With the August 4 primary election less than five weeks away, Howard County Clerk Shelly Howell reminds voters about what to expect on Election Day.

Firstly, she explained, the primary election is to nominate the party candidate to advance of the November General Election. “Your choices are Democratic, Republican, Libertarian parties, or Non-Partisan. If you want to vote for a candidate, you must choose a party ballot. The Non-Partisan ballot only has statewide amendments, no candidates. There is NOT a ballot for Independent candidates.”

Once signed in to the poll registry, election judges will ask voters which party ballot they would like. Voters have the choice to say the party ballot or point to the party ballot, which will be handed to them. Howell reminds voters that not all ballot styles have contested races. “Be mindful of which ballot you choose. Please, please look over the sample ballots before you make your choice to ensure you choose the ballot you want.”

Secondly, Howell reminds voters not to wear or bring candidate campaign materials into polling places or within 25 feet of the exterior doors. “We love that you are passionate about your candidate, but please don't break the law by wearing your hat, t-shirt, etc. into the poll,” she said. “That means you cannot discuss your favorite politician while in the poll, either. Not with people in line, not with yourself, or with the poll workers.”

Howell contends that her office does not keep track of which party ballot a voter selects. “You can pick any party ballot style you would like at the poll. Your ballot style will only include the candidates that filed under that party. You do not get to vote on everyone.”

Sample ballot on the clerk’s website (www.howardcountyvotes.org), which will also be printed in the Advertiser in the two weeks prior to the election, show all candidates, but is divided by party. “You will only vote for the party you choose. The amendments will be the same on every ballot,” Howell said.

The first day for absentee voting was Tuesday, June 23. Other important dates concerning the August Primary are as follows.

• July 8, 2026 at 5 p.m. - Last day to register to vote for this election.

• July 21, 2026 - First Day of No Excuse voting (in person only).

• July 22, 2026 - Last Day to request an absentee ballot to be mailed.

• August 1, 2026 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Office open for absentee/no excuse voting.

• August 3, 2026 at 5 p.m. - Last Day for absentee/no excuse voting.

• August 4, 2026 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Polls are open for election day.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the Howard County Clerk’s office at (660) 248-2284.