According to County Elections Administrator Saundra Bloom, the open house, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., is an opportunity for area residents curious about the electoral process to get their answers first-hand.

“This is a chance for people to come and see the voting machines and the process we go through to hold an election, from the beginning to the end,” said Bloom. “This will give us an opportunity to explain the security measures in place and answer any questions the public may have on the process.”

Bloom said the open house is also an excellent chance for voters who haven't used the new electronic voting booths to familiarize themselves with them in preparation for November's presidential election.

“Some people have questions or concerns about the electronic voting machines,” said Bloom. “We hope we can put their minds at ease before the November election. We're anticipating a large number of first-time voters in this election and we want to make sure they are familiar with the process so things will go smoothly.”

Bloom said area residents who miss out on the open house will get a second shot during the Howard County Fair.

“We'll have a booth set up and invite anyone to come by and register to vote or ask questions. We'll also have an electronic voting machine set up to help familiarize the voters, as well,” she said.

The Howard County Fair opens Wednesday and continues through Saturday.

Voters will have plenty to choose from going into November's election, with a pair of seats on the Howard County Commissioners Court and sheriff on the line.

In the race for Howard County sheriff, Republican candidate Stan Parker, a former officer with the Big Spring Police Department, is facing off against Democratic nominee Pat Carter, a former sheriff's deputy.

The District 1 seat on the commissioners court is also up for grabs, as Emma Brown, incumbent and Democratic Party nominee, is taking on Republican nominee Edwin Ware.

The District 3 seat on the court will see a new face following the November contest, as Democratic nominee Dick Dubose takes on Republican candidate Jimmie Long.

Also in local contests, County Attorney Mike Thomas is running for re-election with the Democratic Party, challenged by local attorney Joshua Hamby, who is running on the Republican ticket.

County Constable Bill Holden is also running for re-election on the Democratic ticket, challenged by Republican nominee Kneel B. Stallings.

In state politics, incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) is running against Democratic opponent Rick Noriega and Libertarian candidate Yvonne Adams Schick.

Incumbent District 19 U.S. Representative Randy Neugebauer is riding the Republican ticket into the November election, facing Democratic nominee Dwight Fullingim and Libertarian nominee Richard "Chip"  Peterson.

District 31 State Senator Kel Seliger is also taking the GOP's nod into the contest, with only Libertarian candidate Lauren Poindexter opposing the incumbent.

Democratic incumbent Joe Heflin is running for re-election to his State Representative District 85 seat, facing Republican nominee Isaac M. Castro on the ballot.

For more information on the election or open house, 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