Voters in Williamson County will be able to use any of the county’s polling locations in two upcoming May elections.
This comes after some residents experienced longer-than-average wait times and other complications on election day during the March primaries, which had precinct-based voting.
The update
The local Republican Party announced it will adjust its primary runoff contract with the county to allow voters to cast ballots at any polling location in the county, rather than in their specific voting precinct.
The runoff election for the March primaries will take place May 26, with early voting running May 18-22. David McDonald and Jeff Mayes are the two Republican candidates for Williamson County Precinct 2 commissioner in the runoff.
Additionally, the upcoming local elections May 2 will also allow for countywide voting locations, as set by Williamson County. Several cities in the county have seats up for vote, including:
- Georgetown, District 2 council member
- Round Rock, mayor
- Cedar Park, Place 2 council member
- Cedar Park, mayor
- Cedar Park, Place 4 council member
- Cedar Park, Place 6 council member
- Hutto, Place 1 council member
- Hutto, Place 4 council member
What they’re saying
In a statement posted to social media, the Williamson County Republican Party said the decision to revert to countywide voting aims to ensure voter turnout and security.
“Republicans cannot afford to conduct precinct-level voting unless and until we are absolutely confident that everyone who is eligible to vote has the opportunity to do so,” the statement reads.
Some context
The local Republican and Democratic parties determine election day procedures for primaries. This year, the Williamson County Republican Party opted for precinct-specific polling locations, which required the local Democratic Party to follow suit.
During early voting, which is managed by the Williamson County Elections Department, voters were able to cast their ballots at any polling location in the county.
What’s next
Polling locations for the May elections have not yet been released.
Williamson County commissioners will hold a special meeting on the March primaries at 1 p.m. March 24.
