by Michael Robinson| Uvalde Hesperian

02-20-26

On Thursday morning, February 19th, an untold number of voters filed complaints with the Texas Secretary of State about aggressive campaigning from candidates or their volunteers, according to Uvalde County Election Administrator Christina White. The parking lot west of the Civic Center is where many candidates have placed pop-up tents and candidates, and their volunteers hold campaign signs hoping to influence voters as they head to the polls. According to the City of Uvalde’s election ordinance, there are areas designated for candidates’ pop-up tents and areas for voters to park.

“Voters reported to the City of Uvalde and, I was told by the City complaints were made to the Secretary of States office. I am not aware of any reports to the Attorney General’s office at this time.  The city manager and the Civic center manager asked me to ask the Candidates and their electioneers to abide by the City Ordinance regarding electioneering at the Civic Center. The City of Uvalde website has the rules that the candidates must abide by. I had shared this information with the Party Chairs and all candidates were aware of the rules.  The city will remove any signs, chairs, pop tents that are in violation of the ordinance,” Uvalde County Elections Administrator Christine White said in a press statement sent to the Uvalde Hesperian.

“I asked the candidates to review the rules and move out of the voters parking area. They all complied,” She said.

The Uvalde Hesperian reached out to Uvalde County Party Chair Carlos Lopez for a comment.

He said, “We’re all on the same page now.”

by Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian

11-05-24

 Registered voters are turning out in brisk numbers to Uvalde County polling locations to cast their respective votes for President of the United States as well as other federal, state and national races in addition to the County Emergency Services District ballot initiative which, if approved, would establish a new taxing entity to fund City of Uvalde and areas of Uvalde County volunteer fire departments. 

Knippa ISD School Board elections:

Voters residing within the Knippa School District are casting votes for two trustee positions on the Knippa ISD School Board. The KISD school board elections are included with the overall Uvalde County Elections.

  Uvalde County Elections Administration Melissia Jones stated that almost 1500 voters have cast their votes as of about 2:15PM today at the SSgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center and the other Uvalde County’s polling locations. 

  “The Civic Center is busy.” Jones said. 

   Jones also said while she since early this morning the voter turnout has been steady. Jones also said that, in the City of Uvalde,  voters can also vote at the Uvalde County Nutrition Center, the Herby Ham Activity Center and at the Dry Frio Room of the Uvalde County Fairplex. 

Uvalde CISD Voter Approved Tax Rate election:

  Voting is also taking place at the Uvalde CISD Central Offices and at Batesville School where voters will be deciding on the District’s Voter Approved Tax Rate or VATRE.

According to Uvalde CISD Election Administrator Roxanne Hill, the voter turnout today at Uvalde CISD Central Office has been “extremely busy.”

“During the week, the most we’ve had was 120 voters in a day. We hit that number at 2 PM today,” Hill said.

  If passed, the 11-cent property tax would bring in close to $2 million dollars to shore up the current budget deficit. According to Superintendent Ashley Chohlis, the effective tax increase would only impact homeowners by 1 cent increase in property taxes as a 10-cent property tax decrease will take effect due to a bond passed in 2005 will be paid off by the district. 

by Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

Uvalde County Republican Run-off for Uvalde County Sheriff

Ruben Nolasco chalked up an unofficial win last night in his bid for re-election as Uvalde County Sheriff with the vote totals between him and challenger Otto Arnim coming down to only 73 votes difference.

Shortly before 9 PM, the final unofficial results were released by the Uvalde County Elections Office.  Ruben Nolasco’s vote total was 1241 votes to Otto Arnim’s 1168 total votes. Because there were no candidates who ran for Uvalde County Sheriff in the Democratic Party Primary elections, the Sheriff’s race was effectively decided during the 2024 Republican Primary Elections.

On Sheriff Ruben Nolasco’s Facebool Page, he posted the following message: “I would like to thank everyone who supported and voted for me. I will continue leading from a foundation built on honesty and integrety. Thank you all for making this possible. I look forward to serving the citizens of Uvalde County for another 4 years.”

Texas District 23 U.S. Congressional Republican Run-off Race

Texas Republican incumbent Tony Gonzales won his primary bid against challenger Brandon Herrera in a close match according to an Associated Press report.  During the week of early voting leading up to the Tuesday, May 28th election day, many Uvalde County Residents respective mail boxes were flooded with glossy campaign cards as both candidates employed direct mail as a means of trying to sway voters.

Texas House District 80 Democratic Run-off Race

Cecilia Castellano defeated Rosie Cuellar Tuesday night  for the Democratic Party nomination according to a Laredo Morning Times report.