Hays County's elections department reported 500 ballots were received for the May 1 election by the end of the first day of early voting April 19.

There were 393 in-person votes cast April 19, while 107 mail-in ballots were received between April 5 and the first day of early voting.

Ballot items include seats on the boards of trustees for Hays CISD, San Marcos CISD and Dripping Springs CISD as well as bond elections totaling more than $443.5 million.

Hays CISD election items account for some $238.5 million of bonds submitted to voters during the current election. If approved, funds would largely go toward accommodating future growth, while some bond propositions, which are voted on independently, would go toward administration facilities and stadium expansions.

Other positions up for election include Dripping Springs City Council appointments and director positions for the North Hays Municipal Utility District No. 1.


The creation of the Buda Municipal Utility District No. 1 is also on the ballot along with permanent director positions. The Buda MUD's election items also include $205.05 million in bonds, which would support the development of The Colony at Cole Springs, a planned 531-unit development annexed by the city in 2020.

Early voting locations throughout Hays County will operate from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. April 20-23 and April 27, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. April 24, and from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. April 26. Election day voting will be available from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Additional information about election items and bond language can be viewed on the Community Impact Newspaper election dashboard or on the Hays County elections website.