Montague County voters cast their first ballots on the new voting machines Tuesday approving nine of the 10 proposed Texas Constitutional amendments and selecting new leaders for the Bowie City Council and Bowie School Board.
Across the county the total voter turnout was 21.65 percent with 2,880 ballots cast from the 13,305 registered voters.
Ginger Wall, elections administrator, said the new machines were well-received by voters, with several noting they liked being able to review their ballot selections before hitting approve.
“We had a record turnout for an ‘off’ year,’ and it wasn’t just here, it was across the state. Everything ran very smooth,” explained Wall.
These election figures are all unofficial until votes are canvassed by their respective governing body.
With no major national or state races voter turnout tends to be lower. That is expected to change in 2020 with the party primaries and presidential election.
Voters selected a new Bowie mayor Tuesday as Bill Miller defeated Incumbent Mayor Gaylynn Burris, 396-315. This was the first time in more than 11 years there was a contested mayor’s race.
Within the city’s boundaries there are 6,588 registered voters with 1,508 ballots cast on Tuesday, resulting in a 21.80 percent turnout.
Diana Higgins and Jason Love won their respective council races, as did Wayne Bell who was unopposed. Jeff Jackson won the contest school board seat.

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