Saundra Bloom, Howard County elections administrator, said her office is getting ready for the May contests, and suggested area voters do the same by checking their voter readiness.

“April 9 is the last day to submit a voter application or a change of address on your current registration for the May 9 city and school board elections,” said Bloom. “For voters in the city of Big Spring and within the Big Spring Independent School District, you may vote in this election if you are in city Districts 2, 4 or 6, or Big Spring ISD District 2. Only voters residing in these areas may participate.

“Voters in the city of Coahoma will be able to participate if they live within the city limits or if they reside within the Coahoma Independent School District. These voters will also be going to the polls May 9.”

Bloom said voters who are unsure of their status can find out with a quick phone call.

“If you are unsure of your district, it's listed on your voter registration card,” said Bloom. “Your city and school districts are identified in boxes on the right of the card. If you're still unsure, you can contact us at the elections office at 264-2273.”

Early voting is set to begin April 27 at the Howard County Courthouse. Early voting hours are set for 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., with extended hours of 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. offered April 30 and May 5.

“We always try to offer extended hours during early voting because it's hard for many people to get to the polls when they have to work from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.,” said Bloom. “This way they have the opportunity to come in before or after work and cast their ballot early.”

Bloom said branch voting will also take place at the Coahoma Community Center May 4 and 5 for voters in the Coahoma districts.

There will be two locations for voters to cast their ballots on election day, according to Bloom, with Big Spring and Big Spring ISD voters expected to go to the polls at the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum foyer and Coahoma and CISD balloters set to cast their votes at the Coahoma Community Center.

For more information, contact the County Election Office 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