Bastrop, Lockhart to vote on marijuana decriminalization

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some Central Texas voters will choose whether or not to decriminalize marijuana in their cities this Election Day.

Bastrop and Lockhart residents will each take up propositions for low-level marijuana possession of four ounces or less. Both special elections were triggered by petitions.

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Desiree Venable, the Democratic candidate for Texas House District 17, which covers Bastrop, said decriminalizing marijuana possession is a vital step towards criminal justice reform. But others aren't convinced it's the change Bastrop needs.

When the petition met the required number of signatures in July, Police Chief Vicky Steffanic said the measure could limit officers' options when attempting to make an arrest. Steffanic also called the efforts "misleading."

She said the ballot measure, if approved by voters, would restrict officers from potentially issuing a citation for the offense.

See updated results throughout the night below after polls close at 7 p.m.

Further south in Lockhart , voters will take up a similar proposition. Mano Amiga Responsible Implementation, a progressive advocacy group, helped get the initiative on the ballot.

If approved, Bastrop and Lockhart wouldn't be the first Texas cities to ease their marijuana laws. Austin, Denton, Elgin, Harker Heights, Killeen and San Marcos have all approved similar measures, though voters in deep red Lubbock smacked down an effort in May.

Despite local efforts gaining steam, recreational marijuana use remains illegal at the state level.