Election dept head speaks to Retired Teachers

Bandera County Chief Deputy of Elections Gwenda Tschirhart presented an instructive program on voter registration cards and answered questions about the election process at the October meeting of the Bandera County Retired Teachers’ Association at the American Legion Post 157.

Tschirhart gave a detailed explanation of the types of information found on the cards.

She also reviewed the vote by mail application. She explained the process by which vote by mail applications may be returned and what requirements are necessary to make sure that they are counted.

Tschirhart also talked about early voting and locations of polling places. Early voting can be done at any of the three county locations but voting on voting day must take place in the resident’s precinct.

Tschirhart completed her presentation with a description of the voting security process and the new paper ballots being kept as a backup to electronic voting, outlining the cost of the upgraded voting machines purchased by the county as well.

Tschirhart also reminded members that training for being an election worker could be accessed on-line. She encouraged the BCRTA members to consider that to assist the Elections Office.

The Minutes from the September meeting, and the Treasurer’s Report were approved. The Membership report noted that the group had 93 members and that threewere waiting to be completed.

Secretary Sara Baxter stated the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bandera County had sent a thank-you card for the donated school supplies.

Legislative Committee Chair Denise Van Dyke reported Oct. 27 was designated as Educational Voting Day in early voting. She also said that the deadline to return the mail-in ballot application was October 28.

“Five Things We Didn’t Learn to Do Until 50” was the topic of Doris Doebbler’s Health report. These were: how to breathe, how to sit, how to stand, how to walk and how to smile. Doebbler’s humorous but worthwhile presentation always brings a chuckle to members.

Secretary Sarah Baxter brought the amended local standing rules up for a vote. They were unanimously adopted.

Dee Ann Mazurek gave a report on the Book Project 2022. She commented that only 190 books had been collected so far and that at least 600 would be needed to provide a book to each third, fourth and fifth-grade child in Bandera, Medina and Utopia ISDs.

The Pizza Fundraiser materials were distributed after the meeting by Vice President Linda Hunter.

President Lynn Oliver reminded members about the District 20 Fall Conference on October 27 at St. Peter’s Church in Boerne. Members were planning on carpooling.

Oliver also reminded members that TRTA Day at the Capital would be on April 11-12.

Yvette Milner gave an update on issues regarding ATPE. Local chapter president John Milner donated to the school supply drive from the Bandera County ATPE Chapter.

The next meeting of the BCRTA will be on November 16 at the Dixie Dude Ranch. Members are encouraged to bring canned goods or chapter books for students.