HD120 open: A total of 46 people voted in person today in the HD120 special runoff election between independent Laura Thompson and Democrat Lou Miller. The total does not include ballots by mail, of which there are likely to be significantly more than ballots cast in person. Early voting ends Friday.
To put this in perspective, this is down 84% from the first-day in-person turnout for the HD124 special runoff election for HD124, and that election experienced the fewest voters casting ballots in a special runoff election for a Texas legislative seat since at least 1996.
Bexar Co. election officials are the first to use a newly approved “reasonable impediment affidavit” to permit those without legally required photo identification to cast a ballot.
It is unclear if any of the 46 voters today lacked required identification and instead signed an affidavit.
The winner will serve the remainder of former Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon’s (D-San Antonio) term but will have a very tough road winning a full term against Democratic nominee Barbara Gervin-Hawkins. Thompson has filed paperwork paving the way for an independent candidacy. Miller would have to run as a write-in candidate.
HD146 open: Annie’s List endorsed Erica Lee Carter. Precinct chairs will select a nominee to replace Rep. Borris Miles (D-Houston) on Saturday. At least six people are seeking the seat.
