Voters in Bastrop County have one more chance to cast ballots in this year's midterm election on Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In a nutshell: The county heads into Election Day after 42.22% of eligible voters cast in-person ballots during early voting, marking the strongest early turnout in at least the past three midterm elections.

What you need to know: Voters can cast ballots at any of the 15 Bastrop County polling locations, and CARTS will offer free rides to the polls using promo code VoteTexas2026.

On the ballot: Among the races and measures Bastrop County voters may see on their ballots are:

• Bastrop County Judge

• Bastrop County Commissioner, Precinct 4

• Bastrop ISD’s voter-approval tax rate election

• Local-option alcohol sales

• Texas House District 17

• U.S. House District 27

Stay tuned: Visit Community Impact’s Voter Guide to learn more about local races, print a custom sample ballot and follow live election night results.

Local chefs, restaurants and caterers will compete for bragging rights while raising money for the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry during the ninth annual Elgin Empty Bowl event.

What to expect: Attendees can sample entries and vote for a fan favorite, while competitors vie for top honors in five categories:

• Cream-based soup

• Broth-based soup

• Chili

• Stew

• Table presentation

What else? The fundraiser will also feature a silent auction, a raffle with prizes from local businesses and live music. Each ticket holder ages 13 and older can take home a commemorative bowl hand-painted by Elgin ISD students.

Why it matters: “Every ticket purchased, every bowl of soup tasted and every auction bid placed directly impacts a family in our community,” said Tresha Silva, CEO of Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry. “We are calling on our neighbors to join the team and help us turn empty bowls into full ones.”

• Nov. 7, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

• $35 (admission, ages 13 and older), $5 (admission, ages 6-12)

• Elgin High School, 14000 County Line Road, Elgin

Check out the latest transportation project updates across the Austin metro.

1. New nonstop service to Alaska launching at Austin airport this summer: The new nonstop destination from Alaska Airlines will begin service from Austin to Anchorage on June 12, 2027 and will operate once weekly on Saturdays through Aug. 7.

2. TxDOT wraps up $677M Oak Hill Parkway expansion project: Nearly 40 years after planning began, construction on Oak Hill Parkway in Southwest Austin is substantially complete. The $677 million reconstruction of the seven-mile roadway segment has been ongoing since 2021, transforming a four-lane, undivided roadway into a six-lane divided highway with new frontage roads and 15 miles of shared-use paths.

3. Williamson County officials to look at school crosswalk safety: Officials plan to evaluate school crosswalk safety throughout the unincorporated areas of the county. Last spring, two students were hit by cars while using school crosswalks, Judge Steve Snell said. Although crossing guards tend to crosswalks 30 minutes before and after school, students also access these roads outside those times.

Texans' last chance to vote in this year's midterm election is Nov. 3. Polling places across the state will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, according to the secretary of state's office.

What to expect: Dozens of races will appear on the ballot, from U.S. Senate and governor to local officials and propositions.

If a voter runs into an issue at the polls that cannot be immediately resolved, such as a lack of photo ID or an administrative error, they have the right to cast a provisional ballot, per state law. Some voters may be required to return to the local voter registrar's office by Nov. 9—six days after Election Day—to resolve the issue after voting.

Stay informed: Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide to read Q&As with hundreds of candidates, find coverage of local propositions and print a custom sample ballot to bring to the polls.

After polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 3, election results will be posted on the same webpage.