We know from all the signs around the area that there are some hotly-contested campaigns going on for the Nov. 4 election. But signs don't really give us much insight into the candidates.

Fortunately, the League of Women Voters in Wimberley is hosting a debate at 7 p.m. Thursday October 16, featuring candidates for some of the most important offices up for election in our area. Candidates for both parties will be in the large Johnson Hall of the Wimberley Community Center so you can hear them in person and form a true, first hand opinion on your own.

In addition to the political races, there are some important non-party races this time around, including the very important election of our area's representative to the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD). District 5 includes much of Wimberley and the area south and east of town so it impacts us. Both candidates will attend. Even if you vote a straight ticket, you still need to look near the bottom of the ballot to vote in non-party contests.

The candidates have also been invited to participate in a Meet and Greet session at 6:30 p.m. in the foyer of the Community Center.

During the debate, the moderator, Carole Belver, will present questions developed by the League to the candidates. The public will also be given an opportunity to ask questions.

Voters Guides published by the League of Women Voters will be available for the public. The League publishes both state-level and San Marcos area guides that contain information on the candidates and their responses to questions sent by the League. Local Voters Guides containing information on locations of polls and dates for early voting are available at the Wimberley Village Library, 400 FM 2325, and other locations.

CARD encourages everyone to take part in our democracy by voting. Attending the debate is a great way to obtain information on the candidates seeking to represent our community. For more information on the event, contact Dorothy Knight, co-chair of the Wimberley unit of the San Marcos LWV, at 512-722-3105 or dknight17@austin.rr.com.

Here is the League's flier with more detail for the Thursday night debate.

CARD Steering Committee