By Sherry Koonce

The News staff writer

BEAUMONT — Monday is the last day for voters to register to cast their ballots in the Nov. 4 general and special election, or to make corrections to their existing voter registration card.

Though Hurricane Ike caused many residents to evacuate their homes, the county at this time has no plans to extend the registration period, said Susie James, chief deputy in the Jefferson County tax office.

Jefferson County residents may register in person at the Jefferson County Courthouse, 1149 Pearl St., Beaumont, the Mid-County Tax Office at 4605 Jerry Ware Drive in Nederland, or the Jefferson County Sub-Courthouse, 525 Lakeshore Dr., Port Arthur.

The Beaumont voter registration office will be extending its hours of operation on Oct. 6 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Currently, 156,866 Jefferson County residents are registered to vote.

The current voter registration certificate is orange and white. Anyone needing a name or address change, or those who do not have orange and white cards should call (409) 985-VOTE (8683).

In addition to the presidential and vice-presidential elections, numerous state and local races will be on the November ballot.

Locally, Democratic candidate Michael “Shane” Sinegal will face Libertarian candidate Kevin R. McCarthy for the Precinct 3 County Commissioner’s seat currently held by Waymon Hallmark.

Several state elections are on the ballot including a special election for the unexpired term for State Senate District 17 seat. The position became vacant earlier this year when Houston Republican Kyle Janek resigned from his Texas Senate seat. The district includes Jefferson, Harris, Brazoria, Ft. Bend and Galveston Counties.

Other state and federal races include the U.S. Senate seat currently held by John Cornyn; District 21 State Representative seat currently held by Allen Ritter and the District 22 State Representative seat held by Joe Deshotel.

No propositions are on the November election ballot.

Contact this reporter at skoonce@panews.com.