EARLY VOTING UNDERWAY

Hays County sees increase in registered voters

Voters took to the polls Monday for the first day of early voting.

Hays County saw a 6.1% increase in registered voters for the Nov. 8 election compared to the Republican and Democratic primaries that took place in March. There are 167,750 registered voters in Hays County for the current election — an increase from 158,152 registered voters for the March primaries, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s office.

In addition to various statewide races, voters in Dripping Springs can cast their ballots for positions in all levels of government, as well as on three propositions from their school district.

Locally, voters zoned to Dripping Springs ISD can vote on Propositions A, B and C — all part of the district’s $481.1 million bond package. Proposition A (nearly $200 million) primarily focuses on elementary and middle school improvements, including building a sixth elementary school and expanding Sycamore Springs Middle School. Proposition B ($275 million) is intended to fund the construction of a second high school. Proposition C ($6.5 million) covers “Technology Lifestyle Replacements.”

Dripping Springs voters also have the opportunity to vote for their Hays County Commissioner in Precinct 4, choosing between incumbent Republican Walt Smith and his challenger, Independent Susan Cook.

In a countywide election, voters can cast their votes for county judge. Incumbent Ruben Becerra, Democrat, faces off against Republican challenger Mark Jones, the current Hays County Commissioner for Pct. 2. Additional county elections include the Justice of the Peace, Court-at-Law #1, #2 and #3 judges and the criminal district attorney.

For representation at a state level, voters in Dripping Springs can vote for their Texas House Representative in District 73 and their Texas State Senator in District 25. For Texas House Representative, Dist. 73, candidates include Republican Carrie Isaac and Democrat Justin Calhoun, both looking to replace incumbent Kyle Biedermann (who did not run for reelection). Meanwhile, the Texas State Senate race sees incumbent Donna Campbell up against challenging Democrat Robert Walsh.

For representation at the federal level, Dripping Springs voters can choose between incumbent Republican Chip Roy and challenging Democrat Claudia Zapata for the 21st Congressional District of Texas.

To see a full ballot visit: hayscountytx.com/ departments/elections/ current-year-elections/ nov-22-general.

There is one day of early voting remaining in Hays County. There are 14 early voting locations throughout the county, including two in Dripping Springs.

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS

Early voting locations in the Dripping Springs area include:

• Patriots Hall of Dripping Springs — 231 Patriots’ Hall Boulevard (3400 E. US Highway 290)
• Hays County Precinct 4 office— 195 Roger Hanks Parkway

Polling places are opening for early voting from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31 through Friday, Nov. 4.

Election Day voting will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 8. In addition to Patriots Hall and the Precinct 4 office, election day voting will also be held at:

• Belterra Centre — 151 Trinity Hills Drive
• Dripping Springs Ranch Park — 1042 Event Center Drive
• Henly Station #3, North Hays County Fire Rescue — 7520 Creek Road

Check teamrv-mvp. sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp. do to ensure you are registered to vote. Bring one of the following forms of photo ID: a state driver’s license, Texas election identification certificate, Texas personal identification card, Texas license to carry a handgun, U.S. military ID card with personal photo or U.S. citizenship certificate with a personal photo or a U.S. passport.