Elections

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.

Will Texas Latinos come out for the midterms?

If Democrats want a blue wave in Texas, they'll need to energize Latinos to vote.

HD-28: Early voting begins in Fort Bend County

Early voting began in the Texas House District 28 special election today, Monday, Oct. 21. The seat became vacant when former representative...
1st day of early voting

Texas’ First Day of Early Voting One for the Record Books

It appears that the pandemic is not scaring Texas voters away from the polls. Hundreds of thousands of them waited for hours...

John Bucy unseats incumbent Tony Dale

John Bucy defeated incumbent Tony Dale for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives.

Dan Crenshaw Is ‘Reloading America’ With Cold, Hard Cash

Texas Republican Dan Crenshaw is a powerhouse when it comes to fundraising in Congress. The two-term incumbent has situated himself amongst the...

Rhetta Andrews Bowers takes the seat

Rhetta Andrews Bowers defeated Jonathan Boos for a seat in the Texas House.

Coalition is Ramping Up Efforts to Protect Votes in Texas

Some voter trepidation is to be expected in the 2020 election cycle. The state’s recent poor handling of voter identification requirements and...

Republicans Continue Their Assault on Drive-Thru Voting

As the Texas Supreme Court weighs whether it is legal, Harris County seeks assurances that Texas Secretary of State Ruth Hughs will...

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...

Patrick Offers $1M for Voter Fraud Tips

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is offering up to $1 million from his campaign coffers to anyone who comes forward with information about...

Elections Must Read

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