County talks elections commission

A discussion on a possible Community Elections Commission is underway in Hays County.

The Hays County Commissioners Court began a dialogue on the creation of a longstanding elections commission at their meeting on Tuesday morning. Though no motion was made, County Judge Ruben Becerra and Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith will bring back recommendations for the commissioners at next week’s meeting. 

During public comment on the agenda item, Linda Calvert, President of the Hays County League of Women Voters, expressed support for the creation of a voting advisory group. 

“We are especially excited about the formation of this countywide voting advisory group,” Calvert said. “Getting underrepresented groups involved and figuring out how to make friendlier and more open will help everyone.” 

According to Becerra, the commission is meant to address voting sites and the concerns that the Court heard during a public workshop on Aug. 19. 

Becerra suggested Commissioner Smith join him to bring recommendations, including earmarked direction from the Secretary of State, back to the Court next week. 

“I would be happy to do that with the understanding that we bring parameters back to court and give our colleagues the opportunity to have direct input on those parameters, the general parameters,” Smith said. 

As the discussion continued, the Court brought forward the question of whether or not elected officials should be included on the commission. 

“I think Commissioner Smith and I will work out that conversation and share it back to you guys so you'll have time to suggest some names,” Becerra said. 

As commissioners discussed possible groups to incorporate in the commission, Calvert urged the Court to include more thinking about underrepresented groups. 

“I have concerns as I listen to you. You're focusing on municipalities and school districts, even the emphasis on who has already voted means that we're replicating what we already have…” she said. “I am concerned because I don’t hear explicit mechanisms for pulling in underrepresented groups, and I think when you go just to the places where people are already voting then you miss a huge pool…”

In other business, the Court voted to declare September 2019 as “Emergency Preparedness Month.”

Additionally, Commissioners confirmed Vanessa Westbrook to the Hays County Historical Commission.