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Things you need to know about the May 3 election in Amarillo, Canyon, and beyond


Saturday, May 3 is not just another weekend day in the Texas Panhandle—it’s Election Day, and voters across Amarillo, Canyon, and surrounding areas will have the chance to shape their communities at the most fundamental level. With city leadership, education boards, and public funding on the line, this is one local election where your voice can make a measurable difference.

Whether you're deciding on the next Amarillo mayor, weighing in on school board leadership, or voting on Canyon's $14 million public safety bond, what happens at the polls this weekend will influence your taxes, your neighborhood, and the services your city provides.

Let’s break it all down, from what’s on the ballot to where and how to vote.

When and Where to Vote

Election Day is Saturday, May 3, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you're in line by 7 p.m., you have the right to vote—don’t leave the line if it’s moving slowly!

Voting Locations

You can vote at any location within your county, not just your precinct. That means you have flexibility to pick the most convenient polling place.

Potter County Locations (Amarillo & Bushland)

Bushland Fire Station No. 1, 17600 Indian Hill Road

Casey Carpet One, 3500 I-40 W. Frontage Road

Chaparral Hills Church, 4000 W. Cherry Ave.

Cornerstone Outreach, 1111 N. Buchanan St.

Eastridge Lanes, 5405 E. Amarillo Blvd.

Kids, Inc., 2201 SE. 27th Ave.

Northwest Amarillo Public Library, 6100 SW. 9th Ave.

Pride Home Center, 3503 NE. 24th Ave.

Santa Fe Building, 900 S. Polk St.

Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 SE. 10th Ave.

Trinity Baptist Church, 1601 I-40 West

Trinity Fellowship - Willow Creek, 503 E. Willow Creek Drive

United Citizens Forum, 903 N. Hayden St.

Valle de Oro Fire Station, 23801 FM 1061

More info: PotterCountyTexasVotes.gov

Randall County Locations (Amarillo & Canyon)

Amarillo:

Randall County Annex, 4320 S. Western

Crossroads Country Church, 14425 FM 1541

Oasis Southwest Baptist, 8201 Canyon Drive

Comanche Trail Church of Christ, 2700 E. 34th

Central Baptist Church, 1601 SW. 58th

Southwest Church of Christ, 4515 Cornell

Redeemer Christian Church, 3701 S. Soncy

Coulter Road Baptist, 4108 S. Coulter

Southwest Library Branch, 6801 SW. 45th Ave.

Texas Panhandle War Memorial, 4111 S. Georgia

Journey Church, 9711 FM 2186

Arden Road Baptist, 6701 Arden Road

Canyon:

Randall County Justice Center, 2309 Russell Long Blvd.

The Summit, 2008 12th Ave.

More info: RandallCounty.gov Elections

What’s on the Ballot?

City of Amarillo Leadership

Mayor (Choose 1):

Misty Collier

Cole Stanley (Incumbent)

Luke Johnson Marek

Jason Herrick

City Council – Place 1:

Tim Reid

Patrick Miller

Sherie Wood

Wendy Flores

City Council – Place 2:

Don Tipps (unopposed)

City Council – Place 3:

Tom Scherlen (Incumbent)

David Prescott

Nune Perez

City Council – Place 4:

Les Simpson (Incumbent)

Sylvia Elaine Stephens

Leif Kertis

City Council races tend to have fewer voters than state or federal elections, which means a few hundred votes could determine the outcome. These councilmembers make decisions about local taxes, infrastructure improvements, business development, and housing ordinances—issues that directly affect you.

Local School Board Elections

Amarillo ISD Board of Trustees (Top 3 win):

Doyle Corder Jr.

Don Powell

Thomas Werner

Tom Warren II

Michael Garcia

David Nance

Kayla Mendez

Bushland ISD Board:

Justin Adams

Nicki Junell

Regan Hall

James Gillenwaters

Travis Lawler

River Road ISD Board:

Michael James

Melinda Powell

Nikki Forrest

Danielle Coleman

Liz Ferris

Ryan Lawson

Amarillo College Board of Regents (3 seats):

Paul Proffer

David Woodburn

Johnny Mize

Mary Bralley

Jason Foglesong

Strong education leadership affects everything from graduation rates to property values. Local boards manage multimillion-dollar budgets, teacher hiring, campus security, and academic programs.

Canyon Public Safety Bond Proposal – $14 Million

Canyon residents will vote on a $14 million bond to fund:

Police Department: $4.9 million

Renovating 1401 4th Ave.

New animal shelter construction

Fire Department: $8.85 million

Fire Station 1 remodel

Training facility additions

New fire engine truck

Burn house for live training

City Hall Renovations: $250,000

City officials say the bond could raise taxes by $200–$300 per year for the average household, but better fire service could reduce insurance premiums through an improved ISO rating.

Early Voting Turnout: A Red Flag

This year’s early voting numbers were low:

Potter County: 3,757 in-person + 139 mail ballots

Randall County: 7,386 in-person + 513 mail ballots

Compared to previous years, that’s a steep drop. Low turnout means your vote carries more weight than ever. Local elections have been decided by just a handful of votes in past cycles—sometimes under 50.

What to Bring to Vote

You’ll need one of these photo IDs:

Texas Driver’s License

Personal ID card (DPS issued)

Handgun license

U.S. Passport

U.S. military ID with photo

Citizenship certificate with photo

Election ID certificate

Expired ID? If it expired within the last 4 years, you’re still good. Voters 70 or older may use expired IDs regardless of the date.

Can’t find your ID?

Bring a utility bill, paycheck, or bank statement showing your name and address. You’ll fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration, and your vote will still count.

Voting Accessibility

Need help at the polls? You can bring someone to assist—just not your employer or union representative.

Physically unable to enter the polling place? Request curbside voting by calling your county election office before you arrive.

Why This Election Matters

Local government touches every part of your life. From potholes to property taxes, classroom sizes to crime prevention—these decisions aren’t made in Washington, they’re made here.

We often hear “every vote counts,” and in small local races, that’s not just a slogan—it’s fact. If you’ve ever felt like your voice doesn’t matter in national elections, this is your moment to be heard and actually change something.

Final Checklist

Find your nearest polling place

Bring a valid photo ID (or secondary form + declaration}

Know your candidates and issues

Vote anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3

Spread the Word

Encourage your family, friends, and coworkers to vote. Share this guide, offer to carpool, or help someone locate their polling place. Our community works better when we all participate.

Your voice matters. Your vote counts. Your city is listening. Make it count on Saturday, May 3.