Abbott issued a proclamation Oct. 1 limiting drop-off locations for mail-in ballots to one voting clerk office location "as publicly designated by a county’s early voting clerk" instead of several satellite locations, according to an Oct. 1 press release.
The proclamation also requires early voting clerks to observe mail-in ballot delivery. This proclamation goes into effect Oct. 2.
Texas Democrats criticized the proclamation as “blatant voter suppression” in a responding press release.
“Republicans are on the verge of losing, so Governor Abbott is trying to adjust the rules last minute,” Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said in the press release.
Officials at the Hays County elections office confirmed Oct. 2 there has been and remains only one drop-off location for mail-in ballots, which is located at the 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, at the west side election entrance of the county building.
Hays County residents may also register to vote at that location until 5 p.m. on Oct. 5, and voters registering through mail must have their application postmarked by Oct. 5.
Registered voters in Hays County wishing to vote by mail-in or absentee ballot are eligible if they will be away from the county on Election Day and during early voting, are disabled, are 65 years or older by Election Day, or are confined in jail.
For more information about voting in Hays County, click here.
