From The News-Courier staff—
Knox County residents will cast ballots next Tuesday, July 14, to decide the candidates who will face off in November to decide who will replace Rep. Mac Thornberry as the representative in the U.S. House for District 13.
Early voting at the Knox County Courthouse will end Friday, July 10. The county clerk’s office reported 13 had cast ballots as of last Thursday. The courthouse was closed Friday.
Texas is an open primary state. Those who did not vote in March, can vote in either party primary runoff election. Those who voted in one of the party primaries in March, must to vote in the same party primary in the runoff election. However, residents can vote across party lines in the general election.
Those voting in the Republican runoff will decide between Josh Winegarner and Ronny Jackson. Those voting in the Democratic runoff will choose between Gus Trujillo and Greg Sagan, whose name was left on the ballot despite his earlier announcement about withdrawing for health reasons.
For those who choose to vote on election day, July 14, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at these voting locations:
- Precincts 101 and 202 – Knox County Aging Center in Knox City,
- Precincts 201 and 302 – Wichita Brazos Museum in Benjamin, and
- Precincts 301 and 401 – Munday City Hall.
Lou Vail, chairman of the Knox County Republican party, outlined healthcare protocols for voting in person:
- Maintain social distancing of six feet when feasible. Practice other measures such as hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness and sanitation.
- Self-screen for possible COVID-19 signs: cough, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, fever, etc. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, please consider curbside voting. Eligibility requirements are the same as inside.
- You may use your own blue or black ink pen for checking in and marking your ballot.
- Upon entering the polling place, disinfect or sanitize hands. Then sanitize your hands upon leaving the polling location.
- Consider wearing a cloth face covering when entering the polling place. (not required)
If the election judge cannot recognize a voter wearing a face covering when checking in, the voter should be prepared to lower the covering. After identity is confirmed, the covering can be worn through the rest of the voting process.
