Teen files to run for Copperas Cove city council

By LYNETTE SOWEL 

Cove Leader-Press 

The November 7 general election for the Copperas Cove city council sees its first contested race in Place 6. 

One of the candidates is Tayler Stokes, a 17-year-old senior at Copperas Cove High School who turns 18 on Aug. 15. He filed on Aug. 7 to run for Place 6. 

Although not yet 18, Stokes qualified to file for office because he will be turning 18 prior to the first day in office, should he be elected. Also as required, Stokes is a registered voter at the time of filing. Texas law permits voters to register at the age of 17 years, 10 months and they must be 18 by election day. 

Place 6 incumbent Vonya Hart has filed to run for reelection. 

Jack Smith, who currently holds Place 7, likewise filed for reelection. Smith was first elected in 2019. As of press time, he remained unopposed.

Electing filing continues through Monday, August 21, and closes at 5 p.m. that day. 

Election packets are available online at https://www.copperascovetx.gov/city_secretary/election_information/, and may be dropped off between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., at 914 South Main St., Ste. D. 

Places 6 and 7 on the Copperas Cove Independent School District board of trustees are also on the ballot for November. 

Place 6 is currently held by John Gallen, who was first elected in November 2020. 

Gallen has filed to run for reelection. 

Former board of trustees member Jeff Gorres filed this week to run for Place 7. Place 7 is currently held by Dr. Karen Harrison, who was first elected in 2011. As of Wednesday, Harrison had not filed for reelection. 

Candidate applications may be mailed or hand-delivered to Copperas Cove ISD, 408 S. Main St., Copperas Cove, TX 76522. 

Candidate applications for the CCISD board of trustees can be found online at https://files.gabbart.com/1223/boardpacket.pdf.