Voting easier with consolidated places
By John Lowman
The Facts
Published April 30, 2007
Early voting in Brazoria County elections is easier this year.
Instead of a long list of polling places for separate elections, residents can go to one of 10 locations throughout the county, Elections Director Janice Evans said. Early voting begins today and runs through May 8. Election Day is May 12.
“In the past, every city, school and political subdivision held their own election,” Evans said. “This year is different. Before, if you wanted to vote in the school district, you had to go that administration office. For city elections, you had to go to city hall. Now, everybody can vote in any location.”
A Lake Jackson resident can stop in Manvel and cast their ballot in any given race, for example. The only exception is the Emergency Services District 3 measure because it’s an annexation issue, Evans said. Voters in that district can cast ballots measure at Angleton or Manvel.
Polling places include the Brazoria County Courthouse West Annex in Angleton, the Alvin Library, Brazoria Pct. 4 county barn, Clute Intermediate School church annex, the Freeport Library, Brazoria County Courthouse north annex in Manvel, Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 in East Pearland, Westside Event Center in West Pearland, Sweeny Community Center and West Columbia City Hall.
“You just go in and all the elections will be in the machines,” Evans said. “We had different political subdivisions come to us over the years asking to do this. After meeting with them, it was decided we’d go ahead and put on this countywide election.
“This is easier for voters, and that’s why we’re doing it.”
Evans gives credit for the change to County Clerk Joyce Hudman.
“Early voting is easier for many because a person can choose whichever location is most convenient to his or her schedule and daily commuter route,” Hudman said in a press release.
Early voters who have moved within the county and have not notified the voter registrar of the change may visit the polling place nearest to their new residence, vote and fill out the proper change of address form for future elections, Hudman said.
On Election Day, they’ll be required to return to their former precinct to vote and fill out a change-of-address form, she said.
All voters must bring their voter registration card or a valid driver’s license.
Early voting hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 7 and 8. Polling hours on Election Day will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Centerpoint Energy’s office in Clute is no longer a polling place.
John Lowman is a reporter for The Facts. Contact him at (979) 237-0151.
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POLLING PLACES
Angleton: Courthouse West Annex, 451 N. Velasco, Room 144
Alvin: Alvin Library,
105 S. Gordon
Brazoria: Pct. 4 County Barn,
1001 Market St.
Clute: Clute Intermediate
School Church Annex,
521 E. Main St.
Freeport: Freeport Library, 410 Brazosport Blvd.
Manvel: Courthouse North Annex, 7313 Corporate Drive
East Pearland: Justice of the Peace Courtroom, 3801 E. Pear
West Pearland: Westside Event Center, 2150 Countryplace Parkway
Sweeny: Sweeny Community Center, 205 W. Ashley Wilson Road
West Columbia: City Council chambers, 512 E. Brazos
Early voting times
Today – Friday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
May 7 – May 8: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Election Day
May 12: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Please visit www.danfrankrealty.com