County to consider elections commission

Following a lengthy discussion on voting centers, Hays County may establish a Community Elections Commission for upcoming elections. 

The Hays County Commissioners Court will discuss and take possible action on Tuesday morning to create a commission that will be involved in the election process throughout the year. According to the agenda item requested by County Judge Ruben Becerra, the commission will “establish a diverse county-wide representation.”

The idea of a long-term commission came during the court’s special meeting on Aug. 19, in which over 40 citizens spoke about the location of voting centers in Hays County.  

“I think this is a good opportunity to maybe set some more permanent type of committee that addresses these issues ongoing, not just when it comes to election time.” Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell said during the special meeting. 

As the county moves to a new countywide polling place program, voters will be able to vote at any vote center in the county on election day. This differs from the previous method of precinct voting, in which voters could only vote at their respective precinct voting locations on election day. According to data from the Hays County Elections Office, 52 counties in Texas have been successful at the new countywide polling place program.

In other business, the Court will hear a presentation about the 2020 Census from Richard Castanon, U.S. Census Bureau Partnership Specialist.

Additionally, commissioners will vote on a proclamation declaring September 2019 as “Emergency Preparedness Month.”

According to the proclamation, “Residents are encouraged to develop and practice emergency plans that include communications strategies and emergency meeting locations, as well as to develop a preparedness kit for homes and vehicles that takes into consideration the needs of everyone in their household.”

In addition to the emergency preparedness proclamation, the County will also hold a discussion on its network of emergency response assets, including Emergency Management, the Office of Emergency Services, the co-located 911/PSAP and the Public Safety Building. 

The court will also swear-in and confirm Vanessa Westbrook to the Hays County Historical Commission.

The Hays County Commissioners Court meets Tuesdays on the third floor of the Hays County Historic Courthouse at 9 a.m.