Early voting is ongoing for the March 3 Democratic and Republican primaries.

Voter turnout seems a bit light even with 11 locations available to cast a ballot across Jefferson County.

The first day of early voting — Feb. 18 — saw a total of 1,254 ballots cast in the Democratic primary, with 329 mail ballots returned. Port Arthur Public Library saw the most voting action.

Meanwhile, the first day totals in the Republican primary saw 590 ballots cast, including 16 mailed in. Rogers Park in Beaumont saw the most voting action.

Locally, on the Republican ticket, there is a contested race for the sheriff’s spot with Emil Serda going against David Odom.

Nationally, there is the presidential ticket with seven Republican candidates listed while on the state level. Sen. John Cornyn is being challenged by Virgil Bierschwale, Dwayne Stovall, John Anthony Castro and Mark Yancey.

U.S. Rep Randy Weber, District 14, is being challenged by Joshua Foxworth.

Locally, on the Democratic ticket, there are a number of contested races including Constable Precinct 2 with Christopher Bates and Terry Tran, Constable Precinct 8 with Eddie Collins and Gene Winston; and County Chair with Joseph Paul Trahan, Paul M. Martin and Ava Y. Graves.

On the national Democratic ticket, the presidential field is filled with candidates — 17 to be exact.

Statewide, the U.S. Senator ballot is also large and includes: Jack Daniel Foster Jr., Victor Hugo Harris, Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez, Mary “MJ” Hegar, Sema Hernandez, Chris Bell, Royce West, Michael Cooper, Amanda K. Edwards, Annie “Mamà” Garcia, D.R. Hunter and Adrian Ocegueda.

U.S. Representative District 14 seat has five candidates on the Democratic ballot: Mikal Wiliams, Sanjanetta Barnes, Robert “Puga” Thomas, Adrienne Bell and Eddie Fisher.

Early voting continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Feb. 22, noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 23, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 24 to Feb. 28.

Early voting locations (you can vote in any of these locations) are:

• Port Arthur Sub-Courthouse, 525 Lakeshore Drive, Port Arthur
• Port Arthur Library, 4615 Ninth Ave., Port Arthur
• Marion & Ed Hughes Public Library, 2712 Nederland Ave., Nederland
• Groves Recreation Center, 6150 39^th St., Groves
• Port Neches City Hall, 1005 Merriman St., Port Neches (location change)
• Beaumont Courthouse, main location, 1085 Pearl St., Beaumont
• Rogers Park Recreation Center, 6540 Gladys, Beaumont
• Theodore Johns Library, 4255 Fannett Road, Beaumont
• John Paul Davis Community Center, 3580 E. Lucas, Beaumont
• Precinct One Service Center, 1201 W. Hwy 90, China
• Jefferson County J.P. Pct. 4 building (Judge Ray Chesson’s courtroom), 19217 FM 365, Beaumont

Mary Meaux is a reporter with The Port Arthur News. She can be reached at mary.meaux@panews.com