Republicans turn out for early voting

The first day of early voting for party primary elections drew 938 people to the polls, with 877 votes in the Republican primary and 61 in the Democratic primary.

The only local races for Orange County are in the Republican Party with contested races for sheriff, Precinct 2 Constable, Precinct 4 Constable, and county party chair.

Also drawing interest from around the country is the Republican race for Texas House of Representatives District 21. Incumbent Dade Phelan, who has served two terms as speaker of the Texas House, is being challenged by David Covey of Mauriceville, and Alicia Davis of Jasper County.

The Republican Party ended the first day of early voting with a total of 948, with 71 of those being mail-in absentee votes. The Raymond Gould Community Center in Vidor was the busiest with 349 votes, followed by the Orange Public Library with 205, the County Airport with 193, and the Mauriceville Community Center with 130. Eligible county voters with proper ID may cast a ballot at any of the locations.

Locally, Sheriff Jimmy Lane Mooney is running for a second term and being challenged by Ron Dischler, Bobby Smith, and Mike Sanchez. Precinct 2 Constable Jeremiah Gunter is facing David Bailey and Harold Hass. Precinct 4 Constable is running against Joey Jacobs, and OC Republican Chair Leo LaBauve III is being challenged by Cheryl Warren.

Early voting continue for two weeks with hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, through Friday, February 23; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 24; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 25; and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, February 26, through Friday, March 1.