Hays County is adjusting its election precincts to comply with new voting laws enacted by the Texas Legislature during its recent special session. These changes were approved by the Commissioners Court on October 28, 2023, and respond to the new legislative requirements that aim to align local election processes with state and federal regulations.
The adjustments involve the establishment of 88 Voting Tabulation Districts (VTDs), which include three new precincts while eliminating seven others. The changes are part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with both the Texas Election Code and the National Voter Registration Act. Jennifer Doinoff, the Hays County Election Administrator, emphasized that these modifications should not be interpreted as redistricting, but rather as necessary steps to meet statutory requirements.
Doinoff stated, “What we’re doing is not redistricting; we’re ensuring our precincts comply with the National Voter Registration Act,” highlighting the primary focus of the modifications. The new VTDs are designed with careful consideration of both legal obligations and the demographics of the voter population, aiming to maintain an optimal range of between 100 and 5,000 active voters per precinct.
Compliance and Voter Accessibility
The precinct adjustments must also adhere to specific boundaries outlined by the District of Concern (DOC). Doinoff explained that VTDs are not allowed to cross these borders, which adds an additional layer of complexity to the planning process. This legal framework is essential for safeguarding voting rights and ensuring fair access to the electoral process.
With the court’s approval, the next phase involves creating detailed maps that will be made available to the public. Despite the urgency of these changes, the implementation will not take effect until after the December runoff elections. Doinoff noted the importance of keeping precinct sizes manageable, stating, “We aim to keep districts small — usually under 3,500 [voters] — so that VTDs have some resiliency to grow between redistricting sessions.”
These updates reflect a proactive approach by Hays County officials to navigate the evolving landscape of voting laws while prioritizing the needs of the local electorate. As the county prepares for the changes, attention to voter accessibility and compliance remains paramount, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
