Published: November 03, 2008 09:45 pm      

County voters to decide three races

Walker County voters will help decide a new president and settle three contested county races when they go to the polls today.

Voting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 18 precinct boxes countywide.

Heading today’s ballot is the presidential election with Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin up against Democrats Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

There is also the U.S. Senate race between John Cornyn and Rick Noreiga and incumbent U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady of The Woodlands seeking re-election against Democrat Kent Hargett and Libertarian Brian Stevens.

The three contested races for county positions include sheriff — incumbent Clint McRae (R) opposed by Doyce F. Cook (D); Precinct 1 commissioner — incumbent B.J. Gaines Jr. (D) opposed by Bobby Bates (R); and Charles W. Rushing (R) is opposed by Bobby Warren (D) for Precinct 3 commissioner.

Dee Brimer, county deputy elections administrator, is expecting a heavy voter turnout as was the case during the 12-day early voting period.

With an estimated 31,000 registered voters in the county, one-third, or a record 10,401 people, cast ballots during early voting.

Brimer would like to see another one-third, or more, voters turn out for today’s presidential election.

Another record was set Friday — the final day of early voting — when 1,163 voters made it to the county annex, eclipsing Wednesday’s previous single-day best of 1,055 and Thursday’s third best of 1,035.

“I hope that Election Day goes just as well,” she said. “I hope we didn’t do it all early voting. I am expecting a good turnout.”

Brimer expects the heaviest voter turnout in boxes 102, 201, 205, 301, 304 and 404.