In Austin County, Vote Centers will be used for the May 7 General Election and all future elections, the county’s Election Official Kim Rinn said Monday.

In Vote Centers, also known as the Countywide Polling Place Program, enables any registered voter within the county to vote at any Vote Center polling place on Election Day,” a March 28 release said. “Previously, a voter had to go to one certain location based on registration address, but the new program allows voting convenient to work, commuter routes or home.”

Two months ago in January, Austin County filed a formal application with the Secretary of State’s office.

The program required the creation of an advisory committee comprised of representatives from each voting district in the county, as well as a digital registration list that will provide poll workers the opportunity to verify that voters had not already cast a ballot.

“Additionally, a public hearing which was held Jan. 10,” the release said. “Commissioner’s Court approval was also required. Austin County will join 84 counties across the state who currently participate in Countywide Polling Place Program.”

Polling stations will be located at the following locations on election day: Austin County Fair & Expo Center, Austin County Annex – Wendt Street, Industry City Building, Bleiblerville Volunteer Fire Department, New Ulm Volunteer Fire Department, St. John Lutheran Church – Cat Spring, Sealy Columbus Club Hall, San Felipe de Austin State Historic Museum – Meeting Room, Father Bernard Snock Religious Education Center and Wallis Columbus Club Hall.

Visit sealynews.com for a map of voting locations and stay tuned for more voting information leading up to early voting April 25.