Do you live in Texas Senate District (SD) 18? It covers areas to the west and southwest of Houston, including Katy, Sealy, Victoria, El Campo, Brenham, Giddings, Hemptstead, Richmond, and Simonton. If you live in SD 18, be sure to get out and vote in this Saturday's special election. The Dec. 6 special election will determine who will serve out the remainder of Sen. Glenn Hegar's current term. Hegar was recently elected to statewide office as Texas comptroller and is therefore resigning his Senate seat. Vying for Hegar's seat in Saturday's election are five candidates. Click the links on their names below to view their candidate profiles.

Republicans:

• Charles Gregory, III, who previously served as mayor pro tempore of Simonton
• Gary Gates, a real estate investor who previously ran for the same Senate seat
• Lois Kolkhorst, who currently serves as state representative for House District 13

Visit your county's website for polling locations and times for the special election. Don't forget to provide your photo identification at the polls. Voters in SD 18 and other parts of the state are encouraged to visit Teach the Vote for updates on other special elections that are expected to take place in early 2015. A handful of legislators have already announced plans to retire in the coming months; most will be seeking other elected offices or taking appointed positions in state government. In the event that Rep. Kolkhorst wins Saturday's special election for SD 18, her House seat will be among those vacancies necessitating a special election. The holidays are hectic, but don't overlook this important race in SD 18 on Saturday. Vote your profession!