NEWSJOURNAL
COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTES 4-1 TO INCREASE COUNTY TAX RATE were well attended with overflowing crowds and opposition to the tax increase and suggestions to consider cutting the budget, the Commissioners voted to both raise the tax rate to .6778 and to leave the budget as it was presented. Walker County Judge Danny Pierce was the first to vote and he then proceeded with a roll call vote where Precinct 1 Commissioner B.J. Gaines voted for the rate increase, Precinct 2 Commissioner Ronnie White was the lone vote against the tax increase, Precinct 3 Commissioner Bobby Warren voted for it, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Tim Paulsel voted for it. (HUNTSVILLE, TX) — Walker County Commissioners met this week and The vote on adoption of the 2014 fiscal year budget went much the voted to increase the tax rate as they had originally discussed in previ- same way with Pierce, Gaines, Warren and Paulsel voting FOR the budous court sessions and in the public hearings. Although public hearings get and White casting the single vote AGAINST the budget.
WALKER COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE REMINDS OF NEW VOTER ID LAW (HUNTSVILLE, TX) — The November 5 Regular and Special Election is fast approaching, and the deadline to register to vote or make any changes to name or address information is October 7. The ballot will include several City races for Mayor at-Large, four Council ward positions and a Special Election for Position 1 at-Large, as well as seven proposed City Charter amendments.
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City residents in three voting precincts, along with County residents in • two voting precincts, will also have an opportunity to vote on a local op- • tion liquor measure affecting dry areas in Justice Precinct 2. Registered voters of Justice Precinct 2, which consists of voting precincts 201, 203, 204, 205 and 206, will be eligible to vote on the ballot measure for or against “the legal sale of all alcoholic beverages including mixed beverages.” Finally, state constitutional amendments, as well as potential items for consideration from the Huntsville Independent School District, the Walker County Hospital District and other entities, will also be included.
Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS Texas personal identification card issued by DPS Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph United States passport With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented at the polling place.
This photo ID requirement is for voters casting a ballot in person, not by mail. Voters age 65 and older may vote by mail. Matching requirements Election officials are encouraging voters to update their voter registrations to reflect the names on their IDs. Voters may use IDs that do not exactly match the name on their IDs if the names are substantially similar but will have to sign an affidavit stating they are the same person. Voters may look up their registration at votetexas.gov and if their name is not an exact match they can update their voter registration online at votetexas. gov or come by the Voter Registration Office in Room 114 at the County Annex Building located at 1301 Sam Houston Avenue. October 7th is the deadline to change or correct their name and/or address on their voter registration for the November 5th election.
Photo ID requirements Walker County Election Officer, Diana McRae, reminds voters that photo identification will now be required for voting in person. In 2011, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 14 (SB 14) creating a new requirement for voters to show photo identification when voting in person. While pending review within the judicial system, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in Shelby County v. Holder, which effectively ended all pending litigation. As a result, voters are now required to present an approved form of photo identification in order to vote in all Texas elections. “By preparing now, voters can help make sure voting goes smoothly when it comes time for the election,” said McRae. “In Walker County we are working to make sure our voters understand the new ID requirements and have all the information they need to cast their To check and update their registrations, voters can visit VoteTexas.gov or ballots,” said McRae. A voter will be required to show one of the following call the Voter Registration Office at (936) 436-4959 for more information. forms of photo identification at the polling location before the voter will Or, for more information about photo ID requirements including exempbe permitted to cast a vote: tions, visit www.votetexas.gov. •
Texas drivers license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Information on how to obtain an election identification certificate if you do not have another form can be found at www.dps.texas.gov. august 22, 2013, 2013 • walkercountyjournal.com • Walker county journaL