Candidate filing opens Saturday for March primaries

The 2016 election cycle is gearing up as Texas prepares for the March 1 party primary elections.
The 30-day candidate filing period opens this Saturday and runs through Dec. 14. In the March 1 primaries, Texas voters will select their party’s nominees for the Nov. 8, 2016 general elections.
Milam County Republican and Democratic Party chairmen say they are ready.
Democratic Party Chairman Tommy Grimes said his office at 1707 W. Cameron Ave, Suite A, in Rockdale will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on opening day. The rest of the filing period, including the deadline day, Monday, Dec. 14, candidates may file between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, candidates may contact Grimes at 512-446-4131.
Republican Party Chairman Bill Whitmire said he will have office hours Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon at 411 East First Street, Cameron. He will have office hours on deadline day, Monday, Dec. 14, until 6 p.m. Candidates may call him at 254-482-0354 throughout the filing period to arrange a time to file.
Because the primaries are conducted by the parties, funding comes from candidates’ fees. Fees to file for offices are $1,500 for district judge; $1,250 for district/county attorney; $750 for tax assessor-collector, sheriff and county commissioners; and $375 for constables. This year, county commissioner positions 1 and 3 are on the ballot, along with all four constable positions.
Jan. 1 is the first day to apply for a primary ballot by mail and the last day is Feb. 19.
Feb. 1 is the last day residents who are not already registered to vote to register and be eligible to vote in the March 1 primaries. Early voting will be held Feb. 16 through 26.
Where necessary, primary runoff elections will be held May 24.