ABILENE, Texas — Party loyalty, faith, the economy and border security helped shape the choices of three Abilene voters who spoke with KTXS about how they cast their ballots.
Two said they voted for Republicans throughout the ballot. A third declined to name a candidate he supported but described the issues driving his decisions.
Larry, whose last name was not confirmed, said he voted for Republican candidates because he wants the country to continue moving in its current direction.
Early voters in Abilene weigh economy, party loyalty in key Texas races (KTXS/Joe Fry)
“I voted for everybody that was red on the ballot,” he said.
Larry described himself as a supporter of President Donald Trump and cited border security, military strength and world peace as priorities. He said the steady stream of campaign advertising had not changed his choices.
“Ads, period, turn me off,” he said.
Jeanette Johnson also said she voted for Republicans, with her Christian faith helping guide her decisions.
“If they were Republicans, I voted for them,” Johnson said.
Early voters in Abilene weigh economy, party loyalty in key Texas races (KTXS/Joe Fry)
Johnson said she wants to know what candidates believe and how they have voted in previous offices. She uses a voter guide compiled by a member of her church to help research candidates and said the guide includes sources voters can review themselves.
She expressed skepticism about campaign messages from both sides.
“I’m very skeptical. I just don’t believe them, no matter which side they come from,” Johnson said.
Early voters in Abilene weigh economy, party loyalty in key Texas races (KTXS/Joe Fry)
Kyle McAllister did not identify which candidates received his vote. He said his priorities include a stronger economy, fiscal responsibility and secure borders.
“I’m voting for a better economy, a stronger nation,” McAllister said.
He said immigration and border security can coexist.
“I think you can have immigration and secure borders at the same time,” he said. “Securing borders doesn’t mean you close them all down.”
Early voters in Abilene weigh economy, party loyalty in key Texas races (KTXS/Joe Fry)
McAllister, who said he previously served on City Council, said he tries to evaluate candidates beyond their party affiliations. He looks for people who can manage government finances and treat others with respect.
He also said political disagreements have become too personal.
“It used to be that if I disagree with you, you disagree with me, OK, fine, we disagree,” McAllister said. “But now when people disagree, they all of a sudden put you in a camp with everybody they hate, and vice versa.”
Despite differing opinions, he said voters share an interest in improving the country for future generations.
Early voters in Abilene weigh economy, party loyalty in key Texas races (KTXS/Joe Fry)
“I just wish that we could just say, ‘OK, we disagree. Fine,’ but shake hands and still be civil to each other,” he said.