Hays County Commissioners Court accepted changes to election precincts following state legislation that is set to take effect in December.

What’s changed

This action comes after Texas lawmakers approved a new congressional map during a special legislative session this summer.

“What we’re doing is not redistricting; we’re ensuring our precincts comply with the National Voter Registration Act,” Hays County Election Administrator Jennifer Doinoff said in a news release. “With the changes enacted into law, we still have to remain in compliance. What we’re doing is meeting our statutory compliance in the Election Code.”

For 2025-26, the court approved 88 voting tabulation districts, with three being added and seven removed, compared to 87 voting districts in 2023-24.

Additionally, voting districts must adhere to certain regulations, such as the voter population.

“We aim to keep districts small—usually under 3,500 [voters]—so that VTDs have some resiliency to grow between redistricting sessions,” Doinoff said.

A closer look

State lawmakers redrew 37 of the state’s 38 congressional districts in August. Texas Republicans, who currently hold 25 U.S. House seats, said they hoped the mid-decade redistricting effort would help them net up to five more seats during the 2026 midterm elections, as previously reported by Community Impact.

The new congressional map splits Hays County into two districts. Residents will either be represented by District 21, which extends to Kerr and Real counties, or District 27, which extends to Calhoun County on the coast.

The map was discussed during an October federal court hearing. If the federal court allows Texas’ new congressional districts to become law, they will take effect for the 2026 elections.

What’s next

The changes to Hay County’s election precincts will take effect after the December runoff election, according to the county.