Special to El Rrun-Rrun
This has been - to understate it - a most peculiar election cycle.
It's not only a presidential election year, but it has also been a prolonged primary election period for both the Democrats and Republicans in Cameron County.
It is also the longest period between the primary and runoff elections most observers can remember.
The parties' primaries were held March 3 and the runoffs were originally planned for May 26. The came the COVID-19 and everything went to hell in a voting basket.
And the eight candidates who emerged as the leading contenders for four positions saw the period lengthened from May 23 to June 14 by a proclamation issued March 20, by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott due to the spread of COVID-19. Now on Monday Abbott issued a proclamation to increase the early voting in those runoff elections to begin on June 29 instead of July 6.
The candidates in the Democratic Party runoffs for county sheriff are incumbent Omar Lucio and former district clerk Eric Garza, Gabriela “Gabby” Garcia and Helen Delgadillo the 138 state District Court, and - surprise of all surprises - the runoff for state senator District 27 between incumbent Eddie Lucio Jr. and Sara Stapleton Barrera.
There is even a runoff between two Republicans for Cameron County Constable Precinct 1.That runoff is between incumbent Pedro Delgadillo and Norman Esquivel Jr.
The proclamation stated that Abbott extended the early voting period so election officials can implement proper health protocols. The early voting period will run from June 29 through July 10.
“It is necessary to increase the number of days in which polling locations will be open during the early voting period, such that election officials can implement appropriate social distancing and safe hygiene practices.”