Where the City Election Turnout Stands Now That Early Voting is Over

SAN ANGELO, TX — Early election for city council candidates and mayoral candidates have come to a close. Over the past week, San Angelo voters had the option to vote electronically or use a paper ballot during early voting. Only 3 in 10 chose the paper option. Tom Green County Elections Administrator Vona Hudson said that while fewer voters are casting paper ballots, those choosing paper are adamant, “they want that paper ballot!" Voters must cast ballots electronically on Election Day, though. There will be no other option. Today, the early voting results are in. 

Hudson says 513 ballots were cast as of 2 p.m. yesterday, the last day of early voting for the City of San Angelo election, putting the total early voting at about 2,700 votes.  Hudson said the elections office expects 50 percent of voters to cast ballots early and 50 percent on Election Day, “that’ll put us somewhere around 5,500 to 6,000 votes for the election which is in line with the 2015 city election.” However, despite the big numbers, Hudson added that this years early voting turnout was a "much smaller turnout than that in 2016 when the police chief was on the ballot.” 

This year, San Angelo voters are choosing a new mayor and four new city council representatives.  Candidates for mayor are Brenda Gunter, Charlotte Farmer, Zach Taylor and Tony Villarreal.  For city council, the following are running:

• District 1: Bill Richardson, Darrin Fentress Tommy Hiebert, Anna Bartosh.
• District 2: Tom Thompson.
• District 4: Chris Giroux, Lucy Gonzales.
• District 6: Rebekah Coffman, Billie F. Dewitt, Steve Hampton.

Hudson says voting centers will be open from 7 am to 7 pm on Election Day, May 6,  at 18 locations across the city, two fewer than in 2016.  “Grape Creek and Christoval voting centers are not open for this election,” Hudson said, as there are no elections in those locations this time. 

Additionally, Hudson added that the Elections Office is preparing for a runoff election because of the number of candidates running for mayor and city councilman in SMD 1.  If no candidate wins 50 percent plus one additional vote, the top two will advance to the runoff election set for July 8. 

Early voting for the runoff, if necessary, would be June 26 to July 3.  Paper ballots would be available during early voting for the runoff.  

LIVE! will continue to bring city council profiles through the rest of the week.