BEAUMONT, Texas — The May 2021 election is Saturday, May 1, and Southeast Texas residents will be casting their votes on local races – such as city council positions and school board spots – city propositions and more.
On election night, all results will be posted at 12NewsNow.com/elections.
Below is information you need to know as you prepare to cast your vote.
What to bring to polling locations
You don't want to get to a polling location and not be ready. There are certain types of ID you need to show before you cast your ballot. We've compiled a list of all of the acceptable ID forms here.
SE Texas Polling Locations & Ballots by County
Click on your county to find out what is on the ballot for May 1.
- Jefferson County
- Orange County
- Hardin County
- Tyler County (No elections)
- Jasper County
- Newton County
- Liberty County
- Chambers County
One of the biggest races in Southeast Texas to watch this election is the race for Beaumont mayor as the city elects its first new leader since 2007.
The Beaumont mayoral election features five candidates: Robin Mouton, W.L. Pate, LaShon Proctor, Biguita Hernandez-Smith and Roy West, Jr.
Becky Ames, who has led the city since 2007, announced in January she would not be seeking an historic eighth term in office.
"The support for another campaign in 2021 has been extremely strong," Ames said at a January news conference. "However, I have made the bittersweet decision and am announcing today that I will not seek reelection to another term as your mayor in the upcoming election."
She is the longest-serving mayor in Beaumont's history and has led the city's recovery from Harvey and Imelda.
Ames' decision not to run opened the field up to a packed field. Here's a little about each of the five candidates aiming for the position.
ROBIN MOUTON
The Beaumont City councilwoman announced her plans to run for mayor in February.
Mouton, who currently represents Beaumont's Ward 4 in the city council, has served on the council for six years. The lifelong Beaumont resident also served two terms as the city's Mayor Pro Tem.
“Together we can build a better Beaumont with proven leadership,” Mouton said at a campaign kick-off event in February. “I am the candidate to get this job done. I am the candidate to unify our citizens."
W.L. PATE
The Beaumont City councilman announced he was running in July 2020, becoming the second candidate to throw their hat into the ring.
Pate, who is currently an at-large councilmember, has served on the council for 13 years. Pate also served two terms as Mayor Pro Tem. He is also an Army veteran who joined the Reserve as a private in 1967.
"It's time for a new beginning for all of Beaumont," Pate said in an election video announcing he was running. "I'm asking for your support in getting better streets, less flooding, less crime and less taxes. I have a vision for a better city."
LASHON PROCTOR
Businessman LaShon Proctor announced his intentions to run in early February.
Proctor has been at Proctor's Mortuary for the past 20 years where he serves as funeral director for his family's business. Proctor is a graduate of West Brook High school and is a Navy veteran.
"Just as I have had a plan for my business and family, I also have a plan for the people and the city of Beaumont," Proctor says in his campaign announcement. "We want citizens of all ages from every ward of the city to know that their concerns are important, and their ideas to increase business, safety, and growth in the city of Beaumont are important."
BIGUITA HERNANDEZ-SMITH
The Beaumont businesswoman announced her plans to run for Mayor in December.
Hernandez-Smith is the CEO of Breathe Workforce Development, an organization she said is dedicated to workforce development in Southeast Texas. She has contributed to the community as a teacher, workforce development trainer and community leader and said it's now time for her to pour into this city on a grander scale.
“Without the vigor of the people, their city perishes. Our residents must be given hope, inspiration and incentives to reside in Beaumont and invest in our city. My platform is people driven, with all initiatives rooted in the betterment of the people,” Hernandez-Smith said.
ROY WEST, JR.
The prominent Beaumont businessman announced his plans to run for mayor all the way back in July 2020.
West is a mortgage lender and radio host. In his campaign announcement for mayor, he laid out an aggressive plan that includes addressing drainage issues, roadways as well as racial issues across the city.
"I am running for the Mayor of Beaumont, because I am committed to being transparent while having open conversation on all issues that can and will improve and enhance the city," West said in his campaign announcement. "I strongly believe that new leadership and innovative ideas are needed."