Voting deadline looms for special election

Saturday is last day to vote

HOUSTON – The deadline to vote in a special election for State Senate District 6 is looming, and both candidates are pushing for last-minute votes.

The election is to fill the seat held by Mario Gallegos, who died in October.

The Democratic candidates, Sylvia Garcia and Carol Alvarado, have been making phone calls and knocking on doors in a push to gain as many votes as they can.

Both candidates have a history of community leadership and holding elected office. But State Rep. Alvarado and Former Harris County Commissioner Garcia said this runoff election is about contrasting styles.

"In addition to the depth and breadth of experience, it really is about who will be the fighter in Austin to fight Rick Perry on the issues that really matter," said Garcia.

"Being able to work across party lines, I think is very important, because at the end of the day, you want to be effective and get something done. You want to produce results for the people you represent," said Alvarado.

Alvarado believes her experience in the legislature gives her the advantage of being able to file bills to fight on behalf of the district. As she makes calls to voters, she said she keeps a picture of Gallegos, whose family has endorsed her.

"I think having a better relationship with the community, being visible and being consistently engaged with the community in my 10 years of elected office. I think people recognize that," said Alvarado. "Whether they agree or disagree with me, people know they can count on me to show up to be there for our senior citizens, kids, schools."

The runoff race has been marked by negative campaigning on both sides, and both candidates have spent a great deal of money. The focus is getting their supporters to the polls.

The deadline to vote is March 2. You can check here for a list of polling locations.