Staff Writer | November 4, 2025
The Board of Trustees of the Yoakum Independent School District has officially ordered a Tax Ratification Election to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The election will allow registered voters in DeWitt, Gonzales, and Lavaca Counties to decide whether to approve the District’s adopted ad valorem tax rate of $1.04385 per $100 of taxable property value.
What’s on the Ballot?
Proposition A asks voters to ratify the District’s current tax rate, which includes:
- A debt service rate of $0.34695
- A maintenance and operations rate of $0.69690 (the legal maximum under current Texas law)
Despite the ballot language stating “THIS IS A TAX INCREASE,” the proposed rate actually reflects a decrease in maintenance and operations tax revenue—down 10.5920% from the previous year, amounting to a reduction of approximately $1.29 million.
The funds are intended to support District salaries and instructional enhancements.
Voting Details
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Early Voting: Dates, times, and locations will be listed in Exhibit A of the official order and may be updated as needed.
- Vote by Mail: Applications must be received by October 24, 2025. Voters may submit applications via mail, fax, or email—but must also mail the original if faxed or emailed.
Election Oversight
The election will be conducted jointly with other political subdivisions and administered by election officials in each county:
- DeWitt County: Deidra McCollum
- Gonzales County: Gwen Schaefer
- Lavaca County: Tenia Hudson
Each county will appoint poll workers, translators, and tabulation staff as required by law. Materials will be available in English, Spanish, and other necessary languages.
Legal Notes
The Board confirmed that the election complies with Texas Education and Election Codes, including recent legislation (Senate Bill 1025) and disaster-related exemptions. The order also allows for technical adjustments and joint election agreements to ensure smooth execution.