AUSTIN, Texas -- The League of Women Voters of the Austin Area encourages all voters to check their ballot this weekend and read up on their candidates.
The League wrapped up candidate forums Friday, which complement a comprehensive voters guide. More than 150 local candidates completed questionnaires for the voters guide.
"We are all about having informed voters and encouraging people to participate in their democracy," League President Cinde Weatherby said. "Going to the polls and picking somebody for if you like their last name or not is just not very responsible."
Local races included in the guide range from state senate races to school board trustees. Those races at the bottom of the ballot can have the most impact, Weatherby said.
MORE | League of Women Voters Guide
"The things that affect you most are the things you encounter in your daily life: the streets, the schools, problems that you may have with anything or things that you want to get involved in," she said.
The League's final forum featured two candidates for Austin ISD At-Large Place 8. Cindy Anderson and David Quintanilla are running for the seat that will be vacated by Gina Hinojosa, who is running for Texas House District 49.
"You see one thing on paper, but without having an opportunity to really discuss the issues--that is where, in my opinion, you really see the difference--and the difference of having ten years' experience in the district makes," Anderson said.
Their forum took place at noon Friday in the Stephen F. Austin High School Library.
"We've got to make sure people have an understanding of what we believe, where we stand on the issues, and certainly why we are here," Quintanilla said.
Weatherby suggests voters print out a sample ballot for their precinct, so they know their eligible races. She then suggests voters review candidate responses in the Voters Guide to inform their decision before heading to a polling place.
The guide covers all races in Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell Counties. Early voting starts Monday morning.
Click Below to Download Personalized Sample Ballot: