The last day to register to vote in the May 7 special election is Thursday, April 7. This is also the deadline for updating voter registration information.

The last day to request a mail-in ballot (received, unpostmarked) is Tuesday, April 26.

Early voting will begin on Monday April 25 and end on Tuesday May 3. Specific days and times have yet to be posted by the county elections office.

Early voting will take place at Annex 1, 1410 W. Pearl St.

The deadline to register to vote in the May 24 run-off election or to update your voter registration information ahead of this election is April 25.

Friday, May 13 is the deadline for receiving requests to vote by mail.

The early voting period for the second round will be May 16-20. Times have not yet been released, but voters can check for updates on the Elections and Voter Registration page on the county’s website, www.co.hood.tx.us.

Sample ballots will also be posted there.

Hood County is heavily Republican, and the runoff election will feature several local contests involving GOP candidates.

County Judge Ron Massingill is in a runoff with Mark Shackelford, and Wayne Baker Jr. and Stephen Barnett will face off in a contest for the position of Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace.

The winner of each of those contests won’t face any Democratic challengers in the November general election.

The May 24 ballot will also include constituency presidents, and there are several contested seats.

Those involved in the precinct contests are: Clint Head and Terry McNew (City 101); David C. Cook and Van Vernon (City 103); David Streiff and Ericka Grim (City 211); Jim Lilly and Kay Crain (City 216); James F. Hyde and Nate Criswell (City 314); and Cathy Hays and Courtney Gore (City 317).

In certain circumstances, circuit presidents can choose who will hold the position.

Under Section 145.036 of the Texas Election Code, when a party candidate for public office retires, dies, or vacates, the executive committee, which is made up of precinct presidents, fills the vacancy.

The replacement would not have to be one of the original primary candidates.

In a county where one party is dominating and there is no opposing party candidate on the general election ballot, this would effectively mean that precinct presidents would choose the new incumbent. There would be no second election or any other method of selection involving voter choice.

Voters will have the opportunity to hear from the Precinct Presidential candidates, as well as the County Judge and JP3 candidates, at a Candidates Forum scheduled for Tuesday, May 10.

The event will take place in the Council Chambers of Granbury City Hall, 116 W. Bridge St.

The county judge and JP3 candidates will speak from 6-7 p.m. After that, the candidates for the presidency of the constituency will be allowed to present themselves to the public.