From staff reports
Val Verde County voters turned out in force Monday, casting 1,294 ballots on the opening day of early voting for the Nov. 3 general election, according to Val Verde County Clerk Teresa Esther Chapoy.
Monday’s turnout fell only 52 votes short of the 1,346 ballots cast on the first day of early voting during the 2024 presidential election.
Early voting continues Tuesday at the Del Rio Civic Center, 1915 Veterans Blvd. The polling place will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
Voting hours expand to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, followed by 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The civic center will then be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, through Friday, Oct. 30.
Among the races drawing voters are the U.S. Senate contest between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico and the governor’s race between Republican Greg Abbott and Democrat Gina Hinojosa.
Locally, Republican Brandon Herrera faces Democrat Katy Padilla Stout for the Congressional District 23 seat. Republican Marcus Cardenas is challenging Democratic state Sen. Roland Gutierrez in Senate District 19, while Republican Robert Garza faces Democratic state Rep. Eddie Morales in House District 74.
However, the dominant draw in Val Verde County is the race between Val Verde County Judge Lewis G. Owens Jr. and former commissioner Beau Nettleton.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
