TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS - The League of Women Voters of the Austin Area and the Travis County Clerk's Office will co-host a series of events for “Paws to the Polls: The Great Austin Pet Election.” Candidates Gus the Cat and Franklin the Dog are going head-to-head to become Austin’s next Pet Mayor and the public is invited to learn more about the candidates and elections in general.

This family-friendly affair will take place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Baker Center Cafetorium. The free, all-ages block party will have candidate debates, after which attendees will be able to cast their ballot on actual voting machines. Voter registration and election information for the upcoming local November elections will also be available onsite.

Paws to the Polls is a countywide voter‐engagement initiative designed to welcome new voters, help residents get hands‐on experience with voting equipment, and connect the community with trusted election resources. The campaign’s goal is simple: empower every eligible voter with the confidence and information they need to participate in the November election.

This event is one of several that will take place ahead of the November Election.

Where: Baker Center Cafetorium, 3908 Avenue B, Austin, TX 78751
When: Saturday, July 25, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Who: All ages welcome
What: Games, snow cones, face painting, voting demo, and mock election.

Quote from League of Women Voters president Carol Ecklekamp:

"These events are great for new voters as they can help demystify the voting process before the 2026 Midterm Elections. We are so excited to be in partnership with the Travis County Clerk’s Office because the more opportunities people have to become familiar with voting equipment and the voting process, the more confident voters are when they show up to polling locations to cast their actual ballot."

Quote from Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado:

“Paws to the Polls: The Great Austin Pet Election is a fun, creative way to bring the community together while demonstrating what civic participation looks like. When voters meet the candidates, watch debates, and cast their ballots, they’re reminded that voting is a responsibility—not just a right. Events like this demonstrate how important voter‐engagement is in every election, every time.”

Anyone eight years old and up can vote in this mock election.