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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.

HD-28 results

Voter turnout higher than previous elections in some Texas counties

Voter turnout for the first day of early voting was higher than previous years in some counties.

Vouchers Play A Prominent Role In November Election

With support from Governor Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, school choice in the form of vouchers have been advanced as a...

Recent Texas Election Shows That Every Vote Does Count

Elections are fragile. However, despite their fragility, the individual vote remains powerful. In Travis County, Justin Berry, a Republican...

Republicans Piling Up to Challenge Talarico for Texas District 52

At least three Republicans have already declared their intention to challenge a Democratic stronghold in Texas, District 52 which contains Round Rock,...

Did Dan Patrick Succeed At Swaying The GOP Primaries?

In the words of Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston, Dan Patrick has “revolutionized the role of...

Biden Campaign Visits Texas Tuesday

The wife of former Vice President Joe Biden will travel to El Paso, Dallas and Houston on Tuesday for get-out-the-vote rallies, marking...

Early Voting for HD-68 Begins Today With Limited Hours

Early voting begins today for the special runoff election that will decide who replaces Sen. Drew Springer in House District 68.

In Runoff for Houston Mayor, Incumbent Sylvester Turner Beats Tony Buzbee

In the runoff election for Houston’s mayor decided on Saturday, December 14, incumbent Sylvester Turner secured his bid for reelection by a wide margin.

State’s Plan to Appeal Mail Ballot Ruling Creates Uncertainty for Election Officials

On the heels of a court decision expanding voting by mail in Texas, county election supervisors are bracing for what needs to...

Democratic AG Race Narrows as Candidate Backs Rochelle Garza

With Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton facing a tough re-election thanks to his myriad of legal scandals, the Democratic side of the...

Elections Must Read