Dateline: March 2, 2006

Parties to hold primary elections next week 

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

Republicans and Democrats across Texas will go to the polls next Tuesday to cast ballots in party primaries.

Winners of the primary elections will represent their parties on the general election ballot in November.

The only local contest this primary season is the Precinct 4 commissioner’s position, with incumbent Bob Trout facing challenger Brad Dalton on the Democratic ballot.

Democrats will cast ballots in the following locations: Precinct 101 – Clarendon College Dickey Library, Precinct 102 – Howardwick Baptist Church, Precinct 201 – Donley County Courthouse Judge’s Office, Precinct 301-303 – Hedley Lions Den, and Precinct 401 – Burton Memorial Library.

Republicans will vote at these locations: Precinct 101 – Clarendon College Bairfield Activity Center, Precinct 102 – Howardwick City Hall, Precincts 201 and 301 – Donley County Courthouse Commissioners’ Courtroom, Precinct 302 – Hedley Senior Citizens Center Meeting Room, and Precinct 401 – Church of Christ Family Life Center.

Check your voter’s registration card to determine which polling place you should use.

Voters casting ballots in the primaries will be ineligible to sign petitions calling for either Carole Keeton Strayhorn or Kinky Friedman to be placed on the November ballot as independent candidates for governor.

County Clerk Fay Vargas also reminds voters to carefully darken the oval next to the name of the candidate of their choice rather than marking an X as was done in the past. This will allow ballots to be counted by machines this year.