Candidates lock in May ballot spots

The race is on for city and school board elections across Bastrop County, with several races drawing multiple challengers and setting up competitive contests.

The filing period closed Feb. 13 and voters will head to the polls for election day May 2, with sites open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the county. Early voting runs April 20-28 at four locations:

• Bastrop County Courthouse Annex, 804 Pecan St. in Bastrop
• North Bastrop County Community Annex, 704 Bull Run Road in Elgin
• Smithville Recreation Center, 106 Royston St. in Smithville
• Cedar Creek Tax Office Annex, 5785 FM 535 in Cedar Creek

ELGIN

Elgin’s mayoral seat and four City Council positions are up for election in May. Each ward is represented by two council members, but only one seat per ward is on the ballot this year.

Mayor Theresa McShan has filed for reelection, joined in the race by Stephanie Lippke.

Ward 1 incumbent Joy Casnovsky is not seeking reelection. No candidates have filed for the seat.

Charles “Chuck” Swain looks to retain for Ward 2 against challengers Wes Callais and Roland Silva.

Current Ward 3 representative Al Rodriguez will be met by Agatha Christi Mayfield on the ticket.

Mayor Pro Tem Sue Brashar is not seeking another term for Ward 4. Brenda Gulliksor Pina is the only candidate who has filed for the seat.

Two Elgin Independent School District trustee seats show contested races. President and District 1 Trustee Byron Mitchell will face Michael Clowdus, while Cheryl Reese will be challenged by Cherish White and Dennis Saint Ives for District 2. 

BASTROP

On the Bastrop ballot, Mayor Ishmael Harris will look to retain his new seat and faces Joseph Stanfield in May.

Place 3 Councilman Kevin Plunkett is unopposed and will retain his seat.

Bastrop Independent School District trustees Joshua Coy and Priscilla Ruiz both run unopposed for places 3 and 4, respectively.

SMITHVILLE

Three uncontested candidates will remain on the Smithville City Council dais. Mayor Sharon Forester, Place 4 Councilman Mitch Jameson and Place 5 Councilwoman Cathy Meek all run unopposed.

For Smithville Independent School District, trustees Chris Hinnant and Grant Gutierrez will continue to hold their seats.

More details and early voting times available at bastropvotes.org.