More Bastrop County voters cast ballots during the first week of early voting than over the same period in either of the past two midterm elections.

By the numbers: Through the first seven days, 16,208 voters had cast ballots—about 66% more than at the same point in 2022 and 36% more than in 2018.

What you need to know: Bastrop County voters can cast ballots at any of the four early voting locations through Oct. 30 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Stay tuned: Follow Community Impact on election night Nov. 3 for live results and updates on races, ballot measures and more.

Retail chain Burlington filed plans Oct. 21 for a store in Bastrop’s Burleson Crossing East development, which will also welcome Dick's Sporting Goods.

What we know: The $3.3 million project will include construction of a 22,520-square-foot retail building at the shopping center, with construction expected to run Nov. 9-Sept. 1, 2027.

What they offer: Burlington is a discount retailer selling clothing for women, men and children, along with shoes, accessories, beauty products and home decor.

• 655 SH 71 W., Bastrop

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

1. Austin pushes back on proposed Parmer Lane highway conversion: Austin City Council approved a resolution directing city staff to work with regional transportation agencies to prioritize safety, walking, biking and transit in proposed Parmer Lane improvements amid concerns that a plan to convert the corridor into a multilane highway could increase traffic, noise and pollution.

2. Kyle reevaluates 6 priority intersections marked for roundabouts: On Aug. 18, the Kyle City Council approved an almost $500,000 reevaluation of 12 intersections where roundabouts were recommended. The results of intersection analyses at six priority locations were presented on Oct. 20. Of the six intersections reevaluated, four were recommended for road remedies other than roundabouts and two were recommended to continue pursuing roundabouts.

3. Pflugerville's FM 685 median removal to bring overnight lane closures Oct. 26-30: As part of the city’s Downtown East project, a new traffic light is being installed at the intersection, and Main Street is being extended from its current terminus at N. Railroad Avenue.

Early voting in Texas began on Oct. 19 and will continue until Oct. 30, before election day on Nov. 3. Austin-area voters can now head to the polls, trading their “I Voted” sticker for freebies and discounts at businesses across the city.

Voters can find their closest polling site at communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

This list is not comprehensive.

Taco Flats: Voters can present their voting sticker at any Taco Flats location for a free TF Original taco.

• 5520 Burnet Road, Ste. 101, Austin; 1110 W. Lynn St., Austin; 2500 E. 6th St., Austin; 12221 Riata Trace Parkway, Ste. 100, Austin; 900 Ranch Road 620 S, Ste. c104, Lakeway

Nunya Neighborhood Bar: After going to the polls, voters can visit the east Austin bar for a free beer or hot dog.

• 1806 E. 12th St., Austin

Hyperreal Film Club: The local movie theatre is offering free popcorn to voters who show their “I Voted” sticker.

• 301 Chicon St., Ste. A, Austin