Republican voters outweigh Democrat in county

For the first time in the recorded history of Quay County, the number of registered Republican voters is higher than the registered Democrats in an election, according to Quay County Clerk Ellen White.

White said at the end of books closing for the 2018 Primary Election, in May 8, the registered number of Republicans is 2408 and Democrats are 2400. She said as far back as records could be researched, this is the first time in Quay County history the Republican voters outnumber the Democrat voters.

White said Quay County has 5934 total registered voters with 1126 ineligible for the primary because on not declaring a major party.

White said a reason for the change could be the contested local races on the Republican ballot for the upcoming June 5 Primary. She said the number of candidates running for the local postitions has sparked a higher interest from voters in this election.

The following races are all in the GOP primary:

Public Regulations Commissioner

• Jefferson L. Byrd

• Jerry W. Partin

County Magistrate Judge

• Timothy James O’Quinn

• Patricia J. Lopez

• Paula J. Chacon

County Commissioner District 3

• Franklin D. McCasland

• Bryan M. Rinestine

White said early voting is ongoing at the County Clerk’s Office, at this time, 202 people have cast early ballots — 137 Republicans and 65 Democrats. She said 12 voters have requested absentee ballots by mail — nine for Republicans and three for Democrats.

The last day to early vote is on June 2 at the County Clerk’s Office.