POLLS OPEN: Voters to decide races today

Voters go to the polls today, Aug. 6, across Texas County to decide nominees in the August primary.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. at precinct locations.

Locally, contested races include the Republican nomination for District 1 commissioner, which includes incumbent John Casey challenged by Mark Forbes. Scott Lindsey, sheriff, is opposed for reelection by Rex Churchill and Jordan Goodwin. All are Republicans.

The region also will elect a new state senator in District 33, which includes Texas County. Two state representatives are seeking the seat: Republican Reps. Travis Smith of Twin Bridges and Brad Hudson of Cape Fair. The incumbent is Karla Eslinger, who became commissioner of education in Missouri.

For the 143rd District House seat, Republican Rep. Bennie Cook, R-Houston, is opposed by Phillip Lohmann of Rolla. The winner faces Democrat Bernadette Holzer of Houston in November.

Three are seeking the Republican nomination for the 8th Congressional District. They are incumbent Jason Smith of Salem, James Snider of Hillsboro and Grant Heithold of Licking. The winner faces the victor of the Democratic primary, Randi McCallian of Rolla or Franklin Delano Roth II of Hillsboro.

The marquee primary race in Missouri is for Missouri governor. Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe is opposed by Secretary of State John R. “Jay” Ashcroft and State Sen. Bill Eigel, the main contenders to fill the position held by Gov. Mike Parson, who cannot seek reelection. Democrats are choosing between two Springfieldian front-runners: Rep. Crystal Quade and Mike Hamra, a business owner.

Two constitutional issues appear on the ballot. No. 1 relates to taxation of child care property; No. 4 is a question about funding the Kansas City Police Department. A local issue, if approved, would raise funds for salary increases for employees and general operating expenses at the Licking School District.

VOTING

A sample ballot – which includes statewide races for Tuesday’s election – appears on Page M5.

Results will appear Tuesday night at houstonherald.com

LOCAL CANDIDATES UNOPPOSED

Several party nominees are running unopposed for local positions: Bill Hickle, 25th Circuit judge; Robert Ross, county commissioner, District 2; Taylor Clinton, assessor; Brenten Honeycutt, coroner; Charles “Chuck” Manier, surveyor; and Tina Garrett, public administrator. All are Republicans. Collector-Treasurer Tammy Cantrell also is running unopposed. She is a Democrat.

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