Yoakum YISD, only local entity without challengers in upcoming May election

The Yoakum City Council and the Hospital Tax District are both set for May 4 elections in 2024, as challengers step forward in both those races before the filing period officially ended on Feb. 16.

That left Yoakum ISD as only governmental body in Yoakum with no contested races for the expiring school board positions this year,

Justy in incumbents filed for the school board seats this year, including those held by board president Glen Kusak, vice president Terry Boening, and trustee Donnetta Sherre, meaning they could actually cancel their election next month, if they so choose. The state of Texas permits local entities to cancel their elections whenever they have no challenged races on the ballot as a means saving the expense of the holding an election, and it’s extended to฀school฀ boards, city councils, medical services districts, water boards, and municipal utility districts, to name but a few. Whenever a challenge does occur, or when other issues are brought forth during the election time— like bond elections, for instance— then the election must proceed as planned.

For Yoakum City Council, there are three places that will be on the ballot. Three people are on the ballot for Place 2 and Place 4. In Place 2, challengers Jay Cassell and Daniel Lee Driskell have filed to run against incumbent Glenn Klander, while Vanita L Cheeves and Mitchell Franz both filed to run against Place 4 incumbent John S. Pelech.

Unopposed is councilman Michael Brandt. The Hospital Tax District Board has two open positions for the three-year terms. Incumbents Cynthia Morris and Clay Hermann are up for re-election. Mary Jo Leahy signed on as the lone challenger for a seat on the hospital board. Early voting starts April 22 , and election day takes place฀May฀4.