Turnout steady as early voting gets under way in city, ECISD
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

Voter turnout was described as steady on the first day of early voting in May city and El Campo school races, but dismal in the Isaacson Municipal Utility District.

In the first day, a total of 178 ballots were cast in city and school races, Wharton County Elections Administrator Judy Owens reported.

Of those all voted on the school district race and 138 in the municipal election.

In comparison, first day turnout in the city of Wharton election was only 22 and 28 cast ballots in East Bernard.

"It's quite a difference," Owens said, adding turnout was steady without any mass rushes.

Early voting continues 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, May 2. Extended voting hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, May 5 and 6.

Voters can cast ballots at the El Campo Fire & EMS station for both the city and school election.

Voting is being conducted with the county's electronic system.

This year the El Campo at-large Council election has drawn seven candidates. The top three vote-getters of all atlarge candidates win the posts. Historically, the mayor and mayor pro tem are selected from these three posts.

In the El Campo school race, two seats on the board are contested.

IMUD ballots can be cast at the district's North Liberty Street office.

There are four hopefuls for the IMUD board. The top three vote-getters will win seats.

Only two people had cast IMUD ballots as of presstime Tuesday.