,000 of general obligation bonds for street, curb and sidewalk improvements along with attendant drainage improvements. Proposition 2 is for the issuance of $1,380,000 of general obligation bonds to construct drainage improvements. Proposition 3 is for the issuance of $3,775,000 of general obligation bonds for construction of improvements at city hall.

Election results will be posted on the South Jetty Web site, www.portasouthjetty. com Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, Nov. 8, depending on when they are complete.