By Chase Rogers

Election officials in Hays County faced increased voter turnout, boosted mail-in ballot use and the necessary implementation of safety measures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic during the July 14 runoff election. This election served as a test run for what the November election could look like.

Preventative measures at the elections centers included sanitation of polling machines between uses, social distancing, facial coverings and curbside voting. According to Elections Admini...