We say: Consider the issues. Consider the candidates. Get out and vote.

Polls have opened at six locations in Johnson County where those choosing to do so may cast early ballots in Republican and Democratic primary elections.

Early voting continues through Feb. 26. Any voter qualified to vote in the March 2 primary election is eligible for early voting by personal appearance. In Texas, any voter may cast a ballot in either party’s primary election, but not both.

Voters will be asked to decide party nominees for county, state and national seats. It is important to cast a ballot, because in some cases the party's nominee will take the seat outright without challenge from the other party or a Libertarian candidate.

That is the case in every county race on the Republican ballot facing Joshua voters.

Incumbents in the county judge and county commissioner, Precinct 2, race are opposed. The county clerk position includes two candidates without an incumbent. The winner of the primary election in those races will earn the seat.

While Democratic Party voters in Joshua won't have county elections to decide, there will be many state and national decisions facing them and Republican Party voters.

Republicans will decide which of five candidates should oppose Chet Edwards for U.S. representative.

Seven candidates have lined up to earn the nod for the Democratic governor's nomination, with Farouk Shami and Bill White as the frontrunners.

The race to have drawn the most attention is for the Republican nomination for governor. Incumbent Rick Perry is being challenged by U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and Debra Medina, who has gained favor with Taxed Enough Already (TEA) Party folks.

Five Libertarian candidates have also lined up for the governor's race.

Every key state seat is held by a Republican.

Three candidates are seeking the nomination to oppose Republican David Dewhurst for the lieutenant governor's position.

Barbara Ann Radnofsky is unopposed in her Democratic run to face incumbent state attorney general Greg Abbott.

Republican incumbent Susan Combs will not face a Democratic challenger for state comptroller.

Democratic voters will decide whether Kinky Friedman or Hank Gilbert will oppose Todd Staples for agriculture commissioner.

Incumbent Victor Carillo will face Republican challenger David Porter for the nomination to meet Democrat Jeff Weems for railroad commissioner.

There is some concern on the Republican ballot in the race for state senator. Kip Averitt has withdrawn from the race, citing medical reasons, but will appear on the ballot. Darren Yancy is his Republican opponent.

Incumbent Rob Orr faces a Republican challenge from Cleburne mayor Ted Reynolds for state representative. The winner will face Democrat John Greene in the fall.

There are six judge seats facing Joshua voters.

Following are the early voting locations in Johnson County for the primary midterm elections:

• Hill College, 2112 Mayfield Blvd., Cleburne, Texas 76033.


• Burleson Courthouse Annex, Room #104, 247 Elk Drive, Burleson, Texas 76028.


• Commissioner Pct. 3 Maintenance Facility, 10420 E. FM 917, Alvarado, Texas 76009.


• Johnson Co. Pioneers & Old Settlers Reunion, 1111 Reunion Drive, Alvarado, Texas 76009.


• Commissioner Pct. 4 Maintenance Facility, 4300 E. FM 4, Cleburne, Texas 76031.


• Elections Conference Room - Courthouse, 2 N. Main St. Rm. B6, Cleburne, Texas 76033.

Following are the Election Day voting locations for Joshua voters for the primary midterm elections:

• Precincts 2, 12 and 29: First United Methodist Church, 114 Paula Dr., Joshua, Texas 76058.


• Precincts 13: Lane Prairie Church, 412 CR 704, Joshua, Texas 76058.