Hansen disqualified from running for Precinct 4

An individual who had declared his intent to run as an independent candidate for Gonzales County Precinct 4 Commissioner has been disqualified.

Nixon resident Travis Hansen submitted his candidacy paperwork to County Judge Pat Davis’ office before the 5 p.m. June 23 deadline, along with a supporting nominating petition, but he was disqualified after further investigation found his candidacy did not fully meet all requirements to file as an independent, said Elections Administrator Gwen Schaefer.

To file as an independent candidate, an individual cannot be affiliated with a political party, meanign they cannot have voted in a primary election or participated in a party’s convention. First, a candidate had to file a declaration of intent to run as an independent candidate by 6 p.m. Dec. 13, 2021 with the county judge’s office.

Second, the candidate must file a candidate election with a supporting nomination signed by registered voters of the territory who support the candidacy and who did not participate in the general primary election or a runoff primary election.

The minimum number of valid signatures on the petition must be equal to the lesser of either 500 or 5 percent of the total vote received in the county by all gubernatorial candidates in the 2018 general election. In 2018, there were 5,613 total votes cast in Gonzales County in the gubernatorial election, so 5 percent is equal to 280.65, or 281 signatures.

As a result, the Republican primary winner, incumbent Precinct 4 Commissioner Collie Boatright Jr., will remain unopposed in the Nov. 8 general election.

The last day to register to vote for the Nov. 8 general election is Oct. 11. Early voting will be held from Oct. 24 through Nov. 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, at the following three locations:

• Early Voting Main Location: Randle Rather Building, 427 St. George St., Gonzales.

• Early Voting Temp. Location: City of Nixon Building, 302 E Central, Nixon.

• Early Voting Temp. Location: Waelder City Hall, 300 Hwy 90 W, Waelder.

Election day precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8. For a list of all election day voting sites, see co.gonzales.tx.us/page/gonzales.Elections.Admin.