Election officials will have to handle municipal and educational board filings on top of preparing for early voting in the political primaries — an event not connected with the board and council elections — which begins in mid-February.

According to officials, two seats will be up for election on the Big Spring City Council. Those are currently held by Mayor Russ McEwen and District 5 Councilman Troy Tompkins. Both McEwen and Tompkins have indicated they plan to run for re-election.

Up for grabs in the city of Coahoma are at-large seats held by Linda Luce, R.L. Coates and Brandon Atkins.

Luce said she hasn't made a decision whether to run for re-election yet. Atkins said he doesn't plan to run this year. Attempts to reach Coates were unsuccesful.

In the city of Forsan three seats will be on the ballot this year. Mayor Roger Hudgens and council members Allie Lansford and Dianna Walker are all facing the question whether to run for another term.

Hudgens has indicated that he will run for re-election, but the two remaining candidates have not made an announcement as to their intentions at this time, according to Forsan officials.

In the city of Stanton, Mayor Lester Baker's seat on the council will be on the ballot, along with council members Ronnie Christian (District 1), Michelle Kidd (District 2) and James Jenkins (District 3).

Political hopefuls and incumbents can begin filing their candidacy Feb. 6, according to Howard County Elections Administrator Saundra Bloom, with the deadline to sign up set for March 8.

Early voting in both municipal and educational board elections is slated for April 26 through May 4. All Big Spring, Howard College, Coahoma and Forsan early voting will take place at the county courthouse in the elections office, located on the third floor.

Election day is May 8. For more information on the election or voter registration, contact the Howard County Elections 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