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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.

Keith Bell defeats Eston Williams

Keith Bell defeated Eston Williams for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives.

Abbott Sets Runoff for Texas House District 145 for Mar. 5

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has picked Mar. 5 as the date of the special election runoff to replace former State Rep. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston),...

Cesar Blanco to run for Jose Rodriguez’s seat

Texas’ tradition of political musical chairs continues with state Rep. Cesar Blanco (D-El Paso) announcing his candidacy on Monday, Sept. 16, for...

HD-28: The hottest race in Texas gets even hotter

In what’s shaping up to be one of the most-watched state house races in Texas, an unlikely underdog has emerged with a...

Safeguarding the Vote: How Texas Plans to Keep Votes Safe

This election season, intelligence officials and analysts security have warned about expected attempts to interfere in U.S. elections by Russian State Security...

Democrats Take Legal Action Over Elimination of Straight-Ticket Voting in Texas

Straight-ticket party-line voting almost certainly enabled Democrats’ 12-House seat victory in Texas in the 2018 midterm election. Overwhelming Democratic...

Joe Biden to Speak at Texas Democratic Convention

The Texas Democratic Party has announced that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden will speak at the party’s virtual state convention next...

Houston Mayor Calls on GOP to Cancel State Convention

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is once again calling on the Republican Party of Texas to cancel its state convention in his city.

Texas Election Officials in the Hunt for Poll Workers, Polling Locations for November

With the November election just two and a half months away, county election officials across Texas are scrambling to find safe polling...
Paxton

Just Like That, Harris County’s Mail Ballot Plan is Halted Again

The Texas Supreme Court has stepped in to stop Harris County from sending mail ballot applications to all 2.4 million registered voters...

Elections Must Read