UPDATE: Rep. Charles Perry won this special election for Senate District 28 on Sept. 9. Today, Sept. 5, is the last day to vote early in the special election to determine the next state senator for Texas Senate District 28 (SD 28). Election day for this special election is this Tuesday, Sept. 9. Former Sen. Robert Duncan vacated his SD 28 seat in July to become chancellor of the Texas Tech University System. Six candidates are on the special election ballot to fill his seat for the remainder of his term—which expires in 2017. Visit their Teach the Vote profiles (linked below) to learn more about each candidate:

• Jodey Arrington, Republican
• E.M. “Eppie” Garza, Republican
• Delwin Jones, Republican
• Kerry McKennon, Libertarian
• Charles Perry, Republican
• Greg Wortham, Democrat

Why should I vote? Your vote for a pro-public education candidate in this race can help to ensure support for your schools and community. The candidate you elect to this seat will be voting on critical issues such as education funding, privatization of schools and your retirement benefits in the upcoming legislative session. If you do not vote in this special election, you’ll be giving up your right to weigh in on who will represent you in the Senate. Special elections typically result in small voter turnout. If you and your colleagues vote in large numbers for public education, you can ensure your next Texas senator will fight for your classroom, your students, your schools and your profession. So do your homework and vote for public education! How do I know if I am eligible to vote in this election? If you live in one of the following 51 counties you live in SD 28 and are eligible to vote: Lubbock, Hale, Crosby, Terry, Lynn, Garza, Dawson, Borden, Scurry, Fisher, Jones, Shackelford, Stephens, Taylor, Lamb, Hockley, Eastland, Mitchell, Nolan, Sterling, Coke, Runnels, Coleman, Ward, Crane, Upton, Reagan, Irion, Tom Green, Concho, McCulloch, Schleicher, Menard, Sutton, Kimble, Mason, Childress, Floyd, Motley, Cottle, Foard, Hardeman, Wilbarger, Dickens, King, Knox, Baylor, Kent, Stonewall, Haskell, and Thockmorton. A map of SD 28 can be viewed here. Where and when can I vote? Those living in SD 28 may vote early at various convenient polling locations through the end of today—as late as 8 p.m. at some locations. Election day for this special election is Tuesday, Sept. 9. Contact your local voter registrar or your local newspaper to inquire about polling locations and times in your area. If you plan to vote on Tuesday, you will be assigned to a specific location and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.