According to Saundra Bloom, elections administrator for Howard County, a number of voters have headed to the polls over the past few days to vote on an issue that's not on the ballot.

“I've had several people come in to vote and ask about a homestead exemption topic on this ballot,” said Bloom. “However, there's nothing about a homestead exemption on this year's ballot. They've told us they heard it on the news and other places, and I don't know what to tell them.”

Bloom said the confusion might center around last year's May election, when voters were asked to weigh in on a constitutional amendment concerning homestead exemptions.

“Last year's amendment was meant to address Texas taxpayers over the age of 65 or who are disabled, and were unable to benefit from the 2006 state mandated reduction in school district taxes,” said Bloom. “However, I have no idea how people got the idea that was going to be on the ballot this year.”

Monday's opening of early voting went off with anything but a bang, according to Bloom, who said she hopes voting picks up soon.

“Monday we only had 45 people come in and vote in person,” said Bloom, “so it's been pretty slow. It's certainly been slower than I expected. I'm really hoping things pick up toward the end of early voting. There's a lot going on at the end of April and first part of May, and that could certainly have an effect on people's ability to get to the polls.”

“Early voting for the May 10 city council, school trustee and school bond races began Monday and will continue through May 6,” said Bloom. “Early voting is being held at the county courthouse, in the third floor courtroom. Voters can cast their ballots from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.”

Bloom said area residents who missed out on extended hours for the early voting polls will get one last chance Thursday.

“We’ll be staying open until 8 p.m. Thursday,” said Bloom. “A lot of people simply can’t get out of work in time to make it to the courthouse before the normal 5 p.m. close of the polls, so this gives them a chance to vote early when they might not otherwise have the chance.

“We’ll also be holding branch voting Monday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 6, at the Coahoma Community Center from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. We’re hoping to give people a chance to vote early that might not otherwise be able to.”

And while Coahoma and Forsan candidates made it out of the filing period without a contested race, Big Spring residents will have at least two municipal races to vote on.

District 1 incumbent Stephanie Horton will face challenger Marcus Fernandez, a unit manager with Cornell Correction’s Cedar Hill Unit, while District 3 councilwoman Jo Ann Staulcup will face off against John “Huck” Huckabee, owner of Huck’s Automotive.

For more information on early voting, contact Bloom at 264-2273.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it