The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming May 1 election is just around the corner.
Those who wish to cast their ballots in the local municipal and school district races must be registered to vote by Thursday.
“Exercising your right to vote and making your voice heard is a fundamental part of our democracy,” Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs said in a news release last week. “I encourage all eligible Texans who have not already done so to register to vote by April 1st so that they can actively participate in shaping the future of Texas.”
There are six governmental entities carrying out May elections in Hidalgo County, including the cities of McAllen, Pharr and San Juan.
In McAllen, voters will choose a new mayor after Jim Darling announced he would not seek re-election. They will also select four commissioners and three trustees for the McAllen Public Utility Board. The city will also ask residents to weigh in on potential charter amendments, including the establishment of a six-month residency requirement for office holders and the adoption of term limits.
In Pharr, voters will choose a commissioner for Places 2, 3 and 4, and in San Juan, voters will choose a mayor and commissioners for Places 2 and 3.
There are also three school districts that will hold elections May 1: the McAllen, Sharyland and Progreso independent school districts.
McAllen voters will choose trustees for Places 3, 6 and 7, while Sharyland and Progreso voters will vote on bond propositions.
Sharyland is asking voters to approve the issuance of $35 million in bonds for the construction, renovations and additions at Sharyland High School and John H. Shary Elementary to address infrastructure, safety and security.
Early voting begins April 19 and runs until April 27.
The last day to apply for a ballot by mail is April 20.
To check your voter registration status, call the Hidalgo County Elections Department at (956) 318-2570.
Editor’s note: This story was updated April 5, 2021, to correct information about what the bond would fund.
