Runoff early voting starts Monday

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Early voting begins Monday in the July 14 Republican and Democratic parties’ primary runoffs.

The runoffs were postponed from May 26 under order of the governor as part of the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

In Wood County, two runoffs are featured in the Republican primary for county sheriff and county commissioner.

Incumbent Sheriff Tom Castloo is seeking a second term and faces Quitman Police Chief Kelly Cole.

In the primary, Cole led a four-person field with 48.7% of the votes, and Castloo received 40.1%.

Castloo won his first term in 2016 in a runoff for an open seat.

For Precinct One commissioner, Virgil Holland faces Keith Gilbreath.

Holland led the primary with 43.8% and Gilbreath gained 34.5% in a three-man race.

The two have also faced each other in two prior elections. Gilbreath won one term in 2008 and was defeated by Holland in 2012 in a runoff. He challenged again in 2016 when Holland won a second term.

There are no state races in the Republican primary runoff, while Democratic voters will be choosing the candidate for the U.S. Senate seat to face Republican incumbent John Cornyn between Royce West and Mary “MJ” Hegar. Also Roberto R. “Beto” Alonzo and Chrysta Castañeda are in a runoff for railroad commissioner.

Early voting will be conducted at the county elections office in the annex just south of the county courthouse in Quitman from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 10.

The elections office will not be open on Friday, July 3 or Saturday, July 4, which are holidays.

Deadline for applications for ballots by mail is Thursday, July 2.

Election day precincts for the runoff are being consolidated as follows:

Voting precincts 1-1, 3-1, 4-1 and 4-4 will vote at the Carroll Green Civic Center in Quitman.

Precinct 1-2 will vote at the Yantis Community Center.

Precincts 1-3 and 1-4 will vote at the Alba Community center.

Precincts 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3 will vote at the First United Methodist Church Ministries Center in Mineola.

Precinct 3-2 will vote at the Holly Lake Volunteer Fire Dept.

Precinct 3-3 will vote at the Hawkins Community Center.

Precincts 4-2 and 4-3 will vote at the Winnsboro City Auditorium.

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day, July 14.

Sample ballots may be viewed under the Elections Department information on the county website, mywoodcounty.com.