Final Day of Early Voting Adds to Record Turnout

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Early voting in Tom Green County continues at a steady pace as 28 percent of registered voters have cast ballots as of the close of business Thursday.

According to Elections Administrator Vona Hudson, 18,682 votes have been cast out of the 67,007 registered voters. 

San Angelo voters are weighing in on two bond proposals for the San Angelo Independent School District.  A $149 million bond proposal failed by just two votes back in May. 

The San Angelo ISD regrouped and repackaged the bond into two propositions; Proposition A is for $111 million for "safety and security measures, handicap accessibility upgrades, aging conditions and classroom spaces through additions and renovations of existing facilities." and Proposition B is for $31 million for a 3,000 seat gym at Central High School and a $3 million field house at Lake View.  The average home owner would see their property tax rise by about $15 per month if both bond proposals are approved.  The San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, Shannon Medical Center and San Angelo Community Hospital have endorsed passage of both bond proposals.  There are numerous yard signs both in favor and opposing the bonds.  

Voters in the Christoval ISD also rejected a bond proposal in May.  The Christoval ISD has a bond proposition for $11.6 million currently on the ballot.  The funds would be used to upgrade and renovate the elementary school and add a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) facility.  

The engine driving record voter turnout across the state is the race for United States Senator between incumbent Republican Ted Cruz and Democrat challenger Beto O'Rourke.  The latest RealClearPolitics poll had Cruz up 6.5 percent over O'Rourke. 

Voters in Pct. 1 in Tom Green County will decide between incumbent Republican Justice of the Peace Susan Werner and Democrat challenger Sally Ayana.  

Tom Green County Pct. 4 voters have a choice between incumbent Republican County Commissioner Bill Ford and Write-in challenger Gilbert Gallegos. 

Polls are open at the five early voting locations Friday until 7 p.m.  Those locations are the Keyes Building downtown, the PAYS school on Knickerbocker Rd., Lincoln Middle School, Central High School and the Christoval Community Center in Christoval.  Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6 and there will be 19 voting locations open on election day.