Commissioners court approves voting precinct boundary changes

After the 2000 Census and subsequent redistricting, the County had 36 voting precincts, which now number 50 following this year’s redistricting . . . it costs an average of $25,000 per voting location

The new voting precinct map is available at www.co.hays.tx.us under Government/Elections and Voting

Press Release
Laureen Chernow
Hays County Communications Specialist
laureen.chernow@co.hays.tx.us
Office: 512.393.2296
County Elections Office: 512.393.7310 elections@co.hays.tx.us

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX – The Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved a map prepared by the County Elections Administration and Geographic Information Systems offices that realigns voting precincts in Hays County based on recent redistricting.

“Because the 2010 Census required changes to the congressional, state and county precinct lines in Hays County, changes needed to be made to the geographic areas of some voting precincts to properly place voters in their new jurisdictions,” said Joyce Cowan, Hays County Elections Administrator. “Some residents will see that their voting precinct number has changed when new voter registration cards are issued.”

Along with the new precinct lines come new voting places for some residents. “The new locations have not yet been determined,” Cowan said. “The redistricted areas will not take effect until January 1, 2012, and we will wait and ensure that all of the new district and precinct lines are approved by the Department of Justice before issuing new voter registration cards.” The first scheduled election in 2012 in Hays County is March 6.

After the 2000 Census and subsequent redistricting, the County had 36 voting precincts, which initially increased to 58 following this year’s redistricting. Efforts by the Elections Administration office and the Commissioners Court, in conjunction with Justices of the Peace and Constables, reduced that number to 50 current precincts.

And, as in the past, some voter precincts with small populations will vote at locations in nearby precincts, but will continue to have the proper ballot style for their precinct. “Hays County has co-located precinct voting places whenever possible,” Cowan said, noting that it costs an average of $25,000 per voting location, and that a small precinct alone can cost upwards of $10,000 for staff and equipment.