Situated on the city of Austin’s northern and western perimeters, Round Rock experienced identity issues. Liberal ideologies were rooted in Austin and, from time to time, clashed with Round Rock’s more conservative values.
Led by Raymond Hartfield, a local attorney and member of the Round Rock school board, supporters of Austin Community College’s annexation of the Round Rock Independent School District mounted their annexation campaign needing 4,000 signatures to call for a vote on the issue. Hartfield aimed for 6,000, just to be safe. The deadline for signatures was set for October 31, and election day was set May 10, 2008. Hartfield said “We’re aiming for 6,000 signatures, just to make sure we have what we need.” The movement to annex Round Rock I.S.D. had been building momentum for some time.