Limestone County voters head to the polls today to select Democratic candidates for one County Commission seat and two school board seats, and to decide whether to enact a fire fee. Both Republicans and Democrats will choose candidates for U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and two judges for the Court of Criminal Appeals. Republicans will also select a candidate for president of the Public Service Commission.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the Democratic and Republican primary. ID is required.

In Limestone County races, District 4 Limestone County Commissioner Bill Daws faces political newcomer Sam McMeans, former Delphi employee and father. District 4 Limestone Board of Education member Darin Russell faces challenger Brad Stovall, a businessman and helicopter pilot. District 5 Limestone Board of Education member James Shannon faces former county school board member Dr. Bill Berry, a veterinarian from Ardmore. Only Democrats will vote in these races.

In the race for U.S. Senate, Democrats will vote for one of the following candidates – Vivian Davis Figures, Johnny Swanson III or Mark “No NCAA” Townsend. Republicans will vote for one of the following – Earl Mack Gavin or Jeff Sessions.

In the race for 5th District U.S. Representative, Democrats will select one of the following candidates to run for the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Ala. – Parker Griffith or David Maker. Republicans will vote for one of the following – George C. Barry, Cheryl Baswell-Guthrie, Mark Huff, Angelo “Doc” Mancuso, Ray McKee or Wayne Parker.

In the race for Place 1 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, Democrats will choose between Steve Dodd or Clyde Jones. Republicans will choose Peggy Givhan, Beth Kellum, Lucie McLemore or Teresa Bearden Petelos.

In the race for Place 2 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, Democrats will choose Jeff Duffey, Jon Hayden or Aimee Cobb Smith. Republicans will choose Duncan Crow, Chris Mixon or Mary Windom.

In the race for president of the Public Service Commission, Republicans only will choose Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, Matt Chancey or Jack Hornady.



Fire fee



Both Democrats and Republicans will be asked to decide if they want to add a $2.50 per month tax on each household in the county to pay for volunteer fire protection. If voters approve, all county businesses would pay $5 per month.

Any resident age 65 or older with a net annual taxable income of $7,500 or less will be exempt from the fee. City of Athens residents will be exempt from the fee because they are already served by Athens Fire Department. The fees would be collected annually and dispersed equally among eligible volunteer fire departments by the Limestone County Commission.

State Sen. Tom Butler, D-Madison, and Rep. Henry White, D-Athens, introduced legislation to get the issue on the ballot after officials from the volunteer fire departments asked for more money.



Polling places moved



Three polling places have been moved. West Hobbs Street Church polling place has been moved to Friendship Church off Lucas Ferry Road; Bethel Church off U.S. 72 East has been moved to Isom’s Methodist Church off Mooresville Road; and Owens Elementary School polling place has been moved to Owens Senior Center off Alabama 99.