Bastrop ISD contracts with county elections office and sets May 3 trustee election

Trustees approved a contract with the Bastrop County Elections Administrator to run the district’s May 3, 2025, election and then formally called the election for three board‑trustee seats (places 5, 6 and 7).

Casey Baldris of the county elections office presented details to the board, explaining the contract lists early‑voting dates, locations and times and provides an estimated cost that can change depending on the number of contesting entities participating in the consolidated county election. Baldris said the county will use the main Bastrop County Courthouse Annex and listed branch locations (Smithville Rec Center, Cedar Creek Tax Office Annex and North Bastrop County Community Annex) for early voting; additional locations will be available on election day.

Trustees approved the county contract and then a separate motion to call the May 3 trustee election. The board did not provide a roll‑call vote tally in the public transcript; the chair announced the motions carried. Board members discussed that consolidating locations countywide gives commuters flexibility and noted past experience letting schools host polls raised security concerns.

The district’s estimated portion of election payroll and operational cost was cited by a board member as approximately $44,000 for a contested election cycle; the county’s final invoice can vary based on how many other entities participate in the consolidated election. The administration said times and locations will be posted on the district website and that the contract and calendar detail early‑voting hours and election‑day sites.