From Staff Reports

Early voting for the March 2 Republican and Democratic primary elections will conclude today.

Early voters can cast ballots until 7 p.m. today at the Grayson County Courthouse in Sherman and the Sub Courthouse in Denison.

Election Day will be Tuesday March 2. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Van Alstyne voters in Precincts 33 and 34 can cast their ballots at the Van Alstyne Community Center, 262 N. Preston.

Howe voters in Precinct 35 can cast their ballots at the Howe Community Center, 700 W. Haning.

Dorchester voters in Precinct 54 can cast their ballots at Dorchester Baptist Church, 11831 F.M. 902.

The following six races are contested:

Democratic candidates for county judge: Greg Middents and Glen Melancon;

Republican candidates for County Court at Law # 2: Carol M. Siebman and Jack McGowen;

Republican candidates for District Clerk: Kathy Aaron, Kelly Clark Ashmore, and Michele Gudea;

Republican candidates for County Commissioner Pct. 2: David Whitlock and Martin McLain;

Republican candidates for Commissioner, Pct. 4: Bart Lawrence and Mike Springer;

Republican candidates for JP Pct. 4: Larry Ashley and Doak Howarton.

More Republican Races

U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall will face several challengers for his longtime District 4 congressional seat. Lou Gigliotti, Steve Clark, John Cooper, Joshua Kowert and Jerry Ray "Tea" Hall each will vie for the chance to face Democrat VaLinda Hathcox in November's general election.

Gov. Rick Perry is facing primary challenges from U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina.

Railroad Commissioner Victor Carrillo faces a challenge from David Porter.

Republican voters also will vote on five ballot propositions.

The first proposes legislation that would require voters to provide valid photo identification in order to cast a ballot.

Proposition 2 would require every government body in the state to limit annual increases in its budget and spending to the combined increase of population and inflation unless it first gets voter approval or in the case of an official emergency.

Proposition 3 calls for a reduction in federal taxes to replace federal stimulus spending.

Proposition 4 calls for the word "God", prayers and the Ten Commandments to be allowed at public gatherings, public educational institutions and government buildings and property.

Proposition calls for a sonogram to be performed and shown to any woman about to undergo a medically unnecessary elective abortion.

More Democratic Races

The Democratic primary features seven candidates for the governor's seat. Felix Alvarado, Sara Locke, Alma Ludivina Aguado, Bill White, Farouk Shami, Clement E. Glenn and Bill Dear are vying for the position.

Marc Katz, Linda Chavez-Thompson and Ronnie Earle are seeking the chance to face Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in November's general election.

Hector Uribe and Bill Burton are seeking the General Land Office commissioner post.

Kinky Friedman and Hank Gilbert are vying to become commissioner of agriculture.