AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2019-55R, supporting Hays County’s submission of an application to the Texas Secretary of State to participate in a program to use Countywide Polling Places for Elections, also known as Vote Centers, as an alternative to having a polling place located in each County Election Precinct; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: March 19, 2019
Department: City Clerk’s Office
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: N/A
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Fiscal Note:
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Background Information:
On Tuesday, February 26, 2019 the Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously supported a Resolution supporting inclusion into the Texas Countywide Polling Place Program. On March 11, 2019, San Marcos Consolidated School District Board of Trustees unanimously supported a Resolution supporting inclusion into the Texas Countywide Polling Place Program.
Under Section 43.007 of the Texas Election Code, Texas counties may submit an application to the Texas Secretary of State to participate in a program to use countywide polling places for elections as an alternative to having a polling place located in each county election precinct.
The Hays County Commissioners Court and the Hays County Elections Administrator will be holding a public meeting on April 23, 2019, and two additional public meetings will be held to seek citizen comments regarding the County’s participation in the program.
A Polling Place Study Committee will be assembled by the Hays County Elections Administrator, consisting of stakeholders from local jurisdictions and representatives from local minority organizations and election resource organizations to identify potential polling locations to be used.
The deadline for the County to submit their proposed plan detailing the County’s ability to comply with Section 43.007 of the Texas Election Code is Thursday, August 22, 2019.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
Not support the application for countywide polling.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of this Resolution and supporting the application for the Countywide Polling Place Program.