Counties caught in redistricting squeeze

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With so much uncertainty and delays in a final decision regarding legislative and congressional redistricting maps, Texas’ 254 counties face major challenges when it comes to upcoming elections.

Though they were not directly affected by the state’s troubles, the city of Austin elections will go on as scheduled May 12, because of $500,000 the council set aside last fall for more equipment to handle back-to-back elections. Four City Council members, including the mayor, are up for re-election.

That idea of a quick turnaround began last year, when the Legislature adjusted the election calendar for the state’s primaries. With the primary date set for Super Tuesday March 6, the legislative update meant a primary runoff would be pushed into late April – only 10 days before the city’s election.

Now, thanks to disagreements and court hold-ups over the state Senate, state House, and Congressional district maps, that primary date no longer stands. As of late, the likely date is May 29.

Travis County must organize around 200 polling locations, but officials cannot do so until they know the outcome of those state maps. At that point, it could take up to three weeks for Travis County voters – who will have adjusted voting districts – to receive new registration certificates.

Any changes could affect the location where they vote, not to mention finding volunteers to man the polls.

Meanwhile, county staff is still working to pre-test voting machines in anticipation of the eventual statewide election. Once the maps are finally available, the County Clerk’s office must test ballots, then mail them to overseas voters – like soldiers – at least 45 days before Election Day.