Early voting begins next Monday, Feb. 14, in the March 1 Republican and Democratic primary elections. Two contested races headline the Republican primary here in Hemphill County. The re-election bid of Precinct 4 County Commissioner Nicholas Thomas has drawn a challenge from Jim Black, and Justice of the Peace Kathy Dumbauld, running for her first full term of office, is opposed by former deputy Jay Moseley.

Four other local candidates drew no challengers in the primaries. Hemphill County and District Clerk Lisa Johnson is unopposed in her bid to replace retiring County Judge George Briant. Johnson’s chief deputy clerk—Sylvia Guerrero—is also unopposed in her quest to replace Johnson.

Two other incumbents—Precinct 2 County Commissioner Tim Alexander and County Treasurer Kay Smallwood—are also unopposed in their re-election bids.

There is plenty at stake in this midterm election. Due to redistricting, every statewide office—including those of governor and lieutenant governor—are on the ballot, as is every seat in the Texas Legislature. For a complete list of candidates, see the sample ballots on the facing page. For more information, the 36-page nonpartisan Texas League of Women Voters Guide to the 2022 primary candidates is available on The Canadian Record website and can be accessed with this link: https://publisher.etype.services/The-Canadian-Record/e-paper-special-edition/0523F53DDDD4B9FC

Hemphill County voters in all precincts may cast early ballots in either the Republican or Democratic primaries in Suite 202, upstairs at the Hemphill County Courthouse, 400 Main St. in Canadian. Early voting will be held weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm starting Monday, Feb. 14, through Friday, Feb. 18, and from Tuesday, Feb. 22 through Friday, Feb. 25. The polling place will be closed for Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 21.

Applications for ballots by mail can be sent to Hemphill County Clerk Lisa Johnson, PO Box 867, Canadian, TX 79014. Those applications must be received no later than next Fri day, Feb. 18.

On Election Day, March 1, voters must cast their ballots in their precinct polling places, which will be open from 7 am to 7 pm in the following locations:

ELECTION DAY

PRECINCT POLLING PLACES

Pct. 101, Hemphill Co. Courthouse, 400 Main St.

Pct. 201, Fire Station, 2 Main St.

Pct. 202, Precinct 2 Barn, 11625 FM 1453.

Pct. 301, Baker Elementary, 723 Cheyenne Ave.

Pct. 302, Gem Community Bldg., 16425 CR S.

Pct. 303, Precinct 3 Barn, 9450 CR 22.

Pct 401, Canadian High School, 621 S. 5th St.

Pct. 402, Precinct 4 Barn, 15168 FM 277.