Voters in Dallas County and across the State of Texas showed up in record numbers on the first day of early voting this year. With nearly 60,000 votes cast in the county, this reflected an increase of more than 300 percent compared to early voting in 2014, the last midterm election. Key races such as the U.S. Senate race featuring incumbent Ted Cruz versus U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke is inspiring some of the enthusiasm voters are also making their voices heard in key local races as well.
Earlier this month the North Dallas Gazette spotlighted Wini Cannon’s pursuit for votes for Dallas County Commissioner in District 2. She previously ran unsuccessfully against Casey Thomas for Dallas City Council, but still felt a strong desire to serve in public office.
“There was a push for me to run in one of the judicial positions,” Cannon recalled. “Looking around, I found myself wanting to take on more of a legislative role. Then there was an open seat (on the Commissioners Court) as the incumbent was retiring. No Democrat has ever tried to run for Commissioners Court in District 2, because the lines are drawn to be a solid red district.”
Jail reform is one of her top priorities as a potential commissioner, though she said fixing the problems would take a collaborative effort between the commissioners, judges and the sheriff’s office. She would also like to see the county being supportive of the school district. She thinks there needs to be a more equitable relationship with the state government, and that is where a lot of her attention lies.
“One of the most important things the Commissioners Court does is set the budget,” Cannon said. “The state government is not really paying its fair share. I want to make the legislature more accountable in how money is distributed back to the communities.”
Issues like this will directly impact the wallets of homeowners and businesses paying property tax owners. Cannon who is facing not only a Republican and Libertarian in the general election shared more of her policy positions in our article, you can read here.
Early voting continues until Nov. 2 and Election Day is Nov. 6.
