Courtesy of Bastrop Advertiser
Oct. 27, 2020
By Andy Sevilla
Within the first 11 days of early voting for the Nov. 3 general election, Bastrop County voters surpassed the total early voter turnout for the 2016 presidential election, according to the county’s election office.
A total of 21,335 voters cast a ballot early in Bastrop County for the 2016 election. As of Oct. 23, 22,739 voters had cast a ballot early in this year’s presidential election.
“We have seen an increase in both in-person voting and ballot by mail requests for this election,” Elections Administrator Kristin Miles said.
“It is exciting to see our voters engaged and voting,” she said.
The county elections office received 5,708 requests for ballots by mail for the November election, a 230% increase compared to the 1,728 ballots by mail requested for the 2016 election. The increase in requests for ballots by mail this year may be due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials have said.
As of Monday, 4,089 completed ballots by mail had been returned to the elections office. Voters have until Election Day to return their mailed-in ballots. The elections office can accept ballots by mail until 5 p.m. on Nov. 4 if they are postmarked by 7 p.m. on Nov. 3.
In the 2016 election, 1,550 ballots by mail were returned.
Miles said it’s possible that the early voting turnout could exceed the total voter turnout for 2016.
The total number of ballots cast in 2016 was 28,888 (64.18%). As of Monday, 25,490 voters (48.8%) had cast a ballot in-person or by mail, the elections office said.
“We are extremely pleased with the early voting turnout this year,” Bastrop County Democratic Party Chair Steve Chamberlain said. “No matter what the circumstances, it is always a good thing when more citizens get out and exercise their right as well as their duty to vote. Also, we are encouraged that so many people have recognized the consequences of not participating and what kind of horrible leadership we can get if we don’t show up and voice our opinions through the voting process.”
Bastrop County Republican Party Chair Mike Gepner said with a high turnout expected in this election, voters are getting to the polls early.
“People are passionate about President Trump,” Gepner said. “They know the importance of electing Republicans up and down the ballot to protect their constitutional rights and liberties. Also, Bastrop County is growing. We have over 7,000 more voters this year than in 2016.”
In 2016, there were 45,013 voters registered in Bastrop County. This year, there are 52,203.
“The Democratic Party has experienced a wave of excitement with volunteers jumping in to regain control over the plummeting state of America and to turn it around,” Chamberlain said. “Our candidates, like Madeline Eden, have developed technology to help get the vote out. Mike Seigel, Mike Renck and Cheryl Reese are showing up in the communities, showing their commitment to the public well-being. The failings by the current administration on the coronavirus and health care in general are also a major factor in the increased turnout, I believe. Furthermore, people are tired of the nonstop lies and chaos and want to take back control of their future.”
Both party chairs said there has been an incredible response from volunteers and election workers as the excitement from the presidential election trickles down to Bastrop County.
“All the time that’s being given to make this process work is appreciated,” Gepner said.
Chamberlain said: “People are excited to have their voices heard and I believe they are stepping up to control their destiny. That’s exactly what we see is happening so far in this election.”
Early voting runs through Friday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day is Nov. 3.
