Polling locations open
(Seguin) – The Nov. 5 Presidential and General Election Day has finally arrived. Polling locations throughout Guadalupe County are now open until 7 p.m. Registered voters in Guadalupe County are reminded that Vote Centers are now in full operation meaning that local voters can cast their ballot at any polling site throughout the county.
In addition to a photo ID, Guadalupe County Elections Administrator Lisa Hayes encourages voters to also bring along plenty of patience as many of the polling locations might be reporting long lines.
She says evidence that folks are interested in this election was clear following the results of early voting. She says a total of 66,903 people took advantage of the two week early voting period.
“I’d like to remind the voters that the polls close at 7 p.m. Anyone in line at the time that the polls close is entitled to vote but if you come late just because the line is still there, it doesn’t mean that you can get in line to vote. So, we will have a clerk standing at the end of the line because the law says anyone in line at 7 p.m. is entitled to vote. So, if you wait till the very last minute and even if you get there before 7 p.m., there is a good chance that you are going to have to wait because we will keep going until the line is gone so it could be 8:30 p.m. or 9 o’clock usually before that line goes down,” said Hayes.
There are a total of 38 Vote Centers or polling sites in Guadalupe County. Again, any registered voter can vote at any election day location, regardless of the precinct in which they reside.
Once they arrive, Hayes says voters should expect the enforcement of rules to protect the integrity of the process.
“Just remember, no cell phones allowed within 100 feet of the polling place. No campaign t-shirts or candidate gear of any sort and just be patient and let us get you through. We want you to have a good voting experience just as much as you want to have a good voting experience. So, just hang in there. We will get through this and it’s going to be amazing,” said Hayes.
Voters are encouraged to print out their respective sample ballots and bring them with them to the voting booth. Again, the ballot must be a paper form and will not be able to be accessed on their phone. Sample ballots are available on the elections office website.
Curbside voting will also be available at each polling location. Those unable to get out of their vehicles are encouraged to call the number available on the sign outside.
Anyone who has any question regarding today’s election including whether they are even registered to vote is asked to call the elections office at 830-303-6363. The elections office website is available at www.co.guadalupe.tx.us.
KWED Radio will begin its live election coverage just after 7 p.m. when polls close. Today’s election coverage is being brought to listeners by Gift & Gourmet.