| By Wednesday evening, a total of 31,632 early votes had been cast in primary elections in Fort Bend County.
Boosted by the hotly-contested Democratic presidential battle, voters are turning up this year in record numbers. Though Fort Bend Republicans in years past have shown up in greater numbers for March primaries, the apparent resolution of their presidential nominee has kept enthusiasm at bay this year.
Early voting continues Thursday and Friday, in advance of the official voting day Tuesday. County election officials have been encouraging residents to vote early in order to avoid expected long lines on election day. Also, early voters can choose from any of 14 locations to cast ballots, whereas those voting on election day must do so at the designated location for their voting precinct.
By Wednesday evening, only in Needville, Pecan Grove and Fulshear were there greater numbers of Republican ballots than Democratic.
The Missouri City Center had drawn the greatest number of total voters, at 6,371, as well as the most Democratic votes, at 5,369. First Colony drew the largest amount of Republican voters with 1,922.
While much of the hype on the Democratic ticket has been on the presidential primary, there are several contested primaries at the local level.
Those races include a heated contest for District 27 state representative between incumbent Dora Olivo of Rosenberg and challenger Ron Reynolds of Missouri City. Also, five candidates are looking to earn the nomination for the office of Fort Bend County Precinct 1 Commissioner - Rodrigo Carreon, Gerald Anderson, Marty Rocha, Richard Morrison and Sharon Wallingford.
In the Republican primary, voters are choosing among 10 candidates looking to take on Democratic U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson in the general election, while Precinct 1 Commissioner Tom Stavinoha faces two Republican challengers, Greg Ordeneaux and Bill Dostal.
The Republican primary also includes contested races for sheriff, as well as the Precinct 1 and 3 constables and the Precinct 1, Place 1 justice of the peace. These races will be decided entirely by the Republican primary, since Democrats have not filed for positions in the November general election.
Polls will be open through 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at all 14 locations. They are the Rosenberg Annex Building, Missouri City Community Center, Garcia Middle School, Cinco Ranch Branch Library, Hightower High School, Fulshear Precinct 3 Office Building, Beasley City Hall, Pecan Grove Baptist Church, Lost Creek Park, Chasewood Clubhouse, First Colony Conference Center, Old Needville Fire House, Townewest Town Hall and University of Houston at Cinco Ranch.
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