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.”

Zooming in: 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.

Hats Off For Veterans, a Kyle-based nonprofit that empowers veterans through scholarships, professional development grants and mental health support, is partnering with VA Dogs of Texas, a nonprofit that trains and gifts rescue dogs to disabled Texas veterans. 

What's happening: Officials made the announcement in a news release as sponsorships and vendor spots open for the group’s 21st annual Operation: Hats Off BBQ Family Gala in April.

Lisa Adams, founder and CEO of HOFV, said the funds raised from the gala will help connect veterans with trained service dogs that provide emotional support, mobility assistance and renewed independence.

Notable quote: “A service dog not only supports a veteran physically, but emotionally,” HOFV Executive Director Jamie R. Cole said in the release. “These dogs reduce isolation, build confidence, and save lives. We’re grateful to partner with Hats Off For Veterans to expand our mission and reach more Texas veterans who are waiting for a canine hero.”

 

Approximately 460,000 Texans have Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking and behavior.
 
Advocates are encouraging Texas voters to approve State Proposition 14, a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to spend $3 billion to launch the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.

The overview: Proposition 14 would allocate $3 billion in state dollars to fund the institute for the next 10 years. The institute would work with researchers and doctors to study the prevention and treatment of various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

All funding for the institute would come from existing state revenue, donations and potential federal grants, meaning no new state taxes or fees would be created.

What they're saying: "If Proposition 14 passes, it really will establish Texas as an incredible leader in our country," neurological researcher Joshua Shulman said. 

At the polls: Early voting runs through Oct. 31, and Election Day is Nov. 4. For more information about the propositions and candidates on your local ballot, visit www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

The overview: As Community Impact enters its third decade, it’s returning to its roots of growth and deeper reader connections. The “Patron” program, which began in 2020 by reader demand, has relaunched as the InCIder.

“This relaunch represents our renewed commitment to readers who support our local news,” CEO John Garrett said. “Beyond funding great journalism, we also want to reward our InCIders and build deeper connections with them, creating a true sense of community around the work we do.”

Event details: As part of the relaunch, Community Impact will host its first-ever InCIder Hour, a new event aimed at celebrating and engaging the company’s supporters.

The event, open to InCIders only, will take place Nov. 12 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Community Impact Headquarters, 16225 Impact Way, Pflugerville.

Guests will have the opportunity to network with fellow InCIders, meet Community Impact staff and attend a featured conversation with legislative reporter Hannah Norton, moderated by Garrett.

“Our first event needed to start where all the hard work is put together,” Garrett said. “People are blown away when they see our operation. To be able to sit and chat with the best legislative reporter in Texas, Hannah Norton, makes it an event our InCIder friends deserve and hopefully will enjoy.”