The two front-runners for Dallas County sheriff spent an overcast Sunday making last-minute pitches for support in church, at local gatherings and in some cases, right at voters' front doors.

Sheriff Lupe Valdez, a Democrat, began the day at a meeting of the local teamsters union. Later, she attended services at the Refreshing Springs Church of God in Christ in Lancaster. In the afternoon, she donned sneakers and a green Sheriff's Department polo shirt to walk neighborhoods and ask voters for their support.

Republican Lowell Cannaday greeted supporters during two separate morning services at First Baptist Church in downtown Dallas, where he is a member before attending a meeting of retired police and firefighters.

The political forums and much of the stress of heated campaigning were behind them. It was a time for connecting with voters one on one in familiar and friendly territory – an effort to secure extra votes in an election that's expected to record an historic turnout.

Mr. Cannaday, 70, the former Irving police chief, was called to his church's main podium to say the congregational prayer during both services. Afterwards, supporters came by to chat.

Angela Hendricks said she is voting for him primarily because of his experience and "wisdom in age." She said the current sheriff isn't qualified for the job.

"We need a change," she said.

Laverne Raish wasn't convinced until she asked Mr. Cannaday about illegal immigration, her No. 1 issue. He assured her, she said, that he would do all he could.

Ms. Raish said illegal immigrants are taking jobs away from U.S. citizens.

"We can't stand for that," she said.

Mark Lovvorn, 53, a Dallas banker, told Mr. Cannaday everything he's heard and read about him so far has been positive.

"We're praying for you," he told him.

Mr. Lovvorn said he supports Mr. Cannaday primarily for his "strong character and integrity."

"Just as important is his long history of experience and competent leadership," he said. "I have great confidence in his ability to lead."

Farther south, Sheriff Valdez arrived at her campaign headquarters in Oak Cliff at 2:30 p.m. with her red heeler, Vinnie, a stray she adopted three years ago.

As college-age volunteers worked the phones, Sheriff Valdez, 60, stuffed two handfuls of campaign brochures in her pockets and headed out to Democratic precincts in Oak Cliff with her campaign manager.

The sky darkened and rain began to fall lightly as she knocked on Dan Lopez's door on Winnetka Avenue.

"Hello, I'm Sheriff Lupe Valdez. I'm here to ask for your support," she said as the door opened.

"You've got it," he replied without missing a beat.

Mr. Lopez, a purchasing manager, said Sheriff Valdez has done a good job despite the criticism and has accomplished what she set out to do.

Bob Wright, a lawyer, greeted Sheriff Valdez on the sidewalk of a street where lawns were dotted with her campaign signs. He blamed the Commissioners Court for not giving her enough money to fix the jail problems.

"She's done a good job under difficult circumstances," he said.

Up the street, actor Doug Jackson, 53, chatted with the sheriff for a few minutes and later said he didn't think the department needed a change.

"I supported her last time, and I see no reason not to again," he said.

Democrats: Lancaster schools police Chief Sam Allen, lawyer Peter Schulte, incumbent Lupe Valdez and sheriff's Deputy Roy Williams Jr.

Republicans: Former Sheriff Jim Bowles, former Irving police Chief Lowell Cannaday, Mesquite police Lt. Charlie Richmond and Cockrell Hill police Chief Catherine Smit.