Eagle Pass Officials Review Expansion of Early Voting Locations for May
Eagle Pass Officials Review Expansion of Early Voting Locations for May City Election
By Jose G. Landa
The Community Transformation Alliance and representatives from the City of Eagle Pass are moving forward with discussions that could expand early voting locations for the upcoming municipal election on May 1, 2026 potentially making voting more convenient and accessible across the community.
The discussions began several months ago after the Community Transformation Alliance made presentations before the Eagle Pass City Council advocating for additional polling locations.
The organization emphasized that residents should have voting sites closer to where they live and that the election process must remain accessible to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
City representatives participating in the latest meeting included Mayor Aaron Valdez, City Manager Homero Balderas, Councilwoman Jessica Rey Ramon, Assistant City Manager Placido Madera, City Attorney Sofia Garcia and City Secretary Erika Rodriguez.
Maverick County Elections Department Director Mariana Flores-Garcia and representatives from the South Texas All Abilities Center administration also participated.
City staff and election representatives have reviewed three possible early voting locations, including the Multi-Purpose Center, the Cruz Muñoz Gymnasium and the new Alfonso Mallen Gymnasium.
The locations remain under consideration and would require approval before being used during the May election.
Depending on staffing, equipment, accessibility and other logistical requirements, the city could potentially offer two or three early voting locations.
The proposal represents a significant change from relying on a more centralized early voting arrangement.
Additional locations could reduce travel distances and transportation difficulties while allowing residents to vote closer to their neighborhoods.
Accessibility remains a central part of the discussions.
Federal law requires state and local governments to provide people with disabilities a full and equal opportunity to vote, including when officials select early voting and Election Day polling locations.
Texas also requires polling places to meet accessibility standards and generally provide accessible voting equipment.
The Maverick County Elections Department expressed a willingness to continue working with the city and community organizations on the proposal.
Participants also discussed whether expanded voting services could eventually be considered for other local elections, although each election would require coordination among the governmental entities involved.
No final number of locations has been approved.
The ongoing review will determine whether the proposed sites can meet election requirements in time for the May city election.
For the Community Transformation Alliance, the initiative is part of its broader mission to promote equity throughout Maverick County.
Its work includes community wellness, voting access and ensuring residents can exercise their rights regardless of age, disability, transportation limitations or the neighborhood in which they live.
The discussions mark an important step toward turning months of community advocacy into a practical expansion of voting access. If approved, the May election could become the starting point for a more accessible and geographically inclusive local election system.
