Prolonged runoff early voting continues

Early voting continues this week at four locations in Milam County for the July 14 Republican and Democratic Primary runoffs.

It’s a much longer period that usual due to the COVID-19 situation, lasting until July 10.

Through the first two days, 779 votes were cast countywide in both parties.

There’s only one Milam race. Pct. 1 Constable Richard “Opey” Watkins is challenged for re-election in the Republican Primary by Henry “Hub” Hubnik.

Here are the four early voting locations and dates:

• Patterson Civic Center, Rockdale—Through

Thursday July 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; July 6, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; July 7-10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Bea’s Kitchen, Cameron—Through July 2, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; July 6, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; July 7-10, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Thorndale VFW Hall— Through July 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; July 6, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; July 7-10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Buckholts Community Center—Through July 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; July 6, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; July 7-10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Any registered Milam voter may cast a ballot in any location. But those who voted in a party primary in March may not vote in the other party’s primary.

Pete Sessions and Renee Swann are vying on the Republican ballot for Congress, 17th district, while the Democratic candidates are David Anthony Jaramillo and Rick Kennedy. Winners will face off in November.

Democrats Mary “M.J.” Hegar and Royce West are vying for the party nomination to the U. S. Senate.

Democratic candidates for Railroad Commissioner are Roberto “Beto” Alonzo and Chrysta Castañeda.