Some Austin bars will offer drink specials and prizes to encourage people to vote in a city council runoff election.
The Austin American-Statesman reported Thursday that about a dozen establishments have come up with incentives. Early voting begins Monday for the June 18 runoff between Councilwoman Randi Shade and Kathie Tovo.
Michael Klein, with the Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance, says the bars want to remind patrons that they can and should vote, although anyone can get the election-themed perks. Klein says only about 7 percent of the registered voters in Austin cast ballots during the May 14 election.
Austin attorney Buck Wood says if signs posted at the bars urge people to vote for a certain candidate, they're considered political advertising and should list who paid for them.
