SAN ANTONIO – While at the Bexar County Courthouse on business, Lauren Zamora said she cast her early vote leading up to the long awaited Texas primary, delayed by a drawn-out redistricting battle in the courts.
It was the second time Zamora had voted in the last two days.
Zamora said she was part of the meager turnout Saturday that overwhelmingly passed the city's $596 million bond issue.
Having voted in both, Zamora said she agreed with those who say she is the exception.
However, she said having back to back elections could leave many voters wondering.
"I think they will be confused about it. They may not know which issues they're voting on," Zamora said.
Along with U.S. presidential nominees, the Texas primary ballot also includes numerous local and state races.
Javier Oliva, also a registered voter, said he thinks voters already are frustrated by the process.
"The election was postponed many times and people are tired of what's happening in politics right now," Oliva said.
Bill Fix said he admits he didn't know there was a bond election on Saturday.
"I'm aware of the one coming up, the primary election, so I'm planning to vote there," Fix said.
Instead of discouraging voters, Sam Williams said having two elections in May could motivate voters who sat out the first one.
"You start doing your homework and see what's out there and what's available," Williams said. "You may want to weigh in on some of those things."
Several potential voters questioned why aren't all elections held on a single day.
Jacque Callanen, Bexar County elections administrator, said several municipal elections also were held in conjunction with the San Antonio's bond election.
However, she said Texas law mandates primaries must be stand-alone elections.
Early voting for the primary continues through May 25 at 29 locations in Bexar County, with election day set for May 29.
Callanen said 3,843 early votes had been cast on Monday. That was less than the first day of early voting for the 2010 primary, when 4,092 ballots were cast.