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6 Investigates: Robstown changes voting locations, but falls short of state compliance

Posted at 5:42 PM, Oct 05, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-05 20:52:39-04

In a special called meeting earlier today, Robstown city leaders took action to try to correct a problem with the upcoming election. But it fell short of complying with state law, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office.

The Robstown City Council voted 4 to 1 to combine polling locations with Nueces County, but only inside the city limits.

Even with the change, the Robstown Utility Board election is not compliant with the law, said Sam Taylor, communications director for the Texas Secretary of State. You can read the section of the law here.

The city attorney disagreed, and that’s why the council took the action it did, said Herman Rodriguez, Robstown City Secretary.

“I am taking the recommendation from my attorney and if my attorney tells me I’m in compliance, I’m going to take his advice.”

Here’s why the state says Robstown is not following the rules:

On Election Day, you can vote at any of the county’s 84 polling locations.

But if you are eligible to vote in the Robstown Utility Board election, city officials will allow you to vote at four of those locations – all in Robstown.

And that’s why Robstown City Councilman Cezar Martinez voted no.

“I don’t agree with us moving forward with this election and not in compliance,” he said. “The people need to have the ability to vote wherever they choose to vote.”

If the city of Robstown does not comply, it means the outcome of the utility board election could be challenged in court by a candidate who loses the election, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office. And if that challenge is upheld, the city may have to re-do the election.

For those registered to vote in Robstown, here’s where you can expect:

To vote in the Robstown Utility Board election, you can only vote at four locations in Robstown. Once inside the polls, there will be two lines: one to cast your ballot in the general elections, which includes Robstown ISD, Nueces County, state and national elections. And there will be another line to cast your ballot in the Robstown Utility Board election.

Early Voting:

Oct. 22 – Nov. 2

Johnny Calderon County Building

For the times – click here.

Election Day:

Tuesday, Nov. 6

The polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

Lotspeich Elementary— 1000 Ruben Chavez Rd.

Keach Family Library— 1000 Terry Shamsie Blvd.

Robert Driscoll Elementary— 122 W. Ave. H

San Pedro Elementary— 800 W. Ave. D

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