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A well-informed electorate is critical to the health of sustaining democracy. Reform Austin is committed to providing in-depth reporting to ensure Texans are prepared when they go to the polls. Additionally, Reform Austin reports on the critical issues and challenges facing voters in Texas elections. 
It has become increasingly difficult for Texans to exercise the right to vote as a record number of polling places have closed. The state tops the nation in shutting down polling sites – closing 750 locations since 2013. Civil rights advocates warn this will disenfranchise voters. 
In the 86th Legislative Session, Texas lawmakers passed legislation prohibiting local governments from setting up temporary polling locations. In the past, mobile and temporary voting centers helped provide better voting access to rural and under-served communities in Texas, including college students and the elderly. Two new Democratic groups and a former Austin city manager have filed suit against the Texas Secretary of State’s office, arguing the bill suppresses the vote of many disenfranchised groups.
Reform Austin covers all aspects of voting – how you vote, who you’re voting for, when you’re voting, where to vote, and the results of the elections. We report on new candidates that announce, people running for reelection, and legislators that announce their resignation. Additionally, we provide comprehensive voter guides for you to compare candidates on the issues, as well as constitutional amendment explainers. Check Reform Austin for everything about voting, including what is done in the Texas Legislature to either promote or suppress the vote.

Revenge Is A Dish Best Served In The Texas Republican Primaries

Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton seem to have one thing on their minds when it comes to endorsements for...

In Houston Mayoral Race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and State Sen. John Whitmire...

State Sen. John Whitmire is leading U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in early returns to become Houston’s next mayor, but the race was poised to head...

Texas Voters Supporting Property Tax Cuts and Infrastructure Spending, but Opposing Later Retirement for...

Property tax cuts, a raise for retired teachers and billions in investments in infrastructure, research, tech and energy appeared headed for passage...

Texas Democrats Need “Close To A Billion Dollars A Cycle” According To Soros-Backed Group

No one would argue that Texas Democrats have been on the back foot for decades. What would it cost to change that?...

The GOP’s Secret To Protecting Gerrymandered Electoral Maps? Claim Privilege.

This story was originally published by ProPublica.ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive...

Push To Hand Count Ballots Throws A Texas County’s Election Administration Into Chaos

This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Votebeat is a nonprofit news...

Stogner Bids Farewell To GOP, Launches Third-Party Campaign For Railroad Commission

Oil and gas attorney Sarah Stogner, known for her unorthodox methods of campaigning, has announced her second run for a seat on...

Alexandra Mealer Does A U-Turn, Drops Election Challenge Against Lina Hidalgo

In the November 2022 election, Alexandra del Moral Mealer ran as a Republican candidate against Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. After losing...

What’s at stake in the long-awaited trial over Texas’s sweeping 2021 elections law

This coverage is made possible through Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting access. The...

Mail-In Voting Wins Ruling in Texas

The Republican war against mail-in voting suffered a defeat last week as a federal judge ruled it illegal for election officials to...

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