School board, presidential election on same ballot
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The Red River Sun/Bev Odom
WISD business office staff Dian Souder, left, and Kim Phillips organize the metal boxes for early voting that began Oct. 13.
Early voting begins
By Bev Odom/The Red River Sun—
WELLINGTON — In her 25 years with Wellington Independent School District, Business Office Manager Dian Souder has never had a school board trustee election in November.
“We’ve always had it in May with the city election,” she said. “Plus, our school district goes into Childress County, so that makes eight voting boxes with our seven precincts.”
The coronavirus pandemic prevented the typical May local election. Due to ongoing social distancing protocol, early voting has been extended from a two-week period to three weeks, according to election officials.
During the early voting period, ballots will be cast at the business office for the WISD school board election. On Election Day, citizens will vote in precincts for the school board.
Three candidates for two WISD board of trustee terms include incumbent Gene Pena, Mark Lemons and Wade Williams.
Early voting for the Collingsworth County general election and the Wellington ISD school board election began Tuesday, Oct. 13, and will continue through Friday, Oct. 30. Ballots may be cast at the clerk’s office in the courthouse during regular business hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Voters of Precinct 1 will elect a new county commissioner. Republican candidate Farris Nation, who defeated incumbent Elmer Keller in the primary election, faces Democratic candidate Shelly Brim.
Those voting by mail may request an application through the County Clerk’s Office, 800 West Avenue, Box 10, Wellington, Texas 79095.
The application must be returned to that office no later than Oct. 23.
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.The locations of the polling places are as follows:
• Pct. 101 – Rocket House, Pct. 201 – Collingsworth County Courthouse
• Pct. 202 – Dodson Town Hall, Pct. 301 – Calvary Baptist Church
• Pct. 302 – Quail Booster Building
• Pct. 401 – Bura Handley Community Building
• Pct. 402 – Samnorwood High School.
Voters must present a photo ID to vote. Masks are encouraged but not required.
For more information, contact Jackie Johnson, Collingsworth County/District Clerk at 806-447-2408 or in the office on the first floor of the courthouse.
The WISD business office staff can be reached at 806-447-3106 or 606 15th St.