Cameron County voters talk Proposition A, early voting

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The first day of early voting in Cameron County got off to a slow start, according to Elections Administrator Remi Garza.

The May 3 general election typically brings in less voter turnout than November elections. Garza said he expects roughly 10% of the county's registered voters to vote during early voting and on May 3.

"There is a county-wide election, so we're hoping that's going to bring out more actual voters, but I have a feeling the percentage is going to stay the same," Garza said.

This year on the ballot, Cameron County voters can vote for or against Proposition A: a venue project that would be partly funded using the county's hotel occupancy tax. The venue would be an arena for sporting events, concerts, conventions and more.

"I think it's great that we have a good solid venue for people to come and do events here," Cameron County Resident Ariel Chavez said.

Ariel Chavez and his wife Rocio said they support the venue because it would allow them to attend events without having to travel out of town.

Other voters like Brownsville Resident Portia Belmont, believe they were not given enough information about the venue prior to voting.

"I don't feel informed," Belmont said. "I feel like the politicians have failed to give us enough information about what's actually important."

There are 22 early voting locations in Cameron County, according to County Elections Administrator Remi Garza. The locations are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Early voters like Ariel and Rocio Chavez said they chose to vote early so that they don't run into problems trying to vote on election day. When asked what items on the ballot she was interested in voting on, Rocio said that she was pleased with the number of women who are running.

"I really like the idea that we have females on the ballot," Rocio said. "Very prepared, very educated, and that's great for us women."

To find out where you can vote, click here.