Filing opens next week for local elections

Next week, candidates can begin filing for a place on the ballot in the May 2 uniform election which involves local political subdivisions.

The first day to file is Wednesday, Jan. 15 and filing for the election runs through Friday, Feb. 14. New to this election is the passing of HB 305 in the 86th Legislative Session, which requires political subdivisions with authority to impose a tax to post information regarding the candidates and election online on their website.

The information online includes the political subdivision contact information, elected officials and when their terms are expiring, date and location for the next election and the requirements and deadline for candidate filing.

The last day to order a general election or special election on a measure will be Friday, Feb. 14. The last day to register to vote in the May 2 election will be Thursday, April 2. Early voting will run Monday, April 20 through Tuesday, April 28. The last day to receive ballot by mail will be on election day at 7 p.m. if not postmarked, or Monday, May 4 at 5 p.m. if postmarked by 7 p.m. at the location of the election on election day.

City of Graham

The city of Graham has three positions up for election in the May 2020 election, one of which is Mayor, held currently by Neal Blanton. The other two city council positions are Place 1, held by Darby Brockway, and Place 2, held by Brint Albritton.

To file, a candidate must be a registered voter in Young County and must reside within the limits of Graham. A candidate must complete an application for a place on the ballot and must submit the ballot to the city. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14.

Ballots must be submitted to Sharon McFadden, 429 Fourth St., P.O. Box 1449, Graham, TX 76450. McFadden can also be reached by phone at 940-549-3322, or email at smcfadden@grahamtexas.net.

Graham ISD

Graham ISD has three positions up for election in the May 2020 election. The positions are Place 7, held by board president Meredith Lucas, Place 6, held by Daniel De La Cruz, and Place 2, held by Brandon Bates who is filling the unexpired term of Z.T. Burkett who announced his resignation from the board in August 2019.

To file, a candidate must be a registered voter in Young County and must reside within the limits of Graham. A candidate must complete an application for a place on the ballot and must submit the ballot to the secretary of the school board. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14.

Superintendent Sonny Cruse is listed as the contact for candidates applying to be on the ballot. He can be reached at 400 Third St., Graham, TX 76450. Cruse can also be reached by phone at 940-549-0595, or email at sonny.cruse@grahamisd.net.

Graham Regional Medical Center

Graham Regional Medical Center has four positions up for election in the May 2020 election. The positions are held by board Vice President Donald Behr, finance committee chairman Terry Bishop, John Garvey and Barrie Strickland.

To file, a candidate must be a registered voter in Young County and a resident of the Graham Hospital District. An employee of the Graham Hospital District is unable to serve as director. Candidates will be required to complete the application for a place on the ballot and submit the application to the secretary of the board of directors at 1301 Montgomery Road, Graham, TX.

GRMC board of directors secretary, Tammy Whittenburg, is listed as the candidate contact. She can be contacted by phone at 940-521-5302, or email at twhitt@grahamrmc.com.

For the full story, see the Wednesday, Jan. 8 edition of The Graham Leader.