Early voting has started
Recent death adds ballot names

Early voting for the March 4 party primaries will be 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Feb. 25-28 at the Angelina County Sub-courthouse in Diboll.

Voting began Tuesday at the Angelina County Courthouse in Lufkin and continues through Feb. 29. The tax office will be open Friday and Saturday for early voting as well, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24.

Any registered voter may cast a ballot in one of the two primary elections, which are being conducted by the Democratic and Republican parties, but voters may not vote in both.

A twist in the primary was created by the death last week

of longtime Tax Assessor-Collector Bill Shanklin. Two candidates, Thelma "Midget" Sherman and David Minshew, are contesting that position in the Democratic primary. No Republican filed for the position.

County Judge Wes Suiter said Friday he will recommend to commissioners that the winner of the Democratic primary be appointed to replace Shanklin. Although he has not had a chance to discuss the matter with commissioners, three of whom were out of town last week, Suiter said that appointment would be the logical thing to do.

Republican voters will face no local contested races in their primary, although the presidential race between Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee probably will draw voters. Texas Rep. Ron Paul also is on the ballot.

However, much more attention has been focused on the Democratic presidential contest between Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois. Democrats also face contested primary elections for constable in precincts 2 and 3. Four constable races will be contested in the November general election.

The only countywide race in November will pit Republican Trenton Burfine against incumbent Democratic Sheriff Kent Henson.