Voters urged to plan ahead, review sample ballots before Election Day

(Seguin) –Today is the final day to cast ballots early ahead of Tuesday’s Nov. 4 General Election, and Guadalupe County election officials are reminding voters to come prepared especially with so many items appearing on this year’s ballot.

As of the end of Wednesday, 7,639 voters had already taken advantage of the two-week early voting period. Early voting continues through 7 p.m. today at eight locations across the county. Those locations include the county’s new Elections Office at 3251 N. State Highway 123 in Seguin. The newly opened facility replaces the former office and will now serve as not only an official site for early voting but will for the first time welcome voters on Election Day.

Guadalupe County Elections Administrator Lisa Hayes says to ensure a smooth voting experience, officials remind residents to bring an acceptable photo ID, such as a Texas driver’s license, military ID, or U.S. passport, and to leave political attire — including campaign shirts, hats, or buttons — at home, as electioneering is prohibited within 100 feet of polling places.

Especially for this election, Hayes also encourages voters to review their sample ballots before heading to the polls to avoid delays at the voting machines. That’s because she says every registered voter will see 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, along with additional local races depending on their district.

One of those 17 proposed amendments is drawing particular attention from Seguin’s business community. Proposition One, appearing on the state’s constitutional amendment ballot, would create a permanent endowment fund to support Texas State Technical College (TSTC) — a measure that local leaders say could have a lasting impact on workforce development across the state and here at home. TSTC currently operates a small campus near the New Braunfels Municipal Airport but has plans to relocate and expand with a much larger facility along Highway 46 in Seguin.

Chester Jenke, president of the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce reported earlier to the Seguin Daily News that Proposition One would allow TSTC to more efficiently fund programs and facilities by generating interest from an $850 million endowment tied to the state’s general fund. He notes that the amendment would eliminate the need for the college to seek legislative approval every two years for new projects, making it easier to respond to evolving workforce needs and technologies. Local leaders also reported that the measure could help advance the Seguin campus project and strengthen technical training opportunities that directly benefit regional employers like Caterpillar and CMC.

Among the most closely watched items, locally, is the Marion ISD’s $60 million bond issue, which seeks voter approval for a new elementary school, land for future facilities, and new school buses. Hayes says depending on where they live, some voters may also see city, school, and water district contests.

Again, “with so many choices to make,” Hayes says she wants voters to be ready before stepping into the voting booth. Sample ballots, polling locations, and early voting information are available online at co.guadalupe.tx.us or by visiting the Elections Office in Seguin.

Polls are open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. across all early voting locations. Election Day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 4.