HaysVotes.ORG

Texas Midterm 2026

Hays County Justice of the Peace • Precinct 2, Place 1

Why this race matters

The Justice of the Peace runs the court most people actually end up in: evictions, small claims up to $20,000, traffic tickets, and other small offenses. Your JP is chosen only by voters in your part of the county, and does not have to be a lawyer. In counties without a medical examiner, the JP is also who gets called when someone dies unexpectedly, to decide if there's an investigation. Whoever ends up in front of a JP is standing in front of someone your vote put there.

The Democratic candidate

Hays County Justice of the Peace • Precinct 2, Place 1
Beth Smith, Democratic candidate for Hays County Justice of the Peace • Precinct 2, Place 1

Beth Smith

Democrat Incumbent
Read about Beth ▾

Smith has been the Justice of the Peace in Kyle since 1999 — the longest-serving JP in Hays County — and took her court paperless years before the rest of the county.

She brought the "Shattered Dreams" drunk-driving program to Hays CISD high schools, describes her style as "fair, but firm," and calls the job her "second family." She lives in Mountain City.

Beth’s website ↗

Also on the ballot

Every candidate who filed for this office appears here.

This is a precinct race — whether it is on your ballot depends on your address. Enter your address in the guide and it will work out your precinct for you.

Where to vote

You can vote at any vote center in Hays County, during early voting or on Election Day. Locations and hours by city:

Your Address. Your Voting Locations. Your Candidates. Your Pocket Poll.