Early voting underway for March 3 primary in Cooke County

GAINESVILLE, Texas — Early voting is underway for the March 3 primary election in Cooke County, with ballots being cast at the Cooke County Courthouse Annex through Feb. 27. Voters can cast their ballots at 101 S. Dixon St. in Gainesville. Hours vary by day: most weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours to 6 p.m. on Feb. 21 and Saturday hours on Feb. 22 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Several contested races headline the Republican primary ballot in Cooke County. A three-way race for county judge tops the local contests. Statewide races include governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller of public accounts, agricultural commissioner and railroad commissioner. The District 62 state representative seat and appellate court positions for Place 3 and Place 8 are also contested. The Democratic primary features contested races at the federal and state levels, plus appellate court seats for Place 6 and Place 8. Precinct chair elections appear on both party ballots across various precincts. Voters may bring marked sample ballots or voter guides into the polling location as reference materials. Cell phones are prohibited inside the voting area. The primary election determines each party's nominees for the November general election. In Cooke County, the Republican primary has historically drawn the largest voter turnout. For a complete list of candidates and sample ballots, contact the Cooke County Elections Office or visit the county website at co.cooke.tx.us.