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LWV Texas Public Statements

The 2023 Texas Constitutional Amendment Election is Here!

Published On 10/23/2023

Early voting for the 2023 Texas Constitutional Amendment Election starts today, October 23th, and lasts through Friday, November 3rd. The League of Women Voters wants all eligible Texas voters to cast a ballot in this election, whether in person during early voting or on Election Day, or by using Vote by Mail. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7th, which is also the last day for Vote by Mail ballots to be received (not postmarked) at election offices.

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The Information You Need for the November Election is Ready

Published On 10/2/2023

Information about the 2023 Texas Constitutional Amendment Election and the League of Women Voters of Texas' Voters Guide and election resources.

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Required Action Against Violence in Texas

Published On 5/8/2023

It is unconscionable that we are mourning the victims of yet another mass shooting, this time in Allen, Texas. It was just over a week ago that we mourned the victims of a mass shooting in Cleveland, Texas, and less than a year after we mourned the death of the victims of a mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde. In all three cases, the victims included children and the weapon was an assault rifle.

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Preemption of Local Authority is Out of Control

Published On 5/1/2023

Legislation currently in front of the Texas Legislature seeks to take over control from local governments and other vital local entities, including election administration. The League of Women Voters is alarmed at this proposed change as it threatens the trustworthy and transparent work of our local election officials.

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Protecting County Elections

Published On 2/20/2023

The League of Women Voters of Texas issued a joint statement with the League of Women Voters of Houston in response to calls to redo the 2022 Harris County elections and the legislative bills filed to allow the State to remove and replace local County Election Administrators.

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The League’s Statement about the Busing of People Seeking Asylum

Published On 1/2/2023

The League of Women Voters of Texas condemns Governor Abbott’s busing documented immigrant asylum seekers to Washington DC, New York, Chicago, and other cities without warning or coordination with local and state officials, or aid organizations in those cities.

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Voting Rights Groups Ask U.S. DOJ to Guard Against Unauthorized Ballot Access in Texas

Published On 11/16/2022

The League of Women Voters of Texas and the Southern Coalition for Social Justice called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to publicly assert Texas election officials’ duty to maintain the proper voting ballot chain of custody as required by federal law, and to step in swiftly if those duties are not upheld.

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The League’s County Election Website Review Finds Fewer Counties With Outstanding Websites

Published On 11/16/2022

The League of Women Voters of Texas completed its ninth review of county election websites and commends the 35 websites rated as “outstanding” and the 32 websites rated as “very good” We offer congratulations to these counties and celebrate all counties, large and small, which meet the needs of their voters.

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A Child’s Life Outweighs Anyone’s Right to Keep and Bear Arms

Published On 5/25/2022

It is hard to find the words to respond to the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that killed 19 students and 2 adults. The shooter bought one of the AR-15 style assault guns on May 17 (the day after he turned 18) from a licensed federal firearms dealer.

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SCOTUS Draft Decision Overruling Roe v. Wade

Published On 5/3/2022

On May 2, 2022, Politico published a leaked draft opinion of the Supreme Court indicating the Court will overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that found that women have a constitutional right to abortion. The proposed 98 page opinion authored by Justice Alito can be found at https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/02/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-00029473. Five Justices, including Alito are shown as joining in the decision.

This opinion is not final, and it is expected that the official decision will be issued towards the end of the Court’s term in late June. In the meantime, abortion is still legal.

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Early Voting for Local Elections and the Special Constitutional Amendment Election Starts April 25!

Published On 4/22/2022

Austin, TX - Early voting for the 2022 Local and Special Constitutional Amendment Election begins Monday, April 25th and lasts through Tuesday, May 3rd. Election Day is May 7th, which is also the last day for Vote by Mail ballots to be received at election offices.

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One in Eight Vote by Mail Ballots not Counted in the Primary Election

Published On 4/7/2022

When the statewide rejection rate of ballots by mail is 12.4%, up from 1% in the 2020 election, there is something seriously wrong with our democracy. Just under 25,000 or one in eight vote by mail ballots were not counted in the primary election. This is the direct result of the anti-voter bill SB1 pushed through the Texas legislature and signed by the governor. It is appalling that our legislators choose to avoid their responsibility to the voters of Texas by not examining this high Vote By Mail rejection rate in the interim charges.

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LWVTX Submits Testimony for the Record to Subcommittee on Elections

Published On 3/17/2022

The US House Administration committee’s subcommittee on Elections held a hearing on Thursday March 17 about Voting in America: “Ensuring Free and Fair Access to the Ballot in Texas. The LWVTX submitted a statement for the record to the committee which included stories directly from Texas voters and the issues they faced in the recent primary following the enactment of SB1, the new law governing TX elections

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Statement on the Resignation of Isabel Longoria, Harris County Election Administrator.

Published On 3/8/2022

We applaud the professionalism that the Harris County Election Administrator, Isabel Longoria, and her staff demonstrated during this very complicated and confusing election. That these challenges led to Ms. Longoria's resignation is unfortunate.

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Texas County Election Website Review Report

Published On 3/8/2022

The League of Women Voters of Texas conducted its eighth review of all 254 Texas county election websites in February 2022 in preparation for the March 2022 Primary Election.

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Regarding the March 1 Primary Election

Published On 3/2/2022

Texas held the first 2022 primary election in the nation under the additional stress of a new, massive election bill, Senate Bill 1, which created even more challenges for voters in Texas

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LWV Texas Voters Guide Policies

Published On 2/18/2022

LWV Texas Voters Guide Policies

Through our Voters Guide, the League seeks to educate voters about candidates and elections. For the 2022 Primary Election, we reached out to all candidates who are opposed in their races. Our policies regarding candidate responses are as follows:

Candidate replies are printed without editing or verification.
References to opponents or specific persons are not allowed.
In place of an inappropriate response, the Voters Guide will state “Candidate’s response did not meet the criteria listed in this Voters Guide.”
Videos that do not comply are removed.
Candidates who do not respond to our questionnaire by the print deadline are listed with the notation “No response received.” Their information may be in VOTE411.org.

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What We Are Facing…

Published On 1/22/2022

One of the League’s favorite and most important endeavors is to register Texas voters. We have worked for years with state and local officials to register voters in high schools, colleges, on the street, and at naturalization ceremonies. We were recently told by the office of the Texas Secretary of State that the League needed to raise our own funds so that we have enough Texas state voter registration forms to register voters at naturalization ceremonies.

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Secretary Scott Must Comply with the Federal Law.

Published On 1/22/2022

Today, the League of Women Voters of Texas and Campaign Legal Center sent a letter to Texas Secretary of State John Scott in response to his office’s practice of severely limiting voter registration forms provided to voter registration organizations in the state — in violation of the National Voter Registration Act. The letter notifies Scott of the League’s intent to sue if the state does not provide the needed registration forms to the League and other voter registration organizations. Texas does not provide an online registration option for new voters.

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Review Process for Canceling Voter Registration of Potential Non-citizens

Published On 1/4/2022

The League of Women Voters of Texas urges the Secretary of State to review the process by which people are identified as potential non-US citizens before more letters are sent out to prevent mass disenfranchisement.

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Preparing Voters for the March 1st Primary Election

Published On 1/4/2022

Deadlines to Vote in the March Primary Election are approaching! The League of Women Voters of Texas provides information on new voting processes.

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Upcoming Webinar: The Impact of New Election Laws on Voters with Disabilities and Voters Over 65

Published On 12/13/2021

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at noon, the League of Women Voters of Texas will join The Arc of Texas, Disability Rights Texas, and REV UP Texas to present a free one-hour webinar to review the new election laws enacted by the 87th Texas Legislature. The presenters will focus on changes to vote by mail, curbside voting and giving assistance to voters. The goal of this webinar is to lessen the impact of election law changes felt by voters with disabilities and those over 65.

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LWV Responds to SCOTUS Decision on Texas Abortion Law

Published On 12/10/2021

Today the US Supreme Court ruled in Whole Women's Health v. Jackson that abortion providers have the right to challenge a Texas law banning abortion after six weeks and deputizing private citizens to carry out the law.

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Tips for Voters! New Election Law

Published On 12/3/2021

Share tips to Help Voters with the New Election Laws which provides a short explanation of the new 2021 election laws.Voter education impacts voter turnout! Together we can motivate and encourage Texans to vote in every election.

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LWV OF TEXAS JOINS PARTNERS TO FILE FEDERAL REDISTRICTING LAWSUIT

Published On 11/17/2021

League of Women Voters of Texas, joined partners of Fair Maps Texas Action Committee and other individuals, in filinga federal lawsuit, Fair Maps Texas Action Committee v. Abbott.

This lawsuit challenges new Texas state legislative and Congressional district plans as unconstitutional racial gerrymanders violating both the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution. The suit details an inadequate redistricting process lacking transparency, which led to discriminatory voting maps that dilute the political power of communities of color, particularly Black, Latino, and Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters.

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LWVTX' Statement on Governor Abbott’s appointment of John Scott as Secretary of State

Published On 10/22/2021

League of Women Voters of Texas’ Statement on Governor Abbott’s appointment of John Scott as Secretary of State.

The League of Women Voters of Texas welcomes the appointment by Governor Abbott of John Scott as interim Secretary of State, the Chief Election Officer for Texas.
One of the important duties of the Secretary of State’s job as Chief Election Officer is in assisting county election officials to run elections safely and securely in all 254 counties and ensuring all eligible Texans have the opportunity to vote. We look forward to continuing our good working relationship with the Secretary of State’s office.

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League Commends Federal Judge for Blocking Texas Abortion Law

Published On 10/7/2021

LWVUS and LWVTX issued the following joint statement in response to the federal judge decision to block SB 8, the Texas bill banning any abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.

“We commend the federal judge's intervention to temporarily block this bill that denies essential healthcare. This decision is a victory for women and all people in Texas who may become pregnant.”

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National Voter Registration Day

Published On 9/28/2021

Austin, TX - National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating our democracy. Volunteers and organizations from all over the country, including Leagues across Texas, will “hit the streets” in a single day of coordinated activities to reach tens of thousands of voters. To find a way to get involved, go to LWVTexas/League Finder and discover how to join the fun with your local League!

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LWV Texas: 2020 Elections Were Above Reproach, No Need for Partisan Review

Published On 9/24/2021

AUSTIN--The League of Women Voters of Texas president, Grace Chimene, issued the following statement in response to the Texas Secretary of State ordering needless and partisan election reviews of the 2020 election in 4 Texas counties.

“Our 2020 election was above reproach. During recent legislative committee hearings on election bills, the Secretary of State’s office testified that the November 2020 election was smooth and secure. Yesterday, former president Trump demanded that Governor Abbott include more partisan election reviews on the agenda for the third special session. Shortly thereafter, the acting Secretary of State announced they are conducting a review of the 2020 election in 4 counties in Texas. The partisan call for election reviews is needless and a waste of time for our hard-working elections officials.

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TEXANS SPEAK OUT AGAINST UNJUST GERRYMANDERING AT START OF REDISTRICTING SPECIAL SESSION

Published On 9/20/2021

Fair Maps Texas will be hosting a virtual press event as the 87th (3) Special Legislative Session gavels in on Monday. The press conference will feature a diverse group of Texans from across the State who have been impacted by our current gerrymandered maps, those who are not usually included at the table when maps are being drawn. These Texans will be speaking on the need for a fair and open districting process, one that fully considers the vital input of communities most impacted. These Texans are calling for better representation, for it’s the same legislators that were elected under our heavily gerrymandered maps that are passing regressive policies that are hurting all people, especially poor and low-wealth Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian people.

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LWV Texas Statement on the Impact of SB1 on Texas Elections

Published On 9/8/2021

During the last election cycle, Texans all over the state benefited from more voting opportunities, such as expansion of early voting, extended hours at the polling places, and more options to return vote-by-mail ballots. Texans want measures that that make elections safe and accessible. With the enactment of SB 1, these measures are now prohibited. SB 1 adds to the already overwhelming and complicated Texas election laws by using broad and confusing language, creating barriers to voting, and adding criminal offenses.

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Texas Civic Groups File Lawsuit Against State of Texas Over Anti-Voter Bill, SB1

Published On 9/3/2021

Today, the League of Women Voters of Texas and partner civil rights organizations filed a lawsuit against the state of Texas, challenging Senate Bill 1, an omnibus anti-voter bill expected to be signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.

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League of Women Voters Response to SCOTUS Failure to Block Texas Abortion Law

Published On 9/1/2021

Last night, the US Supreme Court declined to rule on a Texas law that bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy and allows private citizens to sue abortion providers and those who aid a person in obtaining an abortion. League of Women Voters of the United States Board President Dr. Deborah Ann Turner and League of Women Voters of Texas President Grace Chimene issued the following joint statement in response...

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League of Women Voters of Texas Statement on Passage of Texas Election Bill

Published On 9/1/2021

The League of Women Voters of Texas president, Grace Chimene, issued the following statement in response to the Texas Legislature enacting the comprehensive election bill SB1.

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Happy Women's Equality Day!

Published On 8/26/2021

"On this day the League of Women Voters of Texas celebrates advancements made towards achieving full political, economic, and social equality. It is a celebration of the trailblazers, visionaries, and suffragists who have worked towards equal rights for all. . ."

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Texas Voters Win as Motor Voter Lawsuit is Settled

Published On 7/29/2021

After more than five years of court battles between Texas voters, represented by the Texas Civil Rights Project and Waters & Kraus, LLP, and the state of Texas, a settlement has been reached in litigation against the state of Texas for violation of the National Voter Registration Act, commonly known as the ‘motor voter’ law.

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The League Calls for Adoption of Rules to Further Regulate the Role of Money in Judicial Elections

Published On 7/28/2021

The League of Women Voters of Texas has long supported the nonpartisan selection of Texas judges at the appellate and Supreme Court levels. When judicial candidates must raise money to compete in our current partisan election system, the appearance of that money influencing their decision-making is hard to shake.

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Gov. Abbott’s Attacks on Texas’ Checks and Balances Will Not Go Unchecked

Published On 7/16/2021

Angry at his party’s failure to pass a sweeping anti-voter law, last month Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new state budget that defunds the entire state legislature. The move endangers our democracy, undermines the will of Texans, and attacks the constitutional checks and balances on which our government depends.

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League of Women Voters of Texas Statement on Failed Quorum in Special Session

Published On 7/12/2021

The League of Women Voters of Texas president, Grace Chimene, issued the following statement in response to the failed legislative process that drove some legislators to leave Texas today.

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League of Women Voters Files Amicus Brief Challenging Abbott's Defunding the Legislature

Published On 7/6/2021

To highlight the impact of Governor Abbott's veto of the legislative budget, the League of Women Voters of Texas filed an amicus curiae in In Re Chris Turner, et al. asking the Texas Supreme Court to void the Governor’s veto.

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How Long Will We Have Free and Fair Elections?

Published On 7/2/2021

This July 4th weekend, I want to celebrate this country that I hold dear: the United States of America; the land of the free and the home of the brave. Yet, given recent events, I pause to consider: how united are we? Are we truly free? And are we brave enough?

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Governor Abbott's Defunding of the Legislature is Dangerous to our Democracy

Published On 6/20/2021

League of Women Voters President Grace Chimene issued the following statement in response to Governor Abbott’s defunding the Texas legislature by vetoing Article X of the new state budget.

Governor Abbott's defunding of the legislature is dangerous to our democracy and undermines the will of the people and the constitutional set of checks and balances upon which our government is built.

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League of Women Voters of Texas letter to Vice President Harris

Published On 6/16/2021

The League of Women Voters of Texas letter to Vice President Harris as presented by Senator Menendez on 6.16.21.

The League of Women Voters of Texas (LWVTX) is proud to stand with you and so many others
who are committed to ensuring that the right to vote remains a critical pillar in our democratic
form of government. Only when all voters have the opportunity to participate in a free, fair, and
accessible election can we truly call ourselves a representative democracy.

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LWV Texas statement on Mass shooting in Austin 6.12.21

Published On 6/12/2021

Texans are sick and tired of mass shootings in our state. Loosening restrictions on guns is not the answer to gun violence!

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LWV Texas statement in response to Governor Abbott’s remarks about state legislature funding

Published On 6/1/2021

League of Women Voters President Grace Chimene issued the following statement in response to Governor Abbott’s remarks about state legislature funding.

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Anti-Voter Elections Legislation Stalls in the House The League of Women Voters of Texas Responds

Published On 5/31/2021

Time ran out on the Texas House floor last night due to a lack of quorum! At the end of the session, we need to celebrate and give credit to the many voting rights heroes who fought against this anti-voter legislation!

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Texas Voters Have Lost Today!

Published On 5/3/2021

League of Women Voters of Texas president Grace Chimene issued the following statement in response to the passage of SB 7 in the Texas House of Representatives: "For democracy to work for all of us, it must include us all...

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Texas Needs an Action Plan for Climate Change

Published On 2/18/2021

As millions of Texans are without power and water due to continuing severe weather conditions, the League of Women Voters of Texas calls on the Texas Legislature

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League of Women Voters of the United States Calls for Immediate Removal of President Donald Trump

Published On 1/11/2021

LWVUS's call to action is an unprecedented decision for our organization.

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League of Women Voters Condemns Domestic Terrorist Attack on the U.S. Capitol

Published On 1/7/2021

January 7, 2021 - In light of the domestic terrorist attack at the Capitol of the United States yesterday, the League of Women Voters of Texas President Grace Chimene has issued the following statement:

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Celebrate Texas Counties with Outstanding Election Websites

Published On 12/18/2020

The League of Women Voters of Texas recently published the 2020 Texas General County Election Website Review, which was conducted to assess how each county prepared for the November 2020 General Election.

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LWV Texas Opposes Attempt to Reverse Election Results in Other States

Published On 12/15/2020

Encouraging all eligible voters to participate in our elections and respecting the results should be the intention of all politicians. Unfortunately, that is not the case in Texas.

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Judge’s Ruling Protects 127,000 Harris County, Texas, Votes Cast by Drive-Thru Polling

Published On 11/16/2020

HOUSTON—Today, a federal judge ruled that votes cast by drive-thru polling in Harris County, Texas, will not be invalidated after a challenge to the state’s election plan. The League of Women Voters of Texas joined the case as intervenors along with the ACLU of Texas.

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LWV Intervenes to Protect More Than 120,000 Voters in Texas Drive-Thru Polling

Published On 11/2/2020

Late Sunday the League of Women Voters of Texas joined ACLU Texas to file a motion to intervene in a federal lawsuit aimed at invalidating more than 120,000 drive-thru votes cast for Tuesday’s election. The League’s motion aims to ensure that all voters who utilized drive-thru polling sites to vote have their voices heard and their ballots counted.

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California Lawsuit Blocking President’s Order Excluding Undocumented Individuals from Census Heads t

Published On 10/13/2020

SAN FRANCISCO —Late Thursday, a federal judge ruled in City of San Jose, California v. Trump that the president’s executive order to block undocumented individuals from being counted in the U.S. Census is unconstitutional.

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Federal Appeals Court Reverses Decision Establishing Ballot Cure Process in LWV of Texas Case

Published On 10/12/2020

NEW ORLEANS, LA—Today, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a stay in Richardson v. Texas Secretary of State, which denies voters a timely opportunity to cure their mail ballot in the 2020 general election. The decision reverses a September US District Court ruling that had required the State to notify voters within a day of their ballot being rejected due to a signature match issue and give them an opportunity to fix the mistake.

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League of Women Voters of Texas & LULAC Sue Governor Abbott Over Latest Voting Proclamation

Published On 10/6/2020

AUSTIN, TX—Today, the League of Women Voters of Texas, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), LULAC Texas, and two individual voters filed a lawsuit against Texas Governor Abbott in response to his proclamation that would dramatically limit options for Texas voters seeking to hand-deliver their completed absentee ballots for this fall’s election. In an order set to take effect today, Abbott announced on Thursday that each of Texas’s 254 counties can only have one absentee drop off location, regardless of geographic size or population.

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Texas Team Up! Campaign

Published On 10/2/2020

TEXAS (October 1, 2020) – Joining together for a cause that’s bigger than Texas, 10 professional sports teams and five civic organizations throughout the state have launched the #TexasTeamUp campaign to drive unprecedented voter turnout during the 2020 election cycle.

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League of Women Voters Responds to Ruling on Ballot Drop-off Locations

Published On 10/2/2020

A federal judge ruled on Friday evening that Governor Abbott’s Oct. 1 proclamation limiting drop-off locations for mail ballots to one per county discriminated against the elderly and disabled Texans, especially in more populous counties. These voters are most likely to request a mail-in ballot and to hand-deliver those ballots to ensure that their votes are counted.

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League of Women Voters of Texas Ramps Up Efforts on National Voter Registration Day

Published On 9/22/2020

Austin - On September 22, 2020, the League of Women Voters of Texas will celebrate National Voter Registration Day along with a massive cross-country effort to register voters well in advance of Election Day this November.

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Federal Judge Decision Establishes Ballot Notice and Cure Process in LWV of Texas Case

Published On 9/9/2020

SAN ANTONIO, TX—Today, US District Judge Orlando Garcia ruled that Texas must notify voters if their ballot has been marked for rejection due to a signature match issue and give them an opportunity to confirm their identity and save their ballot from rejection. The case, Richardson v. Texas Secretary of State, was brought last year by the League of Women Voters of Texas, Austin Justice Coalition, Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, MOVE Texas Civic Fund, and individual plaintiffs Dr. George Richardson and Rosalie Weisfeld.

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Win for Harris County Voters on Vote-by-Mail Court Ruling

Published On 9/1/2020

HOUSTON – A Harris County District court today rejected the Texas Attorney General’s injunction request, therefore allowing Harris County to send mail-in ballot applications to all registered voters along with a pamphlet explaining who is eligible to vote by mail.

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League of Women Voters of Texas File Brief in Support of Harris County Vote-by-Mail Application Effo

Published On 9/1/2020

HOUSTON – Representing the League of Women Voters of Texas, the ACLU of Texas and the Texas Civil Rights Project filed a court brief supporting the Harris County Clerk’s decision to send vote-by-mail applications to every registered voter in Harris County, which is being challenged by the Texas Attorney General. In the brief, the organizations argue that sending out applications to vote by mail with instructions explaining who is eligible will educate and empower voters, especially those who do not have immediate or consistent access to online resources.

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League of Women Voters of Texas Nonpartisan Voters Guide Available Online

Published On 9/1/2020

Austin, TX - The League of Women Voters of Texas's Voters Guide is highly respected as the gold standard for nonpartisan, trusted voter information. The Texas League's Voters Guide is available now online in two formats -- as a printable document on www.LWVTexas.org and on VOTE411.org, the League of Women Voters' interactive Voters Guide. The League of Women Voters has been a nonpartisan grassroots voter education organization for over 100 years. The League never supports or opposes any political party or candidate for elected office.

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League Of Women Voters of Texas & Texas Secretary Of State Celebrate Women's Equality Day 100 Year A

Published On 8/26/2020

AUSTIN - Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs and Grace Chimene, President of the League of Women Voters of Texas (LWV), today commemorated the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote. The 19th Amendment became law on August 26, 1920. Women's Equality Day is celebrated annually on August 26th in recognition of the efforts of those who fought and sacrificed to make its passage a reality.

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League of Women Voters Urges Texas Governor to Ensure Safety at Polls!

Published On 7/31/2020

During this pandemic, the League of Women Voters of Texas supports any action that will encourage voting and keep everyone safe at the polls. “We applaud Governor Abbott’s extension of early voting for the November 3rd General Election,” announced Texas League President Grace Chimene. The extension will allow early voters to cast their ballots from Tuesday, October 13, 2020, through Friday, October 30, 2020. Voters will also be able to plan their trips to the polls to avoid peak times and long lines.

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Improvements Needed on County Elections Websites Regarding Safe Voting!

Published On 7/31/2020

The League of Women Voters of Texas conducted its sixth survey of Texas county websites in July 2020. This review was narrow in scope, focusing the information counties are providing voters regarding the impact of COVID-19 on voting and elections. Thirty counties ranked "Outstanding" in this review. Reviews for each county are available.

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Face Masks Are Needed at the Polls!

Published On 7/10/2020

Austin - When Governor Abbott issued his requirement to wear face masks, he specifically exempted polling places. His statement on that issue: not having a mask should not impede a voter’s constitutional right to vote. "The League of Women Voters agrees!" said League president Grace Chimemen, "Every voter should be able to vote safely: if a voter does not have a mask, one should be provided when stepping into the polling place!"

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The Voters Guide is available now!

Published On 6/22/2020

The League of Women Voters Guide is available now!
The Texas Primary Runoff Election is July 14th - less than a month away!

Vote by mail ballots are arriving in mailboxes across Texas! Early voting starts next Monday, June 29th.

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Capitol Action Report

Capitol Action Report- 10/20/23

Published On 10/20/2023

LWVTX Capitol Action Report for 10/20/23

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Capitol Action Report- 10/13/23

Published On 10/13/2023

LWVTX Capitol Action Report for 10/13/23

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Capitol Action Report- 5/16/23

Published On 5/16/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 5/16/23

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Capitol Action Report- 5/9/23

Published On 5/9/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 5/9/23

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Capitol Action Report- 4/25/23

Published On 4/25/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 4/25/23

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Capitol Action Report- 4/18/23

Published On 4/18/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 3/28/23

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Capitol Action Report- 4/11/23

Published On 4/11/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 4/11/23

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Capitol Action Report- 3/28/23

Published On 3/28/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 3/28/23

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Capitol Action Report- 3/21/23

Published On 3/21/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 3/21/23

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Capitol Action Report- 3/14/23

Published On 3/15/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 3/14/23

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Capitol Action Report- 2/20/23

Published On 2/20/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 2/20/23

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Capitol Action Report- 1/31/23

Published On 1/31/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 1/31/23

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Capitol Action Report- 1/23/23

Published On 1/23/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 1/23/23

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Capitol Action Report- 1/17/23

Published On 1/17/2023

Capitol Action Report for the week of 1/17/23

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9.17.21 Capitol Action Report What's Happening at the Capitol

Published On 9/17/2021

The Third Texas Special Session Starts September 20th!

Read the blogs our issue chairs' blogs to keep up with the latest information:
Voting Rights and Election Law - Please note anti-voter bill SB1 doesn’t go into effect until December! LWVUS supports new US Senate voting rights bill, the Freedom to Vote Act.
Redistricting - Public Input hearings are going on now!
Women’s Health Updates on the lawsuits & an informative video that explains an obgyn's perspective.
Equal Opportunity Updates soon on equality for children who are transgender.
Public Education - anti-Critical Race Theory bills.

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9.13.21 What's Happening at the Capitol - 3rd Special Session - Redistricting!

Published On 9/13/2021

Governor Abbot has called the 3rd Special Session of the 87th Legislature to begin Monday, Sept. 20. The main job will be redistricting for US Representative districts, Texas Senate and House districts, and State Board of Education districts based on the new census data.

However the governor has also added a few other items to the agenda, including:
• Bills to ban transgender students from participating in University Interscholastic League athletics. (Read our testimony against this bill from the 2nd special session).
• Bills to state whether a local government entity can mandate vaccines (we testified against the bill to ban mask mandates, which died in the last special session).
We will testify against this legislation based on our Equal Opportunity and State/Local Relations positions. Watch for Action Alerts!

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9.7.21 Capitol Action Report - Time to Testify for Redistricting in Texas!

Published On 9/7/2021

Your Texas legislators need to hear from you about redistricting!
The Texas Legislature is about to embark on the 2021 Redistricting Cycle, and both the House and Senate Redistricting Committees have scheduled virtual public input hearings that will take place over the next two weeks.

Public comments at the Committee hearings will be used to assist the Legislature when it draws district boundaries. Speaking up about your community is critical to ensuring district lines are drawn to keep your community whole and grouped with nearby communities with similar interests. This ensures that your voice is heard by your elected leaders across all kinds of government decisions.

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9.1.21 Capitol Action Report SB 1 Passes - Your Actions Made it Better

Published On 9/1/2021

Governor Abbott demanded a major omnibus bill to restrict access to voting and elections before the regular session began January 12, 2021. It took the entire regular session (140 days), and almost two whole special sessions for it to arrive on his desk August 31.

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8.20.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 8/20/2021

Take Action! Your Online Testimony is Needed Now! After some Democratic House members returned on Thursday, the House now has a quorum. The House immediately scheduled hearings on the bills the Senate had passed earlier.

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8.16.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 8/16/2021

Special Session #2 - the League Explains All!
The COVID epidemic should be the main topic in the 2nd Special Session!

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7.26.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 7/26/2021

Status of the Special Session(s): The Senate committees continued to meet and vote out bills through July 16, but the House suspended all committee meetings due to the lack of a quorum. Most Democrats have gone to Washington, D.C. to work for the “For the People” voting rights act.

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7.12.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 7/12/2021

Take Action Now! Expecting a vote on HB 3 at anytime. Threats to voting rights are front and center in this special session. During the regular session, we helped stop the omnibus election bill in the House.

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7.9.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 7/9/2021

The Special Session Began Yesterday! Governor Abbot issued his proclamation setting the agenda for the first Special Session beginning July 8. It contains ten items, including elections, reforming the bail system, both of which did not pass the regular session, and funding for the Legislature, which he vetoed from the budget.

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7.2.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 7/2/2021

Protect the Freedom to Vote for Voters with Disabilities! We must protect safe and accessible elections for all! The voting legislation proposed during the regular session not only changed the definition of disability, but also added new requirements to mail-in ballots, made personal assistants liable for criminal offenses, and introduced new curbside voting procedures that would make it extremely difficult for people with disabilities to vote.

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6.30.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 6/30/2021

87th Texas Legislature Special Session Begins July 8! We will continue our Capitol Action Reports with Action Alerts during each special session to keep you informed and connected to needed action.

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5.31.21 SB 7 Stalls in the House! Capitol Action Report

Published On 5/31/2021

For lack of a quorum, time ran out on anti-voter SB 7 last night! The League of Women Voters of Texas partnered with local, state, and national organizations to provide support to legislators who understood the negative impact of this bill.

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5.25.21 Last Call at the Capitol! All Business Concludes May 30!

Published On 5/24/2021

This is the last full week of work for the Legislators. Most bills have had hearings, are on the Calendars, and voting continues. Wednesday, May 26, is a pivotal day when all bills must have had their third readings.

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5.17.21 Capitol Action Report League Principles are Under Assault

Published On 5/17/2021

We are almost at the end of a very difficult legislative session for the League.

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5.10.21 Capitol Action Report Fast & Furious

Published On 5/10/2021

There are only three weeks left in the 87th Legislative Session!

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4.26.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 4/26/2021

While Medicaid expansion was looking closer than ever, the House voted it down (68-80) in their budget vote on April 22, so we don't know what will happen to these bills. Our coalition partner Every Texan has put out out a summary/comparison

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4.19.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 4/19/2021

Thanks for Your Support! Our Take Action Alerts have been wildly successful. Over 62,000 emails from League members and supporters have been sent to members of the Texas Legislature!

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4.12.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 4/12/2021

We are halfway through the 87th Texas Legislature. We anticipate a few wins and, maybe, a few significant losses. We must keep the pressure on our legislators!

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3.29.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 3/29/2021

Give a shout-out to League members who testify at the Capitol!

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3.22.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 3/22/2021

The League at the Capitol, Janet Imhoff, Vice President Advocacy

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3.15.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 3/15/2021

Lege Leaders Offer Solutions in Search of Problems Cinde Weatherby, Voting & Elections Issue Chair
Take Action on SB 7 today!

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3.8.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 3/8/2021

The League at the Capitol by Janet Imhoff, Vice President Advocacy

The Aftermath of the Big Freeze!

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2.22.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 2/22/2021

The Big Freeze! Janet Imhoff, Vice President Advocacy

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2.15.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 2/15/2021

Is This the Year Texas Will Expand Medicaid?

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2.8.21 News, Updates & Action

Published On 2/8/2021

The Governor's Priorities by Janet Imhoff, Vice President Advocacy

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1.25.21 News, Updates & Action

Published On 1/25/2021

It is a long-standing League tradition for members to walk the halls of the Texas Capitol and talk with their Representatives and Senators about the League's priority issues at the beginning of each Texas Legislative session.

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1.18.21 Capitol Action Report

Published On 1/18/2021

The 87th Texas Legislative Session Begins!

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Action News

Action News! February 2024

Published On 2/6/2024

Action News! is the monthly newsletter for the League of Women Voters of Texas and includes election and voting info, legislative updates, and more!

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Action News! January 2024

Published On 1/4/2024

Action News! is the monthly newsletter for the League of Women Voters of Texas and includes election and voting info, legislative updates, and more!

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Action News- October 2023

Published On 10/3/2023

LWVTX Action News! newsletter for October 2023

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Action News- September 2023

Published On 9/7/2023

Action News! newsletter for September 2023

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Action News- August 2023

Published On 8/1/2023

Action News! for August 2023

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Action News- July 2023

Published On 7/11/2023

Action News! for July 2023

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Action News- June 2023

Published On 6/6/2023

Action News! for June 2023

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Action News- May 2023

Published On 5/2/2023

Action News! for the month of May 2023

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Action News- April 2023

Published On 4/4/2023

Action News! for the month of April 2023

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Action News! March 2023

Published On 3/7/2023

LWV Texas monthly newsletter, Action News! for March 2023

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Action News! February 2023

Published On 2/7/2023

LWV Texas monthly newsletter, Action News! for February 2023

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Action News! January 2023

Published On 1/3/2023

LWV Texas monthly newsletter, Action News! for January 2023

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October Action News!

League Updates on: Voting rights and election law, redistricting, National Voter Registration Day, and more!

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August 2021 Action News!

Published On 8/3/2021

Support our American democracy by sharing your voting stories! Let's celebrate a democracy where we can change our political leaders in a peaceful manner through the process of voting.

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July 2021 Action News!

Published On 7/6/2021

Special Session Starts July 8!
Imagine America without a free and fair democracy.

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SB 7: What you need to do next! Action News 6.7.21

Published On 6/7/2021

What an exciting end to the 87th Legislative Session! Thank you so much for being with us every step of the way.

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May 2021 Action News

Published On 5/3/2021

Thank you for using the Texas League's Action Alerts to voice your concerns to your Texas Legislators about the issues that are important to you!

If you would like to keep up-to-date on these issues, sign up to receive Texas League newsletters! You may sign up below and you can unsubscribe at any time.

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Action News - Persist & Continue to Speak Up for Democracy! 4.5.21

Published On 4/5/2021

President's Message: Democracy is Good for Business!

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March 2021 Action News!

Published On 3/1/2021

President's Message - You Just Never Know

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February 2021 Action News!

Published On 2/1/2021

Great things are happening on the national front. There is positive movement on League priorities at the national level. There is already good news on health care with a special open enrollment period for the ACA and action on climate change. We are hopeful for the passage of much-needed voting reforms in HR 1, the For the People Act bill, restoring the Voting Rights Act, and fair redistricting with the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

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Action News! Getting Ready for the 87th Legislative Session

Published On 1/4/2021

The President's Message; A True Democracy

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December Action News. Let's Prepare for the 87th Texas Legislature!

Published On 12/7/2020

The Texas elections are over and now we move into our work in advocacy, supporting our positions, for the 87th Legislative session which opens January 12, 2021.

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November Action News! Waiting for an accurate count is good for a healthy democracy.

Published On 11/2/2020

11.2.2020 The large numbers of votes by mail means tallying the election results will obviously take longer than it has in the past.

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October Action News!

Published On 10/5/2020

I’m going to let you in on a secret on how I overcome my apprehension that our democracy is at risk. I am a retired pediatric nurse practitioner. When a child is sick, bleeding, or hurt, I review the history, do an examination, make an assessment and take action to support that child. I won’t stand by when I’m worried our democracy is in trouble and neither will you!

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September 2020 Action News!

Published On 9/7/2020

The election is almost here! And it is confusing! Be the person who knows the answers!

It is time for you to talk about voting and elections with everyone you know! This month I am talking with the media, communities of faith, sororities, educators, nonprofits, and many other organizations. I’m sharing the Leagues’ trusted voter information. And you can, too!

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August League Action News!

Published On 8/3/2020

For the last year, I have been looking forward to August 26, 2020, and the centennial commemoration of the 19th Amendment. I imagined parades of women dressed as suffragists marching with banners celebrating the suffrage heroines of the past we all know as well as the African American and Latina voting rights activists we are finally learning more about. Instead, I look on with respect at the new civil rights heroes and heroines of today who are leading the peaceful protests for basic human and civil rights, in Texas and across the country.

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July 2020 Action News! Face Masks Are Needed at the Polls!

Published On 7/6/2020

When Governor Abbott issued his requirement to wear face masks, he specifically exempted polling places. His statement on that issue: not having a mask should not impede a voter’s constitutional right to vote. We agree!

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June Action News! LWV Responds to Injustice and COVID 19 Lawsuit updates

Published On 6/1/2020

The League of Women Voters of Texas stands with the mourners and protesters across the the US (and around the world) who were horrified by the death of yet another African American at the hands of a police officer.

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Take Action Alerts

NEW Vote by Mail Action Alert! 6.30.21

Published On 6/30/2021

87th Texas Legislature Special Session Begins July 8! We will continue our Capitol Action Reports with Action Alerts during each special session to keep you informed and connected to needed action.

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Contact Gov Abbott today - demand a veto to permitless carry

Published On 6/12/2021

The Governor works for you! Contact Gov Abbott today - demand a veto to permitless carry.
LWV Texas Statement on Mass Shooting in Austin.

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Published On 3/17/2021

Take action with the League of Women Voters!
Due to the pandemic, there is limited access to our elected officials at the Texas Capitol. We need your help more than ever!

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LWV Texas in the News

Today is the Last Day to Register to Vote in March 5 Primary Elections

Published On 2/5/2024

NORTH TEXAS (WBAP/KLIF News ) – The deadline is fast approaching for those who have yet to register to vote in the March 5 Texas primary elections.

Monday, February 5th, is the last day to sign up to weigh in on who advances in Democratic and Republican races for Texans running for office at the local, state and federal level.

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Is Texas next up? Lawmakers clear the way for the state to leave voter data group ERIC

Published On 5/30/2023

Texas is on its way to being the latest — and largest — state to leave a bipartisan data sharing partnership that states across the country use to cross check their voter rolls.

Texas lawmakers on Monday gave final approval to Senate Bill 1070, which would seek to end the state's participation in the Electronic Registration Information Center, or ERIC. The legislation now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott. Multiple GOP-led states have backed out of ERIC in response to conservative advocacy groups who have at times spread misinformation about the compact. Virginia on May 11 became the eighth state to announce its departure.

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The fight for voting rights: Has the US actually made progress when it comes to equity in voting?

Published On 5/27/2023

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Pamiel Gaskin remembers when the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed into law. She was just a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin and couldn't vote yet because the minimum age required to cast your ballot at the time was 21 years old.

Still, she spent a significant amount of time knocking on doors with her sorority sisters to encourage and help people register to vote. It was a passion she inherited from her family, who often did what they could to improve votership and break down barriers to the polls in their communities.

"Up until that time, if you were African American, you had to pay poll tax to vote, which is really like paying to vote. Poll tax was anywhere from $2 to $4. If my memory serves me correctly, a loaf of bread was about 27 cents at the time. So a poll tax of $2 was a lot to people who didn't make a lot of money, which were mostly African Americans and Hispanics," Gaskin said.

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LeBombard: Legislators, pass sensible gun laws that majority of Texans want and need

Published On 5/9/2023

It is unconscionable that we are mourning the victims of yet another mass shooting, this time in Allen, Texas. It was just over a week ago that we mourned the victims of a mass shooting in Cleveland, Texas, and less than a year after we mourned the death of the victims of a mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde. In all three cases, the victims included children and the weapon was an assault rifle.
The response from our elected officials has been predictable: prayers for victims and calls to “harden” targets. Not good enough! People have the inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That does not include living in fear of going to a shopping mall, grocery store, school, or park. It is not reasonable to “harden” all the places where we live, work, and play. A child’s life, everyone’s life, outweighs anyone’s right to own military-style weapons.

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Letters to the Editor — There's help out there

Published On 4/17/2023

There’s help out there
Re: “I really do exist ... !” by Roland D. Freeman, Thursday Letters.

Mr. Freeman, it sounds like you are having trouble getting a mail-in ballot. Sir, you have my sympathies! The obstacles you are facing are part of the Texas secretary of state’s efforts to ensure that each voter is indeed who they represent themselves to be.

My suggestion is to call the Dallas County Elections Department and ask for assistance filling out the form on lemon-yellow paper sent to you. If you saved the voter registration card you received in January, have it handy when you call. It has your Voter Unique Identifier and precinct number.

If you know the number of the driver’s license you surrendered that may help, too. The staff at Dallas County elections knows the process of voting can be very complicated and are there to help you!

Please know if you have surrendered your driver’s license and been given an alternate ID, there is a lag in the data being processed.

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Help the League of Women Voters

Published On 4/16/2023

We are writing today to ask you to partner with us in our efforts.

The League of Women Voters of Cooke County has been active in recent years to help register and educate the voters of our county! We have held a variety of events, including candidate forums with KGAF Radio, voter registration booths at numerous local events, participated in local Christmas parades, distributed the LWV Nonpartisan Voters Guide, etc. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we had a movie night at the Gainesville Farmer’s Market where we showed “Iron Jawed Angels,” a Hillary Swank movie depicting the suffragists fight for the right to vote for women.

A large portion of our expenses goes to printing the League of Women Voters of Texas Nonpartisan Voters Guide, which is a small newspaper type publication. We hope that you are familiar with this guide! It gives full information about many aspects of voting for each election

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Amarillo League of Women Voters holds forums for city, school candidates

Published On 4/16/2023

The Amarillo League of Women Voters (LWV) held its second of two candidate forums Thursday at Amarillo College featuring candidates for the Amarillo Independent School District board, Amarillo College Board of Regents, city council and mayoral races. There was also a candidate for the Highland Park school board.

Tuesday night, LWV held a forum at the Cole Community Center featuring candidates for the Canyon Independent School Board.

Sonya Letson, president of the Amarillo League of Women Voters, spoke about the importance of having these forums to inform the voters of the city about their candidates.

“We have had these types of forums for 73 years; we started here in 1950,” Letson said. “We provide these forums so that the voters get to meet the candidates and be able to see them answer questions about issues in their own voice.”

Letson said she was very pleased with the turnout of LWV's two candidate forums, with standing room only at both events. In the interest of time,

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Texas House votes to permanently stay on daylight saving time. But Congress won't allow it — yet

Published On 4/16/2023

The Texas House has taken sides in one of America’s most polarizing debates — whether to continue changing clocks twice a year, ditch daylight saving time altogether or stick with later daylight permanently.

The representatives’ overwhelming verdict: Stay on daylight saving time moving forward.

The chamber voted 138-5 on Wednesday to approve House Bill 1422, from Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe.

“The antiquated practice of ‘springing forward’ and ‘falling back’ — changing our clocks twice a year — is frustrating to many Texans,” Metcalf said ahead of a vote that gave the bill initial approval on Tuesday. “I believe we should stick to a time without switching twice a year.”

Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, asked if the House could vote on who likes which variation of time before voting on the bill, which drew a couple of chuckles. That vote did not occur.

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Amarillo League of Women Voters presenting Community Status Report

Published On 3/16/2023

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - The Amarillo League of Women Voters will be presenting the Untied Way of Amarillo and Canyon’s Community Status Report.

The league will be welcoming LWV Board Member, Adam Leathers who is presenting the findings of the United Way report.

The Community Status Report is an annual publication that lays out Amarillo and Canyon’s Successes and challenges in terms of Educations, Income, Health, and Vulnerable Populations.

The event will be on Saturday March 18, with refreshments starting at 9:30 a.m. and the meeting at 10 a.m., at the Northwest Public Library.

Local elections will be held May 6 for Amarillo City Council positions, four area school boards and Amarillo College trustees.

If your organization, business, nonprofit, or church is interested in having the Amarillo League of Women Voters register your employees or members to vote, you can contact them at (806) 337-2148 or email them at amarillolwv@gmail.com.

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Mayor Dockery Honored By League Of Women Voters

Published On 3/16/2023

Jan Dockery, Mayor-City of La Grange was one of the Women Mayors who were recognized by League of Women Voters of South Central Texas during their Women Making History celebration on March 12 in Schulenburg. Pictured from left are Kathy Weishuhn-City Council, Jan Dockery-Mayor of La Grange, Janet Bayer-Secretary, City of La Grange, and Deokie Ramlochan-Ramjohn-Chair of the La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce.

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East Texas senator authors bill to make illegal voting a felony again

Published On 3/15/2023

TYLER, Texas (KETK) — The Texas Senate voted 19-12 to send Senate Bill 2 to the House of Representatives, making illegal voting a felony on Tuesday. Senator Bryan Hughes, of East Texas, authored the bill after an amendment in 2021’s Senate Bill 1 lowered the felony to a Class A misdemeanor.

“This type of voter fraud this bill is targeting is exceedingly rare. It hardly ever happens, “said Katie Owens with voter services at The League of Women Voters in Tyler.

Texas Senator Bryan Hughes, who authored the bill, said that the last session wasn’t debated, overlooked and needed attention.

“To lower the penalty of an offense sends the message that this offense is less serious and we do not want to send that message,” said Hughes.

Owens believes that raising the penalty will only discourage voters.

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Women Making History event set here March 12

Published On 3/7/2023

The League of Women Voters of South Central Texas will host a celebration of Women Making History from 2 to 4 p.m. on March 12 at Sengelmann Hall. This event will recognize the women currently serving their South Central Texas towns as mayors. The League of Women Voters of South Central Texas serves Colorado, DeWitt, Fayette, Gonzales and Lavaca counties. In these counties, eight towns currently

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League Of Women Voters To Conduct Youth Voter Education And Registration Project

Published On 3/5/2023

This spring, the League of Women Voters of Hays County is reaching out to eligible youth voters in Hays County between 18 and 25 years of age to register to vote and to learn more about the importance and process of voting.

As part of the project, the League is offering high schools, colleges and other organizations working with the youth a short presentation on the process of voting followed by distribution of voter registration cards.

Certified Volunteer Deputy Registrars will then deliver the completed registration cards to the Hays County Elections office. By law, high schools are required to offer voter registration opportunities to their students twice a year. League members said they can tailor the program to best meet each school’s or organization’s needs and schedule and hope this program will be of particular value to all the high schools across the county.

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'March for the Vote' continues to fight for advocacy and education

Published On 3/5/2023

"This takeaway is a celebration, but it's also a reminder that we can't sit back," said Kathryn Oler, President of the League of Women Voters - Corpus Christi.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The 'March for the Vote' at Water's Edge Park celebrated women's right to vote and efforts made towards equality.

In recent months political concerns like reproductive rights have been a hot topic.

Kathryn Oler is the President of the League of Women Voters - Corpus Christi. She spoke with 3NEWS and said the sacrifices women made to have the right to vote has not been forgotten.

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Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi starts off Women's History Month with panel

Published On 3/3/2023

Female leaders in business, education and non-profit organizations gathered Wednesday evening at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to share their experiences with students and the university community.

They spoke of determination in the face of sexism and injustice, and shared how they have learned to communicate and lead others, leaning on the support of the women who came before them and touched their lives.

President of the Corpus Christi American Federation of Teachers Nancy Vera, attorney and Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce President Coretta Gram, Nueces County Chief Public Defender Danice Obregon, university Dean of Students Lisa Perez and The Purple Door Director Frances Wilson participated, fielding questions submitted by students.

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Voting in Texas through the decades: How women have fought for their rights

Published On 3/1/2023

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS — There are few things that connect most Americans — we all pay taxes, and we all have a civic duty to participate in democracy.

However, voting hasn’t always and still isn’t the most accessible for some people.

“The way I kind stay mentally healthy while doing this work, is constantly being reminded of the work that came before me and the work that's going to come after me,“ said Kristina Samuel, senior biology major, and President of MOVE Texas at Texas A&M.

After nearly a century of protesting and fighting for their rights, women convinced lawmakers at the time to ratify the 19th Amendment.

Texas was the first southern state to acknowledge the change.

“Texas was kind of progressive in a way,” admitted Elaine Wiant, the treasurer at The Texas League of Women Voters.

Taking a look back at the roaring ‘20s, it was a colorful time full of fancy outfits, feathers and flappers.

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Citizenship Information Session to be held at Doyle Community Center

Published On 2/28/2023

A free information session on how to become a citizen of the United States will be conducted at the Doyle Community Center, 110 West Barnett Street in Kerrville, on Saturday, March 11 from 9-11 a.m. A staff team from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services field office in San Antonio will be conducting the meeting and will be available to answer questions. The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Citizenship classes are taught at the Doyle Center by volunteers using curriculum and materials prepared for individuals to learn about what is called the naturalization process, which involves an interview and a test. For additional information regarding classes, call (830) 496-6963.

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Texas Republicans want to let the state replace local election administrators

Published On 2/28/2023

House and Senate bills filed by Republican lawmakers in response to Harris County’s mismanagement of its recent elections could give the Texas secretary of state the authority to step in, suspend county election administrators when a complaint is filed and appoint a replacement administrator.

Election administration experts told Votebeat the legislation was an overreaction to the desire to hold Harris County accountable for years of election mismanagement, and would disrupt the state’s ability to help county election offices improve and address systemic problems.

If passed, the secretary of state’s office would change from being a guide and resource for election workers to being an auditor that can investigate and fire them. Some election officials are concerned this change could prevent local election workers from asking questions or seeking help from the office for fear of being reprimanded.

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Commentary: We must empower voters of tomorrow

Published On 1/11/2023

A recent post-election survey by the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University revealed young people 18-29 were worried about issues but felt neglected, faced barriers to voting and lacked information.
It found “only about half of young people were contacted by any campaign or organization about the 2022 election, and 1 in 5 youth said they didn’t have enough information to vote.”
Safeguarding democracy entails addressing the concerns and needs of this demographic. In 1971, the 26th Amendment granted the right to vote to 11.5 million people 18 to 20.
Young people are one of the largest untapped voting blocs in America. “All young Americans should be informed and responsibly involved in politics and civic life, and engaging the next generation is the best long-term solution to problems of polarization, incivility, and dysfunction in national politics,” said Peter Levine, director of CIRCLE.

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Why Texas doesn't have online voter registration

Published On 12/13/2022

For the vast majority of Americans, registering to vote is easier than ordering food delivery from a phone app.

Not so in Texas, where, unlike 42 states and Washington, D.C., not all residents are offered the convenience. Instead, Texans must obtain a paper copy of the application and mail it in, happen across voter registrars who get them signed up, or are lucky enough to be registered by volunteers with the League of Women Voters at a naturalization ceremony when they become new U.S. citizens.

There is one exception: a federal judge in 2020 forced Texas to allow online voter registration when residents renew or update their driver licenses using the Texas Department of Public Safety website, after ruling the state was violating federal law. In the first year and a half of the program, 1.5 million residents used that option, according to state data.

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Critics are pouncing on Harris County’s election fumbles, real and concocted, to fuel legal challeng

Published On 12/10/2022

Harris County officials have yet to explain the full cause of the ballot paper shortages, long lines, and voting machine problems on Election Day, and experts say the lack of information is fueling a bipartisan surge of criticism — both valid and baseless. At least two losing Republican candidates, citing the problems, have already filed legal challenges to void the Nov. 8 election and order a new one, and lawyers are warning election officials to expect more.

The latest challenge came Wednesday from Erin Lunceford, a former judge and 189th District Court Republican candidate who lost her Harris County race to Democrat Tamika Craft by a 0.26% margin, around 2,000 votes. During a Harris County GOP news conference to announce the election contest, Lunceford’s lawyer, Houston-based Andy Taylor, said he wanted to use the lawsuit to send a message to Harris County election administrator Clifford Tatum.

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Critics are pouncing on Texas county's election fumbles — real and concocted — to fuel legal challen

Published On 12/10/2022

Harris County officials have yet to explain the full cause of the ballot paper shortages, long lines, and voting machine problems on Election Day, and experts say the lack of information is fueling a bipartisan surge of criticism — both valid and baseless. At least two losing Republican candidates, citing the problems, have already filed legal challenges to void the Nov. 8 election and order a new one, and lawyers are warning election officials to expect more.
The latest challenge came Wednesday from Erin Lunceford, a former judge and 189th District Court Republican candidate who lost her Harris County race to Democrat Tamika Craft by a 0.26% margin, around 2,000 votes. During a Harris County GOP news conference to announce the election contest, Lunceford’s lawyer, Houston-based Andy Taylor, said he wanted to use the lawsuit to send a message to Harris County election administrator Clifford Tatum.

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Critics are pouncing on Harris County’s election fumbles, real and concocted, to fuel legal challeng

Published On 12/9/2022

Harris County officials have yet to explain the full cause of the ballot paper shortages, long lines and voting machine problems on Election Day, and experts say the lack of information is fueling a bipartisan surge of criticism — both valid and baseless. At least two losing Republican candidates, citing the problems, have already filed legal challenges to void the Nov. 8 election and order a new one, and lawyers are warning election officials to expect more.

The latest challenge came Wednesday from Erin Lunceford, a former judge and 189th District Court Republican candidate who lost her Harris County race to Democrat Tamika Craft by a 0.26% margin, around 2,000 votes. During a Harris County GOP news conference to announce the election contest, Lunceford’s lawyer, Houston-based Andy Taylor, said he wanted to use the lawsuit to send a message to Harris County elections administrator Clifford Tatum.

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Equity Action: Canvassers collecting signatures on ‘fraud’ police oversight petition

Published On 12/1/2022

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Equity Action claims video and audio recordings show canvassers claiming to work for Equity Action asking for signatures on a petition.

“There are people circulating a petition in our community collecting signatures, and they’re doing so falsely in our name,” said Equity Action Board President Chris Harris, adding he believes these canvassers are trying to tap into early voting crowds.

Harris said the new petition is titled “Austin Police Oversight Act.”

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WT Students have mixed feelings about voting

Published On 11/30/2022

Early voting started on Oct. 24 and Texas voters are heading out to the polls. However, upon speaking to many West Texas A&M University students, they have different thoughts and opinions about voting. While some students are adamant about voting and expressing their voice, others choose to not vote at all.

“If you are registered to vote, you should vote in every election. This is because the only way your voice is heard is when you vote,” said Sonya Letson, president of League of Women Voters Amarillo. “Politicians pay attention to the people who vote and your voices if you’re not voting are not being heard. Voting is how you express your opinion about how things should go.”

With voting comes changes. As the newest members of our democracy, college students have the power to choose and vote for future policies.

“Elections are vitally important especially for people in my generation to express our voices,” said Tucker Gattis, senior agriculture major.

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Colorado, Fayette counties election websites get high marks

Published On 11/23/2022

Colorado and Fayette counties’ election websites have received an “outstanding” designation from the League of Women Voters of Texas.

According to a prepared release, “Colorado and Fayette counties are two of only 25 of Texas’ 254 counties to earn an ‘Outstanding’ grade on their county election websites. Congratulations to county elections administrators Rebekah La-Course (Colorado County) and Terri Hefner (Fayette County) for this noteworthy achievement.”

Officials said before each election, the league recruits a team of volunteers to review all the voting-related websites across Texas’ counties.

Volunteers grade each website based on best practices.

For more, visit https://www. lwvtexas.org

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Answering your questions: KPRC 2 teams up with League of Women Voters for Election Day phone bank

Published On 11/8/2022

HOUSTON – KPRC 2 teamed up with the League of Women Voters to answer questions on Election Day, discussing everything you needed to know before heading to the polls. https://www.lwv.org/

Volunteers handled the phone banks set up in our studios, taking calls from viewers.

KPRC 2′s Zach Lashway spoke to Dr. Annie Johnson Benifield, president of the League of Women Voters, throughout our morning and afternoon broadcasts.

See recaps of the conversations and the volunteers in action.

Are you having any issues while trying to cast a ballot? Give us a call during our Election Day phone bank in collaboration with the League of Women Voters Houston and Telemundo Houston at (713) 778-8920 (English) or (713) 778-8930 (Spanish).

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. If you registered to vote by Oct. 11 and meet all other requirements, you have a right to cast a ballot as long as you’re in line at a polling location by 7 p.m.

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The League of Women Voters has an Election Day message

Published On 11/8/2022

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls wanted to emphasize the importance of voting.

Betty Richie, President of the League of Women Voters, said that every vote counts especially in midterms. Midterms are known to be less popular among voters, but Wichita County has plenty of important issues on the ballot.

You can find polling locations here.
https://www.newschannel6now.com/2022/11/07/where-vote-november-2022-election/

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League of Women Voters hosts phone bank at KPRC 2 for Election Day

Published On 11/8/2022

Video: League of Women Voters hosts phone bank at KPRC 2 for Election Day

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League of Women Voters joins KPRC 2 for Election Phone Bank

Published On 11/8/2022

Video: League of Women Voters joins KPRC 2 for Election Phone Bank

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Houston election updates: Seniors afraid to vote at Independence Heights, advocates say

Published On 11/8/2022

Seniors in Independence Heights deal with uncertainty

10:30 a.m.: Lack of visible campaign signs and unfamiliar poll workers are deterring senior citizens from voting at Independence Heights, Tanya Debose, a local community advocate, said.

"People in our community are used to seeing campaign signs," Debose said. "The people who are working the polls are not from the community. Our senior citizens are feeling very afraid this may not be the poll that they can vote at anymore."

Something as simple as not having campaign signs visible at polling locations can be intimidating to people who are used to being able to go to polls at their grandchildren's schools.

Rev. Jerome Nickerson said he's "angry and frustrated" about what's going on in his community, including Kennedy Elementary not having campaign or direction signs in front of the building at 10:30 a.m.

"First of all (senior voters) couldn't find which door to go in," Nickerson said.

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League of Women Voters president fights for all citizens to vote

Published On 11/7/2022

When Annie Johnson-Benifield was growing up in Beatrice, Ala., population 200, the right to vote was not only elusive but also illegal for her parents and other Black citizens.

Her parents did not have the right to vote until their 50s, and her mother, who died in 2021 at age 103, cast a ballot right up until 2020.

That's why Johnson-Benifield fights so hard for the right to vote for all citizens now.

As head of the League of Women Voters Houston, Johnson-Benifield is the first person of color to lead the organization in its 102-year history. The nonpartisan civic organization's goal is to empower voters and defend democracy. While the league conducts voter registration events, particularly with naturalization ceremonies, it does not endorse or support political candidates or parties.

"Voting rights is not a partisan issue," she said. "Every citizen should have the opportunity to engage and have his/her voice heard in the political process by casting a ballot

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Opinion: Get out and vote, there's no excuse not to

Published On 11/4/2022

Let’s get real.

The vast majority of us here in Victoria County can find time to vote.

If you waited to the last minute, or rather day, to cast your ballot, the bad news is that, like a lot of us, you’re a procrastinator. Good luck with that.

But there’s also some great news. Victoria County voters are blessed with an abundance of polling locations, and even if voters find themselves in line during the busiest time and location, they won’t have to wait for long.

On Election Day, 29 polling locations will be open for voters, who can show up at any one of those, regardless of where they live in the county. In fact, there are so many polling locations — in churches, fire stations, schools and other areas — that county commissioners had discussed reducing their number because some had so few voters show up.

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Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot, Faith Johnson rematch for top prosecutor

Published On 11/2/2022

Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot ran for the office in 2018 with plans to make the criminal justice system more fair. He aimed to address disparities in arrests and prosecutions for people of color, who live in poverty or struggle with mental illness.

He instituted two policies that have become hallmarks of his term: He stopped prosecution of misdemeanor thefts — if they were for essential items, like food and diapers — and misdemeanor amounts of marijuana for personal use.

Creuzot, a Democrat, is running for reelection this November to continue what he started.

Faith Johnson, a Republican who preceded him in the office, is running to undo his policies. She says she can reduce disproportionate outcomes without ignoring parts of state law.

Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Johnson — the county’s first Black female district attorney — to the role in December 2016 after the elected DA, Susan Hawk, resigned because of health problems. Abbott endorsed Johnson last month.

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State Editorial Circling the wagons is good for electing Texas Republicans, but bad for the long run

Published On 10/31/2022

The following editorial published in The Dallas Morning News on Oct. 26:

True democracy requires participation. Not just from voters, but from politicians.

But if there’s one thing we’ve learned this political cycle, it’s that too many North Texas politicians, and especially GOP politicians, will go out of their way to avoid dealing with questions they don’t want to answer or people who might disagree with them.

It starts with debates and forums. Once upon a time, it was customary for politicians to face their opponents a few times in front of a few different audiences.

But an increasing number of political candidates just skipped forums that make them answerable to the public. That’s among the troubling trends we spotted after more than a month of interviewing candidates, and inviting them — sometimes cajoling them — into giving our readers answers about where they stand on important policy issues. Many are simply opting out of the political process.

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Your Vote, Your Choice: Local Elections and Where You Can Vote

Published On 10/31/2022

Bexar County residents can vote for everything from governor to comptrollers in the midterms

Commercials, billboards and signs scattered across highways and front lawns are a clear indicator to anyone passing through San Antonio that elections are coming up.

Trinity students can vote at Lion’s Field, Olmos Park and San Antonio College’s Victory Center during the early voting period. On Oct. 28, students can arrive at Coates Student Center for free transportation to and from Lion’s Field polling center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Any registered voter in Texas can head to a nearby polling location and vote early from now until Nov. 4. If you can’t vote early, election day is Nov. 8. The Alamo Convocation Center is another polling location where students can vote in addition to Olmos Park City Hall, Lion’s Field and the San Antonio College Victory Center in the midterm elections this year.

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League of Women Voters: Election Guide: Stata Comptroller of Public Accounts

Published On 10/30/2022

Glenn Hegar — Republican

Campaign Website: glennhegar.com

Rainy Day Fund: What is the optimal amount to be held in the Rainy Day Fund? How would you balance paying down the state’s debt vs. responding to urgent needs?

Texas is blessed to have a strong Rainy Day Fund, which is designed and should be used to smooth out the state’s revenues during an economic downturn, to assist in a disaster, and for one-time expenses that are strategic for Texas’ economic health and well-being. I fought to manage these dollars more effectively to guard against inflation and protect them for generations.

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League of Women Voters: Texas Justice, 13th Court of Appeals, Place 3

Published On 10/28/2022

Aaron Peña – Republican

Campaign Website: aaronpena.com

Ethics: Since judicial candidates solicit donations and raise money to be elected, how can voters be assured that campaign donations will not impact how judges interpret the law and/or review lower court decisions?

Transparency, strong judicial ethics, judicial ethics oversight and an informed and discerning electorate are essential to maintaining the integrity of the court. Some legislative oversight over campaign donations may be considered if abuses arise. Judicial candidates and judges should always strive not to give even the appearance of impropriety.

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Do newspaper endorsements even matter anymore?

Published On 10/28/2022

AUSTIN, Texas — Texans are lining up to cast early voting ballots. But experts say they’re probably not looking at newspaper endorsements before they do.
“I think voters don’t care much about endorsements. I think voters worry more than ever that endorsements are indicators of bias in the news,” said Kristie Bunton, the dean of the Bob Schieffer College of Communication at Texas Christian University (TCU).

Bunton said if a voter doesn’t understand that the news and editorial wings of a newspaper are separate, they might assume the papers swing left or right based on their endorsements.

“It has long been the case that voters and readers don’t understand the difference between the news coverage function and the opinion and editorial function, and I think today that distinction is blurred even further for them,” Bunton said. “If it’s done properly, an endorsement is not at all an indication of bias by the news organization.

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DA candidate vows to seek death penalty for Methodist shooter, incumbent says he might

Published On 10/28/2022

The Republican candidate for Dallas County District Attorney, Faith Johnson, vowed to pursue the death penalty, if elected, for the man accused of killing two Methodist Dallas Medical Center employees Saturday.

“Based on ... the reports that’s coming out now with that Methodist hospital shooting, I will seek the death penalty on that case,” Johnson said in a candidate forum Friday hosted by the League of Women Voters of Dallas and the North Texas Commission.

Johnson tried to differentiate herself from incumbent John Creuzot, a Democrat, by pointing to Creuzot’s record on the death penalty. She has previously questioned his stance on capital punishment while on her campaign trail.

Creuzot has not sought the death penalty in any case during his four years in office. He has said he is not anti-death penalty, but carefully considers how long it takes from trial to execution, the cost spent on appeals and whether a jury would choose capital punishment. He pointed to a Florida jury’

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Texas tumbles further in voting access, report finds

Published On 10/26/2022

Texas ranks 46th in the country for voting access, falling one spot since 2020. Voting access refers to how easy it is to register and to vote.

Only four states — Wisconsin, Arkansas, Mississippi and New Hampshire — rank below the Lone Star state. Among the easiest places to vote are Oregon, Washington, Vermont, Hawaii and Colorado.

The rankings are part of the 2022 Cost of Voting Index, a nonpartisan study that aims to quantify the cost of voting in terms of time and resources.

This year’s index is the first since Texas and other states passed a flurry of new election laws following the 2020 election. But state election law maneuvering has done little to appease voters on either side, the study’s authors wrote.

“Many of the new laws are unnecessary, lack substance, and create confusion,” the study says. “Many county election officials are scrambling to keep up with the changes.”

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Slideshow removed at Precinct 2 early voting locations following electioneering complaint

Published On 10/26/2022

A slideshow with information about Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia's support for law enforcement funding has been removed from early voting locations in East Harris County following a complaint that it promoted Garcia's candidacy.

Garcia is running for reelection against former Commissioner Jack Morman.

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Texas tops 17.7M voters as early voting begins today

Published On 10/24/2022

Texas now has almost 17.7 million voters — 1.9 million more than four years ago, when Gov. Greg Abbott won re-election.

New voter registration totals from the Texas Division of Elections show the state’s voter rolls are continuing to grow even faster than the population. While the state’s population has grown about 7 percent since 2018, voter registrations have grown about 12 percent.

Nowhere has the surge been bigger than in Harris County, where 230,000 people have been added to the voter rolls since 2018. Tarrant and Bexar counties are next, with more than 130,000 more voters than four years ago. All three counties voted Democratic in the 2020 presidential election.

The result is that at least 1 of every 5 voters in Texas never cast a general election ballot in the Lone Star State prior to 2014 — a remarkable wild card in a state that had stable politics and a slow stream of new voters for a generation before that.

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Despite rainy weather, North Texas voters head to the polls for early voting

Published On 10/24/2022

KDFW
Despite rainy weather, North Texas voters head to the polls for early voting
Mon, October 24, 2022 at 5:44 PM
The rain didn't stop North Texas voters from heading to the polls for the start of early voting in the midterm election. The biggest races involve statewide seats as well as district-based elections for the U.S. House, the Texas Legislature and city and county leaders.

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Texoma’s official guide to early voting in 2022 midterm elections

Published On 10/24/2022

TEXOMA (KFDX/KJTL) — Early voting ahead of the November 2022 midterm elections gets underway on Monday, October 24, 2022, with Election Day taking place on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

Before Texomans head to their county’s polling locations to vote, the KFDX, KJTL, and Texoma’s Homepage team want to ensure voters are informed in all local and statewide elections before their ballots are cast.

To that end, Your Local Election Headquarters proudly presents our official guide to early voting in Texoma for the November 2022 midterm elections.

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Information matters in a democracy - Letter to Editor

Published On 10/24/2022

Looks like many of the GOP incumbents and first-time office-seekers got the memo.

What memo you ask? The one that said “don’t respond” to legitimate, nonpartisan, recognized sources seeking to provide helpful information needed to cast an informed vote.

As was noted in the Denton Record-Chronicle’s Oct. 22-23 editions, “SHRUGS go to ... the candidates on the ballot in Denton County who either didn’t respond — or even canceled interviews — for the Denton Record Chronicle’s many election previews.”

They didn’t take advantage of the free opportunity to inform the local electorate of their views on important issues. I found it most unfortunate and puzzling that two GOP candidates new to area voters, Ronny Jackson and Richard Hayes, chose not to provide any information about their qualifications or views.

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More than 31,000 people turned out to the polls on the first day of early voting in Bexar County

Published On 10/24/2022

KENS 5o 7 p.m. except on Sunday, Oct. 30 when they're open from noon to 7 p.m. Voters can go to any of the 99 polling locations in the county where they're registered.

SAN ANTONIO — The first day of early voting in Texas is in the books. In Bexar County, more than 31,000 people voted on Oct. 24.

The Encino and John Igo libraries experienced steady lines all day.

To help keep things moving, people are being encouraged to look at sample ballots ahead of time as it can take about 10 minutes to get through all the races and propositions.

The vice president of voter services for the League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area (LWVSA), Glenda Wolin, says the wait is well worth it.

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Texas tops 17.7M voters as early voting begins today

Published On 10/24/2022

Texas now has almost 17.7 million voters — 1.9 million more than four years ago, when Gov. Greg Abbott won re-election.

New voter registration totals from the Texas Division of Elections show the state’s voter rolls are continuing to grow even faster than the population. While the state’s population has grown about 7 percent since 2018, voter registrations have grown about 12 percent.

Nowhere has the surge been bigger than in Harris County, where 230,000 people have been added to the voter rolls since 2018. Tarrant and Bexar counties are next, with more than 130,000 more voters than four years ago. All three counties voted Democratic in the 2020 presidential election.

The result is that at least 1 of every 5 voters in Texas never cast a general election ballot in the Lone Star State prior to 2014 — a remarkable wild card in a state that had stable politics and a slow stream of new voters for a generation before that.

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KEOS Community Radio and the League of Women Voters present Sunday afternoon political forum

Published On 10/23/2022

LListeners are invited to phone in questions for candidates for Bryan city and school offices when KEOS Community Radio and the League of Women Voters Brazos Valley present their second candidate forum at 2 p.m. Sunday.

The forum will be broadcast live from the KEOS studios at 202 E. Carson St. in Bryan. KEOS is broadcast at 89.11 FM.

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Actress Jane Fonda walks with Harris Co. Judge Lina Hidalgo at rally ahead of early voting

Published On 10/23/2022

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As early voting nears for Texans, hundreds of people were inspired to ensure their voices were heard at Emancipation Park on Saturday afternoon.

The League of Women Voters "Early Voting Rally" brought out several people who were already registered to vote but wanted to assure they make it to the polls.

Academy Award-winning actress Jane Fonda came to the park in Houston's East End to support Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo days ahead of early voting for general and special elections, ABC13's partner the Houston Chronicle reported.

"I thank you for helping to elect this brave, tiny little woman," Fonda said in front of over 50 Hidalgo supporters.

The crowd was full of people passionate about getting out to vote, not for any particular candidate or party.

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League of Women Voters: Justice Texas Supreme Court Place 3

Published On 10/23/2022

Debra Lehrmann - REPUBLICAN

Campaign Website: Justicedebralehrmann.com

Ethics: Since judicial candidates solicit donations and raise money to be elected, how can voters be assured that campaign donations will not impact how judges interpret the law and/or review lower court decisions?

As senior justice on the Supreme Court of Texas, and after many years of judicial service, I have a proven record of fairly and impartially applying the law in every case. It is critical that we consistently and rigorously apply the rule of law across the board, to supporters and non-supporters alike. The risk diminishes when judges employ sound and stable methods, as I have for many years.

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Rally held at Emancipation Park ahead of early voting

Published On 10/23/2022

Video: Rally held at Emancipation Park ahead of early voting

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What to know before voting for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judges

Published On 10/23/2022

The nine-member Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the state’s highest appellate court for all decisions on Texas criminal matters. But its pivotal role in Texas’ legal system does not mean it’s easy for voters to find information on the five candidates running for three seats on the court in November.

“The judicial elections in Texas are invisible to most voters, and so voters tend to vote for their partisanship or they tend to vote for incumbent judges whose names they might recognize,” said Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University.

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Decision 2022: League of Women voters urge residents to get out and vote

Published On 10/22/2022

Video: Decision 2022: League of Women voters urge residents to get out and vote

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What to know before voting for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judges

Published On 10/22/2022

The nine-member Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the state’s highest appellate court for all decisions on Texas criminal matters. But its pivotal role in Texas’ legal system does not mean it’s easy for voters to find information on the five candidates running for three seats on the court in November.

“The judicial elections in Texas are invisible to most voters, and so voters tend to vote for their partisanship or they tend to vote for incumbent judges whose names they might recognize,” said Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University.

With high-profile races for Texas governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general grabbing the attention of Texans, voters tend to rely on their party affiliation in these low-information, down-ballot races.

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What you need to know about the county and school district seats on your Nov. 8 ballot

Published On 10/21/2022

AUSTIN, Texas — High-profile federal and state races aren’t the only political contests that will be decided in the Nov. 8 midterm elections. Many communities across the state will be choosing local leaders on Election Day.

All Texans, including those in unincorporated territories, live in a county and public school district, which provide public services. They also set local tax rates that determine homeowners’ property tax bills.

Several county seats and school board positions will be on ballots. Texans living in cities may also see candidates for city council and mayor. Some voters may have a say on local propositions for bonds, which allow governments to take on debt to fund projects, or to increase tax revenue.

“Local elections really impact people’s lives,” said Joyce LeBombard, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas.

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What you need to know about the county and school district seats on your Nov. 8 election ballot

Published On 10/21/2022

High-profile federal and state races aren’t the only political contests that will be decided in the Nov. 8 midterm elections. Many communitis across Texas will be choosing local leaders on Election Day. Early voting begins Monday Oct. 24 and continues through Friday Nov. 4.

All Texans, including those in unincorporated territories, live in a county and public school district, which provide public services. They also set local tax rates that determine homeowners’ property tax bills.

Several county seats and school board positions will be on ballots. Texans living in cities may also see candidates for city council and mayor. Some voters may have a say on local propositions for bonds, which allow governments to take on debt to fund projects, or to increase tax revenue.

“Local elections really impact people’s lives,” said Joyce LeBombard, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas.

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League of women voters of Houston to host early voting rally

Published On 10/21/2022

Video: League of women voters of Houston to host early voting rally

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League of Women Voters: Commissioner of the General Land Office

Published On 10/21/2022

Editor’s note: To help voters learn more about the state-level candidates in the Nov. 8 election, the Advocate is printing profiles provided by the League of Women Voters in contested races.

Dawn Buckingham, Republican

Campaign website: dawnbuckingham.com

Allocation of federal funds: When federal funds for natural disaster relief are allocated, how would you ensure that communities with the highest needs are prioritized?

When catastrophe strikes the Texas coast, I’ll be there every step of the way to help Texans recover.

I grew up in a small town along the Texas coast, so I know firsthand just how devastating a major hurricane can be and what people need in its aftermath. As Land Commissioner, I’ll make sure the GLO is fully prepared to respond to catastrophic storms that impact our coast.

The Alamo: As the head of the agency that manages the Alamo, what story should it tell?

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Williamson County Voter Guide: Here's everything you need to know to vote this election

Published On 10/21/2022

Many Texans are headed to the polls this election season to vote for the next governor. But there's also a long list of other important races, like the race for the next Williamson County judge and the races for the Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD school boards.
It can be overwhelming, but we've got you covered.
Here’s what you need to know to vote in Williamson County.
Am I registered to vote?
First, make sure you’re registered. Go here to verify your registration.
What’s on my ballot?
Williamson County residents will see a mix of statewide and local races on their ballot.

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LWVWC’s 2022 midterm election non-partisan voters guide

Published On 10/21/2022

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Several important decisions face Texas voters in the 2022 midterm elections, and a statewide nonprofit organization wants voters to be informed before they head to the polls to cast their ballots on November 8, 2022.

Each election year, the League of Women Voters of Wichita County releases a non-partisan voters guide with details on each race, and each candidate for every represented party running in those races.

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Texas League of Women Voters 2022 voter guides are available

Published On 10/20/2022

The Texas League of Women Voters has released its nonpartisan Voters Guide to the Nov. 8, 2022 General Election. The Guide offers a wealth of information on the candidates in each race, as well as helpful tips on: Voting by Mail, Early Voting, Voter ID, and what you should do in the case of Voter Harassment. The Guide is available in both English and Spanish versions online at https://lwvtexas.org/voters-guide

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League of Women Voters of Texas offers Texans a way to prepare for voting

Published On 10/20/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The League of Women Voters of Texas wants to remind all eligible voters that early voting for the 2022 General Election begins on Monday, Oct. 24, and ends on Nov. 4.

According to an LWVTX press release, voters can vote in person, or by using Vote by Mail during early voting and on election day. Officials state that Election Day is the last day offices will accept ballots on Nov. 8.

LWVTX said in the release that VOTE411.org is a way voters can prepare for Election time by comparing candidates, making their choices, and printing out their selections for their ballot.

“There is a lot of misinformation and disinformation in the public domain, meant to diminish people’s faith in our democracy. The League will stand and defend democracy by giving voters the reliable, trustworthy tools they need to vote confidently. Both VOTE411.org and the League website contain the information on candidates all voters need!

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Hays County Voter Guide: Here's everything you need to know to vote this election

Published On 10/20/2022

Many Texans are headed to the polls this election season to vote for the next governor. But there's also a long list of other important races, like the race for the next Hays County judge or the mayor of San Marcos.

It can be overwhelming, but we've got you covered. Here’s what you need to know to vote in Hays County.

Am I registered to vote?

First, make sure you’re registered. Go here to verify your registration.

What’s on my ballot?

Hays County residents will see a mix of statewide and local races on their ballot.

A few big statewide ones are:

Governor
Lieutenant governor
Attorney general
Railroad commissioner
Agriculture commissioner

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Voters to decide on 3 Texas Supreme Court justices in November — why it matters

Published On 10/19/2022

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — It’s the highest court in Texas, but there’s been little talk about the justices’ races for the Texas Supreme Court this November.

The state Supreme Court hears cases ranging from consumers against businesses, civil rights and government law to controversial topics like abortion and immigration.

In fact, a case concerning abortion is going before the Texas Supreme Court for oral arguments: Lilith Fund for Reproductive Equity vs. Right to Life East Texas. This order was released Friday.

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Voters to decide on 3 Texas Supreme Court justices in November — why it matters

Published On 10/18/2022

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — It’s the highest court in Texas, but there’s been little talk about the justices’ races for the Texas Supreme Court this November.

The state Supreme Court hears cases ranging from consumers against businesses, civil rights and government law to controversial topics like abortion and immigration.

In fact, a case concerning abortion is going before the Texas Supreme Court for oral arguments: Lilith Fund for Reproductive Equity vs. Right to Life East Texas. This order was released Friday.

Another recent case that’s already gone before the court was the Grassroots Leadership Inc. vs. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

“We [my law firm] represented the mothers of several children who were detained in these immigration facilities. It is very harmful for the children,” Amy Warr, an attorney for Grassroots, said.

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Houston Newsmakers: League of Women Voters of Houston focusing on access

Published On 10/17/2022

Host Khambrel Marshall sits down with Annie Johnson Benifield, Ph.D, of League of Women Voters of Houston where she says the league “continues to do what it has always done.”

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Stopping by the library? Pick up a free voter's guide from the League of Women Voters too

Published On 10/10/2022

The League of Women Voters of San Antonio has released its free 2022 Voters Guide for the mid-term election on November 8th, allowing for a quick study of the candidates before election day.

Not all candidates responded to questions from the league.

There are a lot of candidates on the ballot, and voting for all the candidates from one political party all at once is not an option. You have to work your way through each race to vote a straight ticket.

Maduh Sridhar, the president of the league, said if voters do their homework on the candidates in advance, they will spend less time at a voting booth.

She said the guide is especially a big help on all those lesser-known judge candidates. Sridhar said the league asks the candidates questions about the issues and the candidates write in their own answers.

"It's (an) unedited version, so we don't take out anything ... they have written," she said. "If their spellings are wrong, you will find the wrong spellings there.

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MISD candidates address intersession's worth at forum

Published On 10/10/2022

Intersession was a topic during last week’s League of Women Voters’ school board candidate forum.

There were candidates for, some against and one who noted there isn’t the data available to know if the weeks made available to provide intervention to struggling students were effective.

Elections for three of the seven Midland ISD school board seats will take place Nov. 8. Early voting will start Oct. 24.

Brandon Hodges, a candidate for the District 5 seat, almost ended the debate before it started, noting “I haven’t seen any data come from Midland ISD that says whether intersession helped.” It was a point that other candidates couldn’t debate. Last year was the first at Midland ISD that weeks in the fall and spring were allotted for intersession.

Hodges did say that he thought the district would have been better off investing dollars in reading specialists but was willing to let the data help make up his mind.

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Tuesday is the last day to register to vote. Here's how many new voters are registered in Texas

Published On 10/10/2022

There are less than 30 days until the Nov. 8 midterm election in Texas, and Tuesday is the last day to register to vote.
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/vote/how-to-register-to-vote-in-texas/287-496e9eac-8d60-4ca5-99e7-5f4b59c95cfb

Over the weekend and into Tuesday, the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Dallas held registration drives. It’s a final push to encourage people to register.

Diane Tasian, the president of the LWV in Dallas, told WFAA the voter registration is only the first step.

"It’s full steam ahead until November 8th,” Tasian said. “We’re in churches, we’re in supermercados, we’re allover town.”

Tuesday, the non-partisan group held registration drives at the El Centro Campus and Richland College.

At Richland College, Tasian said they registered 79 new voters. Between Saturday and Tuesday's turnout -- Tasian said LWV has turned in about 300 voter registration forms.

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Texas voter registration deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 11

Published On 10/10/2022

Need to check your voter registration status?

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Tuesday, Oct. 11, is the deadline in Texas to register to vote in the upcoming midterm election. It’s also the last day you can make changes to voter information, like your address.

Registration applications must be submitted in-person or by mail. If you’re mailing it in, it must be postmarked by the Oct. 11 deadline.

Completed forms can also be dropped off at your county’s election office. but that must be done before the close of business on Oct. 11.

“I’d probably say at least about 100 have come today,” said Edna Morris, chief deputy elections administrator in Smith County. “We’ve had quite a few people (registering to vote) come in today.”

And that was the count at the Smith County Elections Office as of 1:45 Monday afternoon, ahead of Tuesday’s registration deadline.

“It’s important that you make sure that your address is in the correct district, so that you can vote on the candidates ...

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Deadline to Register to Vote in November Midterm Elections Approaching

Published On 10/10/2022

NORTH TEXAS WBAP/KLIF News ) – The last day to register to vote in the November midterm elections is hours away and advocates are urging eligible residents to make sure they’re covered.

Tuesday, October 11, is the deadline to register online and in person or to have your mail-in form post marked.

The League of Women Voters Texas CEO Joyce Lebombard said she’d like to see more residents show up at the polls.

“Texas always lags many other states in election turnout and there’s so much at stake. Everyone should have their voice heard,” she said.

There are some other key dates to remember.

October 28 is the last date to request an absentee ballot.

Early voting starts October 24 and ends November 4.

Election day is November 8.

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Amarillo League of Women Voters reminding residents on voting registration deadline

Published On 10/7/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Amarillo League of Women Voters is reminding those that the deadline to register to vote or to update to vote is near.

The deadline is October 11, to register to vote or to update your voter registration after a name change or address change.

The League will be hosting voter registration drives at the following times and locations:

Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at three United Stor locations: Bell at 45th St., Amarillo Blvd. at Gem Lake Rd., and the Market Street store on Georgia.
Sunday, Oct. 9, in front of Power Church, 1344 SE 10th Street, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 11, all day in front of elections offices in Amarillo and Canyon: Santa Fe Building, Randall County Annex, Randall County Finance Building.

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Student Government Association hosts forum to connect students and local politicians

Published On 10/7/2022

As the midterm election nears, the Student Government Association, the political science department and the League of Women Voters hosted a candidate forum to inform the Wichita Falls community and register them to vote.

“The SGA and League of Women Voters have been doing a great partnership to really work on helping to register students to vote and I know all the political science professors have tried to also make sure that all of our students know when the deadline is to register. It is Oct. 11 and we want everyone to know there is still time to register to vote if you haven’t done so. The best thing you could do if you want your voice heard on Nov. 8 is to vote,” Linda Veazey, chair and associate professor of political science, said.

The event was a collaboration between the two organizations and the political science department. Veazey brought them together after speaking with the League of Women Voters who have held candidate forums in the past ...

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Midland League of Women Voters to hold candidate forum

Published On 10/6/2022

MIDLAND, Texas —

The League of Women Voters of Midland is hosting a candidate forum on Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Midland College Carrasco Room.

The event will be broken into two parts. Midland ISD School Board candidates will speak from 5:30-6:30 p.m., before a short break for a meet and greet with all candidates running on the November ballot.

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A&M students, county officials to rent buses, taking voters from campus to city hall

Published On 10/6/2022

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As October's early voting days for midterm elections inch closer, Texas A&M's Memorial Student Center still has not been reinstated as an early voting location.

Both the county and students are efforting ways to fund buses that will transport students from campus to the polls at College Station city hall.

Aggie students from several on-campus organizations are using GoFundMe to crowdfund at least one Aggie Spirit bus that will take student voters to city hall for early voting. They’ll be putting their deposit down on Monday to secure the bus rental, according to students from MOVE Texas.

The schedule for that bus may be limited.

"I believe it’s almost every day of early voting, but it’s... not the entire period of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.," said Aggie sophomore Emily Lightfoot, vice president of MOVE Texas' A&M chapter. "Each day has a different schedule and we’re just trying to pinpoint when we think students will be most active in getting to the polls.”

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Bexar County elections chief defends number of polling sites prepared for midterm election

Published On 10/5/2022

Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen said Wednesday there will not be 388 election day sites like those sought in a lawsuit filed by the Texas Civil Rights Project.

Callanen explained that there is a lot of work that goes into opening an election day site -- buildings must be secured, staffing hired, and equipment set up. Polling sites must also meet federal disability access requirements. The Nov. 8 election day is little more than a month away.

She maintained the 267 polling sites currently planned are more than enough because voters can vote at any of them, and many did in the last major election.

"We have about 40 to 45 percent of our voters on election day voting out of their voting precinct," she said. "They vote at the closest voting center, whether it's where they work [or] whether they're going to a soccer game."

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Voter registration woes and confusing ID requirements. What do Texans need to know?

Published On 10/3/2022

This year’s midterm general election is fast approaching. Some Texans still have questions surrounding how to register to vote, eligibility requirements, and how to seek assistance.

Recently, there has been a shortage of registration forms from the Texas Secretary of State. Officials stated supply chain issues and the high cost of materials as reasons for the shortage.

Texans have also had trouble with the state’s ID requirements for mail-in ballots. In February, it was reported that several mail-in ballots were rejected.

This, along with other issues surrounding election security and integrity, has confused voters.

Tuesday, Oct. 11, is the last day to register to vote in Texas. Early voting begins on Oct. 24, and election day is Nov. 8.

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How to Make Sure Your Vote Counts in Austin This November

Published On 10/3/2022

As Sean Combs once declared many monikers ago, “Vote or Die.” While we don’t want to bring up anything that encourages you to increase the time of your nightly doom-scrolling, P. Diddy does have a point—from civil rights to the Second Amendment, who you choose on your ballot this year is just as important as ever.

And, in 2022, it’s all going down on Tuesday, November 8th—when a whopping 35 Senate seats and all of the seats in the House of Representatives will be on the line. In the Lone Star state, especially, the highly contested race between Democrat Beto O’Rourke, and incumbent Republican Greg Abbott, for Governor will come to the kind of conclusion which every CNN anchor is sure to call a “nail-biter.”

So, whether you’re a proud patriotic regular, or a first-time voter, we got the D.L. on the polls including how to register, where to vote, and what’s on the ballot. Now, get out there and make our Forefathers (and Diddy) proud.

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Why does Texas have so many elections, and why do few people vote in them?

Published On 9/29/2022

State representative. County judge. Judge for the court of criminal appeals.

The ballot goes on and on. A voter in Harris County can expect as many as 90 contests in this November’s general election for federal, state and county offices. If there are any other local elections where a voter lives, they’ll have even more.

“It’s just a lot to keep track of,” said Jace Whitaker, a 28-year-old voter in Harris County. “It’s pretty intimidating because you can research online, but there’s not really that much info about a lot of the candidates.”

And it’s not just on Nov. 8. Before the general election, voters like Whitaker research candidates for primary and runoff elections. That’s not to mention research for any municipal elections or special elections held in between.

“There’s a lot of judge elections in Harris County. I just have so much trouble digging up info about those small judge roles,” said Whitaker.

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League of Women Voters hosts candidate forums

Published On 9/29/2022

As voting season swiftly approaches, the League of Women Voters of Hays County has begun its virtual candidate forums These forums, six in total, are organized as Zoom webinars, hosting candidates for elected positions at the state and local level. The first of these, on Tuesday, Sept. 27, featured candidates for Texas State Senate, Texas House District 45 and Hays County Judge. The second forum will take place on Thursday, Sept. 29, for county positions including County Commissioners, Treasurer, County Clerk and District Clerk.

All forums will begin at 7 p.m. Future forums include the following: Tuesday, Oct. 4: County Court-at-Law Thursday, Oct. 6: District Judge, District Attorney, Justice of the Peace Tuesday, Oct. 11: San Marcos Mayor, San Marcos City Council Thursday, Oct. 13: Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees, Woodcreek City Council The event schedule can also be accessed on the event calendar on the LWV Hays County website (lwvhaysco.com) as well as on its Facebook page.

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Amarillo League of Women Voters hosts events before deadline

Published On 9/28/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Prior to the voter registration deadline of Oct. 11, the Amarillo League of Women Voters organization is providing a number of events throughout Potter and Randall counties, giving Amarillo and Canyon residents the chance to register to vote.

According to a news release from the Amarillo League of Women Voters, Oct. 11 is the deadline to register to vote or update a person’s voter registration after a name or address change. The organization will host voter registration drives on the following dates:
Sept. 30, 6 p.m. at the JBK Student Center on the Canyon campus of West Texas A&M University;
Oct. 1, 3 p.m. at the Hoodoo Mural Festival in downtown Amarillo;
Oct. 8, 10 a.m. at three United Supermarkets locations, including the one at Bell and 45th St. the one at Amarillo Blvd. and Gem Lake Rd. and the Market Street location on Georgia;
Oct. 9, 9 a.m. in front of Power Church, located at 1344 SE 10th St.;
Oct. 11,...

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Earth to Monica… Earth to Monica…

Published On 9/28/2022

MCALLEN, Texas – Chambers of Commerce and civic groups in Hidalgo County are still trying to find Monica De La Cruz.

The groups have been calling and emailing for weeks but the Republican candidate for Congressional District 15 has not responded.

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce, the Pharr Chamber of Commerce, and Futuro RGV/McAllen Citizens League/League of Women Voters each want to put on a candidate forum featuring the two CD 15 candidates. De La Cruz’s opponent, Democrat Michelle Vallejo, has said “yes” to all three.

The chambers of commerce believe an impartial and professionally produced candidate forum would be beneficial for the voters. They believe it is justified because CD 15 is shaping up to be the closely contested congressional race in Texas this election cycle. The chambers have held candidate forums in the past.

“We have tried every number given to us for Monica but we have not received a call back,” said a staff member for one of the chambers.

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LWV working to get voters registered ahead of election

Published On 9/25/2022

With the upcoming Nov. elections approaching quickly we will soon begin to see our mailboxs filled again with campaign literature from the candidates.

The local chapter of the League of Women voters, LWV-Hill Country, has launched new efforts to register voters in five counties in the area.

LWV-Hill Country has received a grant from the national LWV organization to fund efforts to add voters to local rolls before the deadline to register at 5 p.m. on October 11.

Last week Kerr County Elections Department director Nadene Alford said that the number of new voters registering has not significantly increased yet, but her office is ready to process applications when they arrive. People also have the option of registering to vote when they apply for or renew their Texas driver license, but the Oct. 11 deadline applies to them also.

“Persons wanting to register to vote can come by our office in the courthouse, download an application from the votetexas.gov, ...

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Video: Get Informed for the Mid-Term Elections

Published On 9/24/2022

The League of Women Voters of Texas empowers and educates voters on state and national issues that affect their lives. This nonpartisan nonprofit provides information on how to vote by mail, how to check if you are registered, and more. Joyce LeBombard tells viewers about the changes to voting in Texas and about the Vote 411 website for the upcoming elections.

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League of Women Voters to host candidate forums including WISD, Woodcreek elections

Published On 9/22/2022

In late September and early October, the League of Women Voters of Hays county will hold six virtual candidate forums. These forums will be in the format of Zoom webinars with the candidates and can be viewed live or afterwards from recording on the Hays County League website. All candidate forums will be listed on the LWV of Hayes County website (https://lwvhaysco.com/) on the Candidate Forums page. No registration is required; simply click on the link provided for a particular forum at 7pm to view it live. The event schedule can also be accessed on the Event Calendar on the website as well as the LWV Hayes County Facebook page. Forum questions for the candidates have been prepared by the League of Women Voters with input from the community.

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Citizens encouraged to register to vote with election day coming up

Published On 9/20/2022

WACO, Texas — The Texas midterm election is on November 8th, but now is the time to register to vote.

"It's important the people get registered to vote, they take advantage of the fact they get to choose their leaders," McLennan County Election Administrator Jared Goldsmith said. "Not everyone in the world gets that right and it's not something that should be taken lightly or for granted."

Advocates across the state are encouraging everyone to vote in every election this year, including local ones that don't usually see a high turnout.

"Your voice is truly heard at the local level," Goldsmith said. "Your voice is much louder at the local level. There typically isn't as high a turn out in those local elections, but they do effect you in a very direct way."

While it is crucial for everyone to do their part of registering, it's also important that election officials keep the records updated. Secretary of State John Scott shared how they do it in a video...

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League of Women Voters encourages community to register to vote

Published On 9/20/2022

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - We are still several weeks away from midterm elections, but Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day.

The National Association of Secretaries of State started the event in 2012. It’s a coordinated effort from local, state and national organizations to urge people to register to vote.

The League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls took on the responsibility Tuesday of making sure Wichita County residents have their voices heard this November.

“Every person should have a voice, every person should be able to vote,” Betty Richie, League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls president, said. “This is a freedom that we have, this is what makes us a democracy.”

The deadline to register for the Nov. 8 midterm election is Oct. 11. To check your registration status or register to vote in Texas, click here.

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Video: League of Women Voters encourages community to register to vote

Published On 9/20/2022

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - We are still several weeks away from midterm elections, but Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day.

The National Association of Secretaries of State started the event in 2012. It’s a coordinated effort from local, state and national organizations to urge people to register to vote.

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Local women schooling TAMUCC students on importance of voting

Published On 9/20/2022

The League of Women Voters(LWV) hopes to see a record number of Nueces County voters at the upcoming midterm election. Early voting begins Oct. 24-Nov. 4.

"Today is actually the 10th annual National Voter Registration Day, and it's a great time to get registered to vote." said Eli McKay, Vice President of the Corpus Christi League of Women Voters.

McKay said with only 21 days left to register for the midterm elections, they hope to get as many people registered as possible, and that includes reaching college students.

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LWVCC helping register residents on National Voter Registration day

Published On 9/20/2022

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Are you registered to vote?

Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day, a coordinated effort from local, state and national organizations to urge people to register.

With Election Day fast approaching, the League of Women Voters of Corpus Christi spent the day at the Nueces County Courthouse and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to help people get registered.

They also urged people to vote on local issues on the ballot, not just at the state or national level.

"People need to vote in the local elections to tell their representatives at the local level that's what they want," Sandra Sterba-Boatwright said. "Local officials are the ones who make those decisions."

National Voter Registration Day is not residents last opportunity to register their exercise to vote.

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National Voter Registration Day a chance to increase voting awareness in East Texas

Published On 9/20/2022

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - Tuesday throughout Smith County volunteers and staff from the elections office were out helping register people to vote.

“Would you like to register to vote?”

This was the question of the day on National Voter Registration Day across Smith County.

The League of Women Voters of Tyler and Smith County was at Tyler Junior College this afternoon helping get people registered to vote.

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Why does Texas have so many elections, and why do few people vote in them?

Published On 9/20/2022

"Why does Texas have so many elections, and why do few people vote in them?" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

The Texas Tribune is answering reader questions ahead of the midterms about elections and the issues Texans are voting on. Thanks to readers like Sarah F., Edson S. and Jay J. for asking us why there are so many elections in Texas, and if that contributes to the state’s low voter turnout. For the latest news and information on elections, sign up for our free daily newsletter. You can also get election updates over text message by texting “hello” to 512-967-6919.

State representative. County judge. Judge for the court of criminal appeals.

The ballot goes on and on. A voter in Harris County can expect as many as 90 contests in this November’s general election for federal, state and county offices.

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League of Women Voters hosting voting registration drives

Published On 9/19/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - The Amarillo League of Women Voters will be hosting voter registration drives at all Palace Coffee locations.

Other voting registrations on Sept. 20, will also include:

Downtown location, 817 S Polk St #2, Amarillo, TX 79101, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Wolflin location, 2646 Wolflin Ave, Amarillo, TX 79109, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Summit location, 7304 SW 34th Ave Sp2, Amarillo, TX 79121, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Canyon location, 420 15th St, Canyon, TX 79015, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

League members will be there during those time to register voters and answer any questions you may have.

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Video: League of Women Voters hosting voting registration drives

Published On 9/19/2022

Video: League of Women Voters hosting voting registration drives

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National Voter Registration Day: This is where you can register across the Houston area on Sept. 20

Published On 9/19/2022

The 2022 National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, Sept. 20 and KPRC 2 is partnered with the League of Women Voters of Houston and the Houston Chronicle to get voters registered all across the Houston area.

LWV-Houston will have volunteers at more than 35 locations on Sept. 20 to help qualified voters register to vote. QR codes linking to voter registration materials, registration status, and sample ballots, will be on hand.

RELATED: Am I registered to vote? Check your registration here!
Check out the map and location list below to find a convenient location where you can register to vote.

The last day to register to vote in Texas for the November election is Oct. 11, 2022. Early voting in Texas begins Oct. 24 and ends Nov. 4. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

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CHAMPLIN: Setting the record straight on the League of Women Voters

Published On 9/19/2022

In a recent column, Teri Taylor accused the League of Women Voters - Comal Area (LWV-CA) and me of dishonesty when the LWV states it is nonpartisan, and me when I said that “women have fewer rights than they’ve had in decades.”

The League never endorses, supports or opposes political parties or candidates. LWV election flyers, voters guide and online voting resources do not include any political endorsements or opposition. We distribute information about registration and election processes, dates and deadlines; what is on the ballot, and how to contact the Secretary of State and county election offices with questions. We register voters and assist registered voters to update their registration. We invite all candidates to participate in our onlline and printed voters guide, and in any candidate forums we host. We do not edit any candidate responses to questions we collect from the constituent community.

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Why does Texas have so many elections, and why do few people vote in them?

Published On 9/18/2022

State representative. County judge. Judge for the court of criminal appeals.

The ballot goes on and on. A voter in Harris County can expect as many as 90 contests in this November’s general election for federal, state and county offices. If there are any other local elections where a voter lives, they’ll have even more.

“It’s just a lot to keep track of,” said Jace Whitaker, a 28-year-old voter in Harris County. “It’s pretty intimidating because you can research online, but there’s not really that much info about a lot of the candidates.”

And it’s not just on Nov. 8. Before the general election, voters like Whitaker research candidates for primary and runoff elections. That’s not to mention research for any municipal elections or special elections held in between.

“There’s a lot of judge elections in Harris County. I just have so much trouble digging up info about those small judge roles,” said Whitaker. “

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Party For the People: Candidate happy hour and hang out

Published On 9/16/2022

Learning about the candidates running to represent you can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be. We're inviting you to a meet-and-greet with some of the candidates – from County Commissioner to U.S. Congress – at “Party for the People,” a casual meet-and-great happy hour on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Stop by, have a drink, and join KUT, Good Politics, the Austin Monitor, the League of Women Voters and Move Texas in meeting the folks on your ballot. This is a casual event where you can mix and mingle with candidates (no predictable campaign speeches!).

6-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6
Native, 807 E. 4th St., Austin Texas 78702
Free and open to public, RSVP please.

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Why does Texas have so many elections, and why do few people vote in them?

Published On 9/15/2022

State representative. County judge. Judge for the court of criminal appeals.

The ballot goes on and on. A voter in Harris County can expect as many as 90 contests in this November’s general election for federal, state and county offices. If there are any other local elections where a voter lives, they’ll have even more.

“It’s just a lot to keep track of,” said Jace Whitaker, a 28-year-old voter in Harris County. “It’s pretty intimidating because you can research online, but there’s not really that much info about a lot of the candidates.”

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Why does Texas have so many elections, and why do few people vote in them?

Published On 9/15/2022

The Texas Tribune is answering reader questions ahead of the midterms about elections and the issues Texans are voting on. Thanks to readers like Sarah F., Edson S. and Jay J. for asking us why there are so many elections in Texas, and if that contributes to the state’s low voter turnout. For the latest news and information on elections, sign up for our free daily newsletter. You can also get election updates over text message by texting “hello” to 512-967-6919.

State representative. County judge. Judge for the court of criminal appeals.

The ballot goes on and on. A voter in Harris County can expect as many as 90 contests in this November’s general election for federal, state and county offices. If there are any other local elections where a voter lives, they’ll have even more.

“It’s just a lot to keep track of,” said Jace Whitaker, a 28-year-old voter in Harris County. “It’s pretty intimidating because you can research online, but there’s not really that much info ...

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Video: League of Women Voters

Published On 9/15/2022

Video: League of Women Voters

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Voter registration drive hosted at Vernon College

Published On 9/15/2022

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls hosted a voter registration drive at the Vernon College Century Center on Thursday, Sept. 15.

The League set up two stations at the campus in hopes of encouraging college students to exercise their constitutional right to vote on Nov. 8.

LWV spokesperson Betty Richie said the process to register in Wichita County is simple. All you need to put down on the form is your drivers license number, your address and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

The process takes no more than five minutes to complete and the League of Women Voters is there to assist anyone and answer questions students may have. The next voter registration for students will be held Friday, Sept. 16 at Midwestern State University.

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Important dates to remember about voter registration, mail ballots ahead of Texas election

Published On 9/15/2022

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Voting advocates are alerting Texans to important dates they should remember in order to cast a ballot in the upcoming November election.

For instance, the window is quickly closing for people to register to vote or change the address listed on their registration in time. The last day to do either of those things is Oct. 11, according to the League of Women Voters of Texas.

The in-person early voting period in Texas starts Oct. 24 and lasts until Nov. 4. Election Day will happen the following Tuesday, Nov. 8.

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Video: Important dates to remember about voter registration, mail ballots for Nov. general election

Published On 9/15/2022

Video: Important dates to remember about voter registration, mail ballots for Nov. general election

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League of Women Voters to host voter registration sessions

Published On 9/13/2022

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls will be hosting voter registration opportunities this week.
Sept. 20 is National Voter Registration Day, a day that has seen nearly 4.5 million voters registered in the past 10 years.
The League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls has partnered with the Wichita County libraries for the past six years and this year will make seven years of working together.
Volunteers will be available on National Voter Registration Day at four sites in Wichita County to assist voters:
• Wichita Falls Public Library, 601 11th Street - 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Burkburnett Public Library, 215 E 4th Street - 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Electra Public Library, 401 Waggoner St. - 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Iowa Park Tom Burnett Memorial Library, 400 W. Almeda Street - 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Other League of Women Voters events include the following:

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LWV of Wichita Falls offering voter registration opportunities

Published On 9/13/2022

Since its beginning in 2012, National Voter Registration Day, which is Sept. 20, has registered nearly 4.5 million voters in the past 10 years, according to a media release. There will be events all across the country to commemorate NVRD.

The LWV of Wichita Falls has partnered with Wichita County libraries for the past six years, and this year will make seven years of working together, according to a media release.

Every eligible American voter should have the option to exercise their right to vote and be heard at the ballot box, according to the media release. This day is an effort to inform voters before the last day to register to vote and get state-specific voter information.

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Register to vote

Published On 9/11/2022

Happy National Voter Registration Month, established in 2002, to encourage voter participation and increase awareness of state voting requirements. A special shoutout to our county elections departments and Texas volunteer deputy registrars!

Texas is one of only six states that does not offer online voter registration and one of 10 states where voters must be registered 30 days prior to an election.

To check on your voter registration and receive instructions on how to register to vote, check out the nonpartisan League of Women Voters’ website, vote411.org. The last day to register for the midterm election is Oct. 11.

Cathy Murphree, Richardson

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Non-profit Networking Group to meet Sept. 14

Published On 9/6/2022

This month, the League of Women Voters of South Central Texas will host the Rural Non-profit Networking Group gathering on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m.at Festival Hill in Round Top, 248 Jaster Road. Janis Richardson, president of the League of Women Voters of South Central Texas, will facilitate the discussion. The League of Women Voters of South Central Texas is a new nonprofit in the area…

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League of Women Voters host speaker Lourna M. Marquez-Carrasquillo on citizenship

Published On 8/29/2022

Members of the Hill Country League of Women Voters, along with local dignitaries, celebrated the 102nd anniversary of the passage of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, effectively giving the vote to women. A dinner was held at Schreiner University to mark the event, and a special guest from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service spoke on the many paths to citizenship.

Lourna M. Marquez-Carrasquillo, the community relations specialist for Southern Texas, recently took over that office, coming from a deep background in the law and immigration. She spent 10 years with the Immigration Justice Project in southern California, including managing the Legal Orientation Program for them.

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League of Women Voters of Comal Area rally commemorates 19th Amendment

Published On 8/29/2022

Women gathered in Main Plaza on Friday to support a woman’s right to vote as the local League of Women Voters marked Women’s Equality Day.

Following years of struggle during the women’s suffrage movement in the early 19th century, women finally earned the right to vote with the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was adopted on Aug. 26, 1920.

The League of Women Voters of Comal Area registered eligible voters to encourage women to exercise the right to vote — a right that generations of women before them fought hard to earn.

“We know it isn’t a smooth path where we do one thing, and then we can go, okay, that works, done,” said Jerrie Champlin, the president of the League of Women Voters of Comal Area. “Democracy takes work from every generation, to keep it, to sustain it. We just want to encourage the generations coming behind us now (to vote).”

For Champlin, it is ongoing work, and voting rights will always need protecting.

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League of Women Voters wraps up week-long effort to register HISD students to vote

Published On 8/29/2022

Video story about week-long effort to register HISD students to vote

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Weeklong outreach initiative helping Houston ISD students register to vote

Published On 8/25/2022

The League of Women Voters of Houston is deploying volunteers to 39 high schools to educate students about voting and help them register.

Sumaiya Sheikh has heard about the key issues shaping the November election, such as women's reproductive rights, gun violence, climate change, immigration and how to move past the COVID-19 pandemic.

She has opinions on those topics, and she's excited about the chance to soon make them heard.

Sheikh, a 17-year-old senior at Austin High School, said she does not turn 18 until December and will not be able to cast a ballot in the upcoming midterm election. But she already has filled out most of a voter registration form – which she received on campus Thursday from representatives of the League of Women Voters of Houston – and plans to complete the paperwork and become a registered voter as soon as she is eligible.

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The Local Chapter of League of Women Voters Celebrates Women's Equality Day

Published On 8/25/2022

August 26 is Women’s Equality Day, the anniversary of the certification of the 19th amendment which guaranteed women the right to vote.
The League of Women Voters of South Central Texas is new to Fayette County but has deep roots in the women’s suffrage movement that helped get women the right to vote over 100 years ago. “Our League, one of the newest in Texas, began in 2018 with five members meeting around my kitchen table,” said Janis Richardson, president of the League of Women Voters of South Central Texas. When asked about why she helped start a League in our area, Richardson said that she first got to know the League in Memphis, TN, where she lived before returning to her family roots in Texas. “I saw how the League makes government more accessible to the people – providing nonpartisan information on candidates, voting and how things work in ways that make it easier for people to fully participate in the decisions that affect them,” said Richardson.

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The League of Women's voters celebrates 19th Amendment

Published On 8/25/2022

The League of Women Voters of the Hill Country Texas has scheduled a dinner to celebrate the passage 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The Cailloux Campus Activity Center at Schreiner University will be the venue on Friday, Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. To make a reservation, contact Bunny Bond by email, mmbond@ktc.com or phone (830) 377-9940.

This year is the 102nd anniversary of the signing of the 19th Amendment into law. In 1973, Congress designated Aug. 26 as Women's Equality Day, and Leagues all over the United States celebrate the day. The speaker for the annual Women's Equality Day dinner will be Lourna Marquez-Carrasquillo, a community relations staff person for District 31 with the Department of Homeland Security - United States Citizenship & Immigration Services. Her talk will cover the path to citizenship.

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A Texas county’s election administrators all resigned, leaving the state to step in

Published On 8/23/2022

Contributed Photo
In Texas, a county elections administrator and her two deputies have resigned, with at least one citing threats fueled by misinformation, as former President Donald Trump and his supporters continue to spread baseless claims about the 2020 election.

“The threats against election officials and my election staff, dangerous misinformation, lack of full time personnel for the elections office, unpaid compensation, and absurd legislation have completely changed the job I initially accepted,” now-former Gillespie County Elections Administrator Anissa Herrera reportedly wrote in her resignation letter, dated Aug. 2.

She added: “The life commitment I have given to this job is unsustainable.”

The letter was obtained by Votebeat through a public records request.

The Texas secretary of state’s office provided a few more details about the threats, which Herrera first revealed to the local Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post.

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League of Women Voters turn up to register students during first week of school

Published On 8/23/2022

HISD believes in teaching students the value of their civic duty. Every year, the district makes a concentrated effort to help eligible students register to vote. This year, during the first week of school, volunteers with the Texas League of Women Voters (LWV) visited every HISD high school to support that effort.

“These young people want to change the world, and one of the ways you change the world is by voting,” said LWV volunteer Tom Allen. “You can’t vote unless you’re registered, so we’re here to help them change the world.”

The LWV is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to encouraging people to exercise their right to make their voice heard through voter registration events and community outreach. Among their first stops was Sharpstown High School.

“Sharpstown has a long history of getting kids out to vote and getting them registered,” said instructional specialist Farhan Shah. “We do that at the beginning of every year, though this is our first year with the League...

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Gillespie County and The Democracy Erosion Engine

Published On 8/19/2022

After the 2020 Presidential Election, election administrator offices across the country began to receive a flood of threatening phone calls. Those threatening messages can be traced back to comments that former President Donald Trump made — leading up to and immediately after the Nov. 3 election.

Those comments by Trump also helped to trigger a violent insurrection which was part of an attempted coup on Jan. 6, 2021.

Trump’s words, attacking the election system, also led to the passage of Senate Bill 1 in Texas, which Republicans called an election integrity bill. However opponents, including independent democracy watchdogs, called it a voter suppression bill.

All this culminated recently in Gillespie County, Texas — home of Fredericksburg — where the entire elections administration office quit citing death threats, online harassment and stalking. In the resignation letter by former election administrator Annisa Herrera, she also blamed the new Texas election law

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Everything You Need to Know About Your First Austin Election

Published On 8/19/2022

If you're new to voting in Texas, it can be daunting to figure out. The state has continued to pass legislation that makes voting more difficult, including a recent law that led to mail-in ballots being rejected en masse. But really, once you're in the swing of voting in Austin, we promise it's easy-peasy. This FAQ should answer all of the questions that make you go, "Huh, wonder if “blank” is gonna be a huge pain. Maybe I'll just vote next election cycle." No need to wait.
If You're Not Yet Registered to Vote
You'll need to register by October 11 to cast your vote on November 8. If you're worried that getting a Texas driver's license is a complicated pain in the ass, that is true! The great news is that you don't need a Texas driver's license to register or vote in Texas. You will need to bring a valid ID when you vote, but there are lots of options and an out-of-state license will work.

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League of Women Voters holding registration booth at Amarillo Community Market

Published On 8/18/2022

VIDEO: League of Women Voters holding registration booth at Amarillo Community Market

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Registering voters

Published On 8/17/2022

Alicia Boyett says the League of Women Voters – Hill Country Texas has won a grant to register naturalized citizens to vote, and educate them about the importance of voting.

She says, “We’re partnering with the Doyle Center. It’s a familiar place for people to come, and they can feel comfortable taking the citizenship and English as a second language here. I teach the citizenship classes, and I have two volunteers helping me. Laurie Patterson is a former civics teacher at Tivy High School, and Lupita Barrera is an experienced ESL teacher.”

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League of Women Voters Texas, Disability Rights Texas Hosting Webinar Educating Election Workers on

Published On 8/16/2022

NORTH TEXAS (WBAP/KLIF News ) – The League of Women Voters Texas and Disability Rights Texas are hosting a webinar to train election workers on how to accommodate the disabled community as the election season ramps up.

League President Joyce LeBombard said the focus will be on three key aspects: making sure the polling location is prepared, upholding the legal rights of the disabled and creating a culture of dignity and respect.

“Treating and speaking to the voter as a person with a disability rather than a disabled person. Putting that person first…speaking directly to that voter rather than their assistant if they have one,” she said.

Advocates are encouraged about the striking down of a ruling that they said limited a disabled voter’s ability to communicate with their assistant.

“It was very limiting in terms of they could only read what was on the ballot and mark what the voter wanted. It really is more like a natural conversation that if a voter with a disability ...

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LWV prepares for upcoming election

Published On 8/10/2022

HAYS COUNTY – The League of Women Voters of Hays County is gearing up for the upcoming election season.

“This year, we are going to focus on ensuring that every person who lives in Hays County and is eligible to vote has the opportunity to vote,” said Mary Earls, Board President of the LWV of Hays County. “We have found over the last couple of years that there is a need to educate our community so that is one of our biggest focuses this year – to educate and inform Hays County residents about the importance of voting.”

The National League was founded in Chicago in 1920 – six months before the 19th Amendment was ratified and women won the vote. The League was formed by the suffragists of the National American Woman Suffrage Association; it started as a “mighty political experiment” to help 20 million women carry out their responsibilities as voters.

The Hays County League is a “nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization” that encourages informed and active participation

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Federal judge throws out some claims in protracted fight over Texas voting restrictions

Published On 8/3/2022

SAN ANTONIO (CN) — In a limited order this week, a federal judge threw out some civil rights and discrimination claims brought as part of a complex and ongoing legal dispute over strict new voting rules in Texas.

The lawsuit filed last year alleges that the rules violate the U.S. Constitution, the Voting Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act by restricting voter assistance and making it easier for “partisan poll watchers to intimidate voters and poll workers.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other supporters say the law in question, Senate Bill 1, is intended to improve “trust and confidence in our elections” and “make it harder for fraudulent votes to be cast.” The bill is part of a nationwide effort by Republicans to tighten voting restrictions following conspiracies about dead voters and rigged voting machines in the 2020 elections. The Texas secretary of state’s office has said the 2020 elections in Texas were “smooth and secure.”

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League of Women Voters Selects New Leadership

Published On 7/27/2022

Mary Earls was selected as the 2022–2023 President of the Hays County League of Women Voters.

Earls, who was born and grew up in San Marcos, previously served as the League Of Women Voters’ director of diversity, equity and inclusion, bringing such efforts to the forefront of the chapter’s attention. She said she is humbled and feels honored by the opportunity to lead such a prestigious organization.

“It’s so important that we keep it fresh by engaging people from all diverse groups because we are all impacted at some level based on how we see and make decisions that impact our communities,” she said.

Earls served as last year’s president-elect and as a consultant, providing recommendations to changes with the new county maps. An avid volunteer and community leader, she also serves on several city and county boards and commissions. She said her goal is to always make a positive, purposeful, and meaningful difference while effecting change that helps all people.

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Amarillo League of Women Voters begin voter registration work

Published On 7/27/2022

The Amarillo League of Women Voters will be registering voters, for the November general election, starting this month and continuing through the voter registration deadline of Oct. 11. The group had its first signup this month on July 23 at the Amarillo Community Market, and the next registration opportunity will be Saturday at the Sod Poodles game.

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VIDEO: Amarillo League of Women voters registering voters this Saturday for November election

Published On 7/24/2022

VIDEO: Amarillo League of Women voters registering voters this Saturday for November election

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League Of Women Voters Of Hays County Announces New Board Members

Published On 7/23/2022

The League of Women Voters of Hays County announced a new board, effective June 2022. Pictured above, board members, from left to right: Laurie O’Donnell, VP Membership; Marilyn Minnaar, CO-VP Voter Services; Margaret Lindsay, Director; Mary Earls, President; Sheryl Davis, Co-VP Voter Services; Helen Lowman, VP Programs; Teresa Carbajal Ravet, Past President; and Charles Minnaar, Treasurer.

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League of Women Voters registering voters for November election

Published On 7/23/2022

League of Women Voters registering voters for November election View the video news article on teh News Channel 10 website.

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Amarillo League of Women voters registering voters this Saturday for November election

Published On 7/21/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - The Amarillo League of Women Voters are registering voters this Saturday for the upcoming November general election.

Starting this month and going until the voter registration deadline of Oct. 11, the group will have events throughout Amarillo.

Saturday, July 23, marks the first event which is from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Community Market, located at 1000 Polk Street.

Here are other voter registration dates:

Saturday, July 30, at the Sod Poodles game

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6 to Aug. 7, at AMA-CON at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex.

Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Community Market at 1000 Polk Street.

Tuesday, Sep. 20, at all Palace Coffee locations for National Voters Registration Day

If any organization, business, nonprofit or church is interested in having the Amarillo League of Women Voters, register employees or members and contact the group at amarillolwv@gmail.com or call (806) 337-3140.

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Amarillo League of Women Voters to host registration opportunities

Published On 7/19/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Officials with the Amarillo League of Women Voters organization will be hosting a number of voter registration events before the registration deadline for the upcoming November general election.

According to a news release from the organization, the organization has scheduled various voter registration events beginning in July and continuing through Oct. 11, the voter registration deadline for the November general election. The voter registration events currently scheduled include:

Amarillo Community Market
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on July 23
1000 Polk Street
Amarillo Sod Poodles game against the Corpus Christi Hooks
7:05 p.m. on July 30
Hodgetown, 715 S Buchanan

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Another threat to 2022 elections: A lack of paper

Published On 7/18/2022

Each year, the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project asks the Texas Secretary of State for about 25,000 voter registration applications, which it distributes as part of the organization’s efforts to empower Latinos to participate in the democratic process.

This year, the organization received a surprising response: There weren’t enough applications to go around. A sweeping change to Texas voter laws meant that entirely new forms had to be printed. Supply-chain issues slowed that print job, prompting Texas to ration applications.

A lack of paper forms is no trivial issue in Texas, the nation’s most populous state without widely-available online voter registration. Only when updating their driver’s license or state ID information can Texans register online. Otherwise, prospective voters have to fill out paper voter registration applications, then mail them to their county elections offices.

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Amarillo League of Women Voters hosted trainings for high school registration

Published On 7/14/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Jami Meredith Cowart and the Amarillo League of Women Voters hosted training for those interested in registration at local high schools. There will be another training on August 13th.

According to an Cowart. The last day to register to vote for the November 8th election is on October 11.

Voter registration events include:

July 23 Community Market is from 8:30 through 12:30.
July 23 PACT Potter County Courthouse from 3 to 7.
July 30 Sod Poodles game will start at 7.
August 3 New teacher orientation.
August 6 and 7 AMA-CON at Civic-Center.
August 20 Community Market from 8:30 to 12:30.

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Texas Advocacy Groups Hosting Webinar on Assault Rifles

Published On 7/13/2022

AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF News ) – The League of Women Voters Texas, Texas LULAC and Texas NAACP are hosting a webinar Wednesday night focusing on assault rifles with a call to lawmakers to tighten restrictions on them.

Panelist include leaders in law enforcement, medical professionals, educators and advocates.

Conversations about how to curb gun violence have been prevalent of late in the wake of several high profile mass shootings nationwide, include the massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde that claimed the lives of 19 children and two teachers on May 24th.

The League of Women Voters Texas’ Gun Safety Issue Chair Aimee Mobley Turney said the group supports the second amendment but wants more regulations on these weapons.

“We’re looking at high capacity magazines. Those are the number one type of weapons used in mass shootings. So, the organizations believe children should not have access to them,” she said.

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League of Women Voters provides voter information for primary election

Published On 7/1/2022

The Midland Area League of Women Voters in partnership with the Midland Community Television Network will host candidate forums covering the four contested area races to be decided in the August 2 primary.
The forums will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 11 and Tuesday, July 12 in the studio of MCTV in the lower level of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library.
Midland Area League President Kim Steinke will moderate the forum, according to the following schedule:
Monday, July 11
7 p.m. — Republican candidates, Martin Blank, Annette Glenn, Christian Velasquez, for the new 35th District State Senate seat.
Followed by Democratic candidates, Matt Dawson and Larry Grell, for the new 95th District State House seat.
Tuesday, July 12
7 p.m. — Republican candidates, Ann Manary, Charles McGinnis Jr., Bill G. Schuette, for the new 95th District State House seat.
Followed by Republican candidates, Kari Atkinson and Jim Geisler, for County Commissioner District 5.

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League of Women Voters Texas Expects Voter Registration Boost Following Supreme Court’s Roe v Wade D

Published On 6/27/2022

(WBAP/KLIF News ) – The League of Women Voters Texas is one of several state advocacy groups that have been registering citizens to vote in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday to overturn Roe v Wade.

Texas is one of several states that subsequently enacted trigger laws, severely limiting or outlawing abortion.

League President Joyce LeBombard said she believes the ruling will have a direct impact on the mid-term elections in November.

“There’s so many young women who have never known a life without having access to their reproductive healthcare. There’s still many women that were alive before Roe v Wade and they’re angered. I think its going to drive a lot of people to the ballot box,” she said.

Protests were held across the Metroplex and nationwide over the weekend. There were some minor clashes between demonstrators but the rallies were mostly peaceful.

LeBombard encourages citizens to turn their feelings about this issue into political action

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Texas’ New Voting Laws Could Prove Hell this November

Published On 6/25/2022

Voting in Texas has never been easy.

Prior the 2020 presidential election, political scientists from the likes of Northern Illinois University and Wuhan University in China compiled a “cost-of-voting index” that ranked states by the ease in which residents could both register and cast their ballot. The analysis placed Texas dead last, citing the state’s tough voter identification laws, unforgiving registration deadlines, and general “restrictive electoral climate,” all of which made it the hardest state to vote in in the entire country.

And, of course, that was before Texas’ most recent election law overhaul even went into effect.

Despite persistent warnings from civil and voting rights advocates, the state’s Republican-controlled legislature passed the sweeping and far-reaching Senate Bill 1 into law in September 2021. Among other things, the law banned drive-thru and overnight voting, further tightened ID requirements, and allowed partisan poll watchers new freedoms.

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LWV names new directors

Published On 6/8/2022

TEXAS – The League of Women Voters of Texas (LWVTX) announced who will serve on the 2022-2024 board of directors.

“Our new board is full of intelligent, passionate and dedicated women,” said Joyce LeBombard, LWVTX President, in a news release. “I am both humbled and excited to be working with them. Our previous president, Grace Chimene, and the former board did a fantastic job leading us through challenging and divided times in our state. We are honored to pick up the mantle and continue the important work that LWVTX started back in 1919.”

The League’s mission of empowering voters and defending democracy is more critical than ever, LeBombard explained, after a challenging 87th Legislative Session and with the November elections approaching.

“The Texas League has a great opportunity to grow and reach underserved communities, whether that be in urban areas or in rural areas where voices have struggled to be heard,” LeBombard said.

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Hickey to speak on local law enforcement at League of Women Voters meeting

Published On 6/3/2022

The League of Women Voters of Williamson County will welcome Brentwood Police Chief Richard Hickey to its meeting at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library June 15 at 1 p.m.

Hickey will share his insights regarding local law enforcement. He was appointed as the city of Brentwood’s fourth police chief in February of 2022.

Since 1991, Hickey has served as a field training officer, crime scene technician and investigator for the district attorney’s office. He is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and the FBI National Academy.

To attend this meeting, register online at the Brentwood Library’s calendar page on its website at www.brentwood-tn.libcal.com/event/8773134.

The Williamson County League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan volunteer organization that promotes engaged, informed and active participation in government, particularly local government.

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Local hub celebrates voting early

Published On 6/1/2022

on Oct. 28.

Established in 2020, Vote Early Day is a nonpartisan movement to ensure all Americans have the tools to cast their ballot early. It has brought thousands of national and local partners together in celebration and activation to increase the number of people voting early.

The Cultural Hub is a local site for voter information distributed by the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Hays County. During its weekday hours of operation (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday), the Hub will have voter information to raise awareness about the upcoming midterm election and help people learn about their options to vote early.

The Hub has a goal of helping at least 2022 voters cast their ballot before Election Day either in person, through a ballot drop box or by mail.

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Join the League of Women Voters

Published On 5/31/2022

As president of the recently restarted League of Women Voters of the Brazos Valley (LWV-BV), I am inviting everyone 18 or older to join us.

The LWV-BV is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government.

The LWV-BV will meet on June 7 at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 906 George Bush Drive in College Station. Please join us.

The LWV-BV has four focus areas this year:

• Inform all voters about the candidates running for office in the general election in November. Voter Guides will be shared throughout all seven counties where candidates answer questions about their platform and plans for the office.

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Voting 101: What you need to know about casting a ballot in Texas

Published On 5/24/2022

Exercising your right to vote can be confusing or intimidating, regardless if you’re a first-time voter or a veteran.

In 2021, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1, or the so-called election integrity bill, which changed a number of rules related to how Texans can vote.

KPRC 2 News and KSAT 12, our San Antonio sister-station, worked to create a comprehensive resource to make sure every eligible Texan can vote and is counted.

We talked with the nonpartisan organization League of Women Voters, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (ACLU-Texas), and the Bexar County Election Administrator to find out the do’s and don’ts of voting.

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How Texas officials and voting groups are trying to limit mail ballot rejections

Published On 5/24/2022

After thousands of mail-in ballots were rejected in Texas' statewide primaries in March, election officials and voting rights groups are stepping up efforts to make sure voters don't run into the same problems with ballot rejections going forward.

Nearly 25,000 mail ballots were rejected for the March 1 primaries — a far higher rate than prior elections.

Some ballots were rejected because identifying data didn't match what was on file. But election officials and voting groups say a design issue with the envelope that Texas voters use to return their mail ballots was most responsible for the rejections.

Grace Chimene, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas, says voters missed important instructions located right under the flap of the mail ballot return envelope. That is where voters have to provide either a partial Social Security number or their driver's license number.

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Polls open Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for county commissioner, statewide primaries

Published On 5/23/2022

Voting concludes on Tuesday in the primary runoff election for the Precinct 2 seat on the County Commissioners Court, as well as a handful of statewide races.

Incumbent Precinct 2 County Commissioner Kevin Janak faces Jason Ohrt in the GOP runoff. The winner of the primary will take the seat, as there is no Democratic challenger for the November election. Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In the results from March 1, Ohrt took 47.9% of the votes in the primary election, while Janak took 43.6%. Because neither garnered at least 50% of the vote, the Tuesday runoff should resolve the divide.

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Your North Texas voter guide for the May 24 runoff

Published On 5/20/2022

May wraps up with the second election of the month, a runoff from the March 1 election. Find what you need to know here.
The May 24 runoff election includes races for many state- and district-level positions.
Find everything here that you need to make your voice heard. Early voting runs through May 20. Election day is Tuesday, May 24.

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League of Women Voters: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Published On 5/18/2022

Editor’s note: To help voters learn more about the candidates, the Advocate is printing profiles provided by the League of Women Voters in contested races in the May 24 primary runoff election.

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League of Women Voters: Texas Lieutenant Governor

Published On 5/18/2022

Editor’s note: To help voters learn more about the candidates, the Advocate is printing profiles provided by the League of Women Voters in contested races in the May 24 primary runoff election
Texas Lieutenant Governor Qualifications:
• What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Power Grid:
• What further changes, if any, are needed to ensure that Texas has sufficient power in times of extreme weather conditions?
Autonomy of State and Local Government:
• Under what circumstances should the federal government limit the authority of elected state officials? Under what circumstances should the state government limit the authority of elected local officials?
Health Care:
• What is your position on reproductive rights and how would you address the economic and health consequences for those who seek and cannot obtain abortions in Texas?

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League of Women Voters: Texas Commissioner of the General Land Office

Published On 5/18/2022

Editor’s note: To help voters learn more about the candidates, the Advocate is printing profiles provided by the League of Women Voters in contested races in the May 24 primary runoff election.

Texas Commissioner of the General Land Office
Qualifications:

What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Allocation of Federal Funds:

When federal funds for natural disaster relief and mitigation are allocated, how would you ensure that communities with the highest needs are prioritized?
The Alamo:

As the head of the agency that manages the Alamo, what story do you believe it should tell?
Coastal Planning:

What measures would you implement to restore and protect the coast, wetlands, and the built environment to minimize damage from major storms?
Priorities:

As Land Commissioner, what would be your highest priorities for the next four years, and how do you intend to accomplish them?

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League of Women Voters: Texas Attorney General

Published On 5/18/2022

Texas Attorney General
Qualifications:
• What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
Elections:
• What is the Attorney General’s role in protecting Texans’ freedom to vote while maintaining safe and secure elections?
Health Care:
• What is your position on reproductive rights and how would you address the economic and health consequences for those who seek and cannot obtain abortions in Texas?
Immigration:
• What is the role of the state government in enforcing federal immigration laws?
Priorities:
• As Attorney General, what would be your highest priorities for the next four years, and how do you intend to accomplish them?

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League of Women Voters: Texas Railroad Commissioner

Published On 5/18/2022

Editor’s note: To help voters learn more about the candidates, the Advocate is printing profiles provided by the League of Women Voters in contested races in the May 24 primary runoff election.

Texas Railroad Commissioner
Qualifications:

What training, experience and background qualify you for this position?
Ethics:

Since candidates for Railroad Commission often raise money from the oil and gas industry, how can citizens be assured that campaign donations will not influence how commissioners regulate that industry?
Emissions:

How important is the impact of methane emissions on climate change? What are effective ways to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas industry?
Natural Gas Facility Weatherization:

What further changes, if any, are needed to ensure that Texas has sufficient power in times of extreme weather conditions?
Seismic Activity:

What are the most important measures the Railroad Commission can implement to reduce the risk of seismic activity

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Early voting for the primary runoffs starts Monday. Here’s what you need to know

Published On 5/16/2022

Early voting in the primary runoff elections begins Monday and runs through Friday. Election Day is May 24.

Several races from the March primary in Texas went to a runoff, meaning no candidate seeking their party's nomination got more than 50% of the vote. So now, the top two candidates in those races are facing off this month. The results will determine who will be on the ballot in the general election in November.

MORE FROM KUT | Am I allowed to vote in the Texas primary runoffs this month? Yes, you are!

In Texas, you can vote in only one party’s primary in a given year. So, if you voted in the Democratic primary in March, you have to vote in the Democratic runoff. If you didn't vote in a March primary, you can vote in either party's runoff race.

Here's what you need to know.

Make sure you're registered

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Early Voting in the May 24 Primary Runoff Elections Underway

Published On 5/16/2022

NORTH TEXAS (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Early voting in the Texas primary runoff election is officially underway ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, May 24.

Eligible residents will cast their ballots to choose who will represent their party in the November election.

Several high-profile elections for state government positions are on the ballots including for the Lt. Governor, Attorney General and multiple U.S. Representative races.

The elections have voting rights advocates reminding residents about some important things to remember this week.

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2022 Primary Runoff Election Voter Guide

Published On 5/13/2022

Republican and Democratic voters will choose their party’s nominee for the November general election in the races left undecided after the March primary election.

Candidates needed at least 50% of the vote to advance to the general election. If no candidate won a majority in the primary, the two candidates with the most votes headed to a runoff.

In addition to statewide races, there are a number of local offices on the May 24 primary runoff. This voters guide has information about the contested races for offices. For more information about statewide races, we recommend the League of Women Voters of Texas’ primary runoff election guide.

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Texas Court Orders Review Of Black Woman’s Illegal Voting Conviction

Published On 5/12/2022

Texas’ highest criminal court on Wednesday (May 11) ordered a lower appeals court to take another look at its controversial decision to uphold Crystal Mason’s voter fraud conviction, The New York Times reports. The ruling creates the possibility that the lower court will now overturn the conviction.

In 2018, Mason was convicted of illegal voting and sentenced to five years in prison. Her offense was casting a provisional ballot in the 2016 general election while on supervised release from prison on federal tax evasion charges.

Mason’s attorney has argued that she didn’t know at the time that it was illegal for a felon on probation to vote under Texas law.

But the lower appeals court in 2020 upheld the conviction, ruling that Mason’s ignorance of the law “was irrelevant to her prosecution,” as the Times reported, quoting the lower court’s decision.

NPR reported the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals ruling that stated the lower court made a mistake

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Commentary: This election, let your voice be heard. Vote.

Published On 5/6/2022

Today is Election Day. This year, the city is proposing to borrow $1.2 billion, the largest bond proposal in its history, to fund infrastructure improvement projects. The five-year bond process, which does not call for a tax rate increase, covers projects through 2027.

The scope and impact of this bond election cannot be underestimated. The outcome will be determined by those who take the time to vote. It is critical that voters voice their choices. As a voter, you decide if using general obligation bonds as a funding mechanism is the prudent approach.

Separating the projects as six propositions on the ballot allows the voter to approve all, some or none of them. Funds for any proposition that does not pass are deducted from the $1.2 billion. A majority vote is needed to move forward.

The six propositions to be voted on individually are:

A: $471.5 million for streets, bridges, sidewalks.

B: $169.9 million for drainage and flood control.

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League of Women Voters of Texas Public Statement on SCOTUS Draft Decision Overruling Roe v. Wade

Published On 5/2/2022

League of Women Voters of Texas
Public Statement on
SCOTUS Draft Decision Overruling Roe v. Wade
Austin, TX – Abortion Access
Politico publishes Draft Decision of the Supreme Court Overruling Roe v. Wade
On May 2, 2022, Politico published a leaked draft opinion of the Supreme Court indicating the Court will overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that found that women have a constitutional right to abortion. The proposed 98 page opinion authored by Justice Alito can be found at https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/02/supreme-court-abortion-draft-opinion-00029473. Five Justices, including Alito are shown as joining in the decision.
This opinion is not final, and it is expected that the official decision will be issued towards the end of the Court’s term in late June. In the meantime, abortion is still legal.
Texas trigger law bans abortion if Roe is overturned
During the last legislative session, a so-called “trigger law” was enacted which would ban abortions

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Amarillo League of Voters to educate those on importance of prenatal care

Published On 4/27/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - The Amarillo League of Women voters is presenting a program in the Amarillo Barrio neighborhood on the importance of prenatal care Thursday evening.

The League of Women voters has been studying the issue of maternal morbidity and mortality for over a year and has now been working to educate the community.

Dr. Teresa Baker will be the featured speaker at the program and serves as a chairperson with the OBGYN Department at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

According to Dr. Baker, over 30 percent of the women for whom they deliver babies at Northwest Texas Healthcare System have not had prenatal care.

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Student Outreach Is Key to Engaged Citizenry - Texas Association of School Boards

Published On 4/26/2022

With just under two weeks left until the May 7 election, county clerks across Texas are checking their rosters to make sure they have enough election workers to ensure a smooth voting experience and to comply with a long list of laws, rules, and procedures around the act of casting and counting ballots.

This work isn’t easy, but it could be made easier if more students, educators, and administrators knew that Texas allows for youths aged 16 and older to serve as student election workers. The deadline to apply has passed for this election, but it’s not too late to start preparing for November or future elections.

The bill that authorized student election clerks passed over 10 years ago, yet there’s still an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage more young people to take part.

“I think there’s plenty of education research to show experiential learning is very effective,” said Renée D. Cross, senior director of the Hobby School of Public Affairs at the University

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Error in candidate questionnaire comes up again in Denton's Place 5 race

Published On 4/25/2022

A League of Women Voters candidate info questionnaire has come up again in the Denton City Council Place 5 race, with Daniel Clanton pointing out it originally misstated the education background of his opponent, Brandon Chase McGee, who called it a “simple mistake” that has been corrected.
Clanton included the questionnaire in a lengthy Saturday social media post after it was initially brought up at the April 14 League of Women Voters of Denton candidate forum for City Council candidates. Clanton and McGee were both in attendance and traded blows throughout the night, including when Clanton introduced the issue.
The LWV questionnaires are available online for each of Denton’s three municipal races. The Place 5 questionnaire currently states McGee is a graduate of both the University of North Texas and Collin College in McKinney, with a Bachelor of Science in history and political science. It adds he did postgraduate work at the Texas A&M University Bush School of Government.

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Upcoming constitutional amendment election information

Published On 4/23/2022

Early Voting for the May 7, 2022, Constitutional Amendment election starts Monday April 25 and runs each weekday through May 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gray County Courthouse (205 N. Russell), Room 104.
On election day, Saturday, May 7, 2022, Pampa residents will vote at the Pampa ISD Administration building, 1233 N Hobart, Pampa TX 79065 from 7 am to 7 pm.
Election Day Location By Precinct

1. Lefors Senior Center
806 N. Main, Lefors, TX 79054
2. Pampa ISD Administration Building
1233 N. Hobart, Pampa, TX 79065
3. Grandview Hopkins School, Teachers Lounge
11605 FM 293, Groom, TX 79039
4 Lovett Library Pioneer Room
302 N. Main, Mclean, TX 79057
5. Pampa ISD Administration Building
1233 N. Hobart, Pampa, TX 79065
6. Pampa ISD Administration Building
1233 N. Hobart, Pampa, TX 79065
7. Pampa ISD Administration Building
1233 N. Hobart, Pampa, TX 79065
About each amendment (from the League of Women Voters)

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Monday is voter registration deadline for Texas primary runoff

Published On 4/22/2022

Monday, April 25, is the deadline to register to vote for upcoming state primary runoff elections in Texas. Voters in the Republican and Democratic primaries will decide who wins their nominations for state and county offices and appear on the ballot in November.
Because mailing in a voter registration form could potentially take several days, a voter’s best bet is to register in person at the appropriate county elections office. A list of those offices is here.

There’s no online voter registration in Texas, although people can update addresses online.

A person who voted in the March 1 statewide primary must stick with the same political party, but someone who did not vote in the initial primary can vote in the runoff.

Early voting in the primary runoff starts on May 16 and lasts five days. Election day is May 24.

There are many important races on the ballot in the runoff. Both parties have runoffs for Attorney General.

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League of Women Voters of Denton host voter forum for Denton ISD races

Published On 4/20/2022

People listen to candidates peak during an election forum at the Stephens Administration Building on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, in Denton Texas.

The Denton County League of Women Voters hosted an election forum for the candidates running for the Denton IS Board of Trustees. Place 3 candidates Douglas J. Chadwick, the incumbent and president of the board, appeared as did his opponent Amy Bundgus. Place 5 candidates Charles Stafford, the incumbent, and Charles Stinson appeared, and Place 4 candidate and incumbent Mia Price attended to answer voters' questions.

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League of Women Voters sending out Voters Guide for May 7 election this week

Published On 4/18/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - The League of Women Voters will be sending out the voters guide for the elections on May 7.

The VOTERS GUIDE is for the AISD bond election, the CISD trustee race and 2 proposed state constitutional amendments.

The Guide will be available at libraries, grocery stores, senior centers and coffee shops.

Early voting for the May 7 election runs from April 25 to May 3.

Mail-in ballots must be received by May 7.

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League of Women Voters candidate forums for Richardson ISD board elections available online

Published On 4/18/2022

The League of Women Voters of Richardson sponsored forums during the week of April 11 for candidates in the Richardson ISD board of trustees May election for districts 2 and 5.

Recorded via Zoom without an audience, the forums used questions from the public and from the league itself. All 57 questions were screened according to the League of Women Voters of Texas Guide to Candidates Forums.

Both the District 2 forum and the District 5 forum can be found online.

A total of three candidates are vying for the single-member District 2 seat: incumbent Eron Linn, Sherry Clemens and Vanessa Pacheco.

The three candidates running in the single-member District 5 race are Kile Brown, Rachel McGowan and Jan Stell. The District 5 seat has remained vacant since Sept. 24 after former board President Karen Clardy resigned.

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Tarrant County Voting Excellence

Published On 4/17/2022

Congratulations to Heider Garcia for his recognition by the League of Women Voters Texas as an outstanding elections administrator. Garcia was honored at the league’s state convention April 8 in Austin. Also honored were Michael Scarpello of Dallas County, Bruce Sherbet of Collin County and Isabel Longoria of Harris County. Garcia and the Tarrant County elections office have also received an outstanding ranking for elections office website. The Texas league reviews the websites of all 254 Texas counties and ranks them according to specific criteria. Outstanding is the highest ranking that can be given, and Tarrant County has received this ranking for the past several years.

Thank you to Garcia, his staff and all the poll workers who make voting in Tarrant County safe, accessible and accurate.

- Margaret K. Hendon, President, Tarrant County League of Women Voters, Fort Worth

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City Council candidates talk campaign finance, NDO at League of Women Voters forum

Published On 4/14/2022

Thursday evening’s League of Women Voters Denton City Council candidate forum featured plenty of back-and-forth between the six hopefuls, with campaign finance and the city’s recently-passed non-discrimination ordinance among the most heated topics.
Thursday’s forum, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Denton at City Hall, was the latest to give the six City Council candidates the chance to answer a myriad of questions, in this case submitted by attendees. All were in attendance, including Daniel Clanton and Brandon Chase McGee for Place 5, Amber Briggle and Chris Watts for Place 6 and Paul Meltzer and Gerard Hudspeth for Mayor.
Unlike some other forums, candidates weren’t vying for an endorsement this time around. League co-president Linnie McAdams said the organization is non-partisan, so it won’t be endorsing any of the candidates. McAdams moderated the two-hour event, which gave each candidate one minute per question, along with introductions and closing remarks.

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League of Women Voters Candidate Forum

Published On 4/13/2022

Date: 04/14/2022 7:00 PM
Location: Keller Town Hall
1100 Bear Creek Pkwy.
Keller, Texas 76248

The League of Women Voters will be hosting a candidate forum featuring the City Council candidates for Places 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14 at Keller Town Hall.

As we have in the past, city staff will be on hand to live-stream and record the candidate forum so that residents have the option to watch it on the city website or their local cable channel.

The May 7 ballot will have voters deciding between two candidates for each seat. In Place 3, voters will choose between Sheri Almond (incumbent) and Jessica Juarez. In Place 4, between Beckie Paquin (incumbent) and Tag . Early voting will run from April 25 - May 3.

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Nearly 25,000 Texas mail-in ballots rejected due to new voting law

Published On 4/7/2022

AUSTIN — Nearly 25,000 ballots were rejected across the state for noncompliance with new Texas voting law, the Texas Secretary of State Office announced Wednesday.

During the last legislative session, GOP-lead efforts to reduce the occurrence of already rare fraudulent voting resulted in the rejection of 24,636 voters' ballots submitted by mail, data shows.

According to state data provided by counties, those ballots include 14,281 Democratic ballots and 10,355 Republican ballots. This is a rejection rate of about 12.4%, up from 1% in 2020.

“Not surprisingly, Texas and AG Paxton are trying to weaken federal voting protections even further,” said state Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, in a tweet. “What’s happening in Texas proves we still need the Voting Rights Act.”
The new law requires Texans voting by mail to include their Texas ID number or Social Security number on their mail-in ballot applications and ballot carrier envelope.

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Thursday Is Deadline For Texas Voter Registration

Published On 4/7/2022

TX VOTER REGISTRATION - Thursday is the last day for Texans to register to vote in the May 7th elections. Grace Chimene is the President of the League of Women Voters of Texas. She says eligible Texans can either check their voter registration status or find applications at www.votetexas.gov. And, while you can fill out the form on that website, you must print it out to submit it.

“And, you will need to have it into the voter registrar for your county this Thursday, since it’s the last day to register to vote,” Chimene said.

All Texas voters will see two constitutional amendments about property taxes on the ballot. Some will also decide local elections, like city council and school board. Chimene, says her group has two videos explaining the proposed amendments.
“We just explain what the constitutional amendment is, and then do a simple for, the argument against, so people can make an informed decision," Chimene explained.

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Irving's League of Women Voters to host a series of candidate forums

Published On 4/5/2022

The forums will take place on April 13 and 14 for the May 7 election.

Irving’s League of Women Voters will host a series of candidate forums for area city council and school board races.

Early voting begins April 25, and the election is May 7. The candidate forums will be held on April 13 and 14.

The League of Women Voters of Texas is a nonpartisan political organization. https://lwvtexas.org/

Here’s how to learn more about the candidates’ platforms and plans if elected.

Irving City Council forum
When: 6:30 p.m., April 13

Irving City Council forum
When: 6:30 p.m., April 13

Where: Irving City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd.

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League of Women Voters hosts City Council Candidate Forum

Published On 4/1/2022

Not sure whom you're voting for in the May 7, 2022 Keller City Council election? The League of Women Voters will host a candidate forum featuring the City Council candidates for Places 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14 in the City Council Chambers at Keller Town Hall, 1100 Bear Creek Pkwy.

As we have in the past, city staff will be on hand to live-stream and record the candidate forum so that residents have the option to watch it on the city website or their local cable channel.

To ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to submit questions for this year’s forum, questions will be accepted through an online portal through noon on Tuesday, April 13. Forum facilitators with the League of Women Voters will use questions submitted online — as well as questions submitted in person at the event — to help Keller residents learn more about the candidates in each race. To submit a question, visit www.cityofkeller.com/candidates.

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Bexar County to seek legal advice on reducing rejection rate of mail-in ballots

Published On 3/29/2022

SAN ANTONIO — Bexar County leaders are hoping to secure the vote by mail.

Seniors, people with disabilities, and people who are unable to vote in person on Election Day are among the groups eligible to vote by mail in Texas. After Senate Bill 1 changed some of the requirements to vote by mail, Bexar County saw a historically high rejection rate.

For some voters, they were frustrated with how the process has changed.

“Voting is an important thing to do, and it’s part of being American,” Jean Aratinji told KENS 5.

The northside resident remembers being in college when she wanted to vote for John F. Kennedy. In 1974, she became a part of the League of Women Voters.

“I was going to the voting booth with my parents as a child, so I’ve always been involved,” Aratinji said.

The pandemic changed her voting habits. Aratinji and her husband started voting by mail.

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A league of their own

Published On 3/25/2022

Long before Collin County residents headed to the polls for early voting in the Primary Election last month, volunteers belonging to a decades-old association logged many hours behind the scenes to ensure voters were registered and informed.

When Texas women finally won the right to vote in primaries in 1918, large groups showed up to register to vote together. However, it would be several decades before state and federal governments would outlaw restrictions for men and women of color.
In a state the size of Texas — and in a fast-growing county like Collin — coordinating the sheer volume of information is not an easy feat. Yet, the League of Women Voters of Collin County continues to prove they truly are in a league of their own as they work to fulfill the nonprofit’s mission of ‘Empowering voters. Defending Democracy.’

Login or subscribe today to read the full story at http://wylienews.com

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League of Women Voters hosting three Denton Women's Interracial Fellowship members Saturday

Published On 3/23/2022

Three original members of the Denton Women's Interracial Fellowship will be honored at the fellowship's Industrial Street monument as part of Saturday's League of Women Voters of Denton meeting.

For the meeting, the league is honoring the fellowship, which was formed by local women in the 1960s to help with desegregation efforts and address racial inequality. The fellowship lasted for over two decades and three of its original members will speak at Saturday's meeting: Linnie McAdams, Pat Cheek and Catherine Bell.

The league is inviting anyone to join Saturday's meeting, set for 10 a.m. at the Denton Women's Interracial Fellowship monument, 108 Industrial Street.

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Texas ban on straight-ticket voting stands after ruling from federal appeals court

Published On 3/19/2022

AUSTIN — Texas’ ban on straight-ticket voting will remain on the books after a slate of rulings from a federal appeals court found that the plaintiffs in three challenges to Texas’ election laws sued the wrong people. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that plaintiffs in three suits including the Texas NAACP and the League of Women Voters of Texas should have sued local election officials instead of the Texas secretary of state. The ruling was 2-1 with the dissenting judge writing that the court was minimizing the secretary of state’s role in elections and that as the chief election official of Texas, the office does have standing in the cases.

The Texas Alliance of Retired Americans sued the Texas secretary of state in 2020 after a law took effect that banned straight-ticket voting — a practice that allowed voters to cast a ballot picking solely the candidates of the political party of their choice. State lawmakers approved a ban on straight-ticket ...

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Texas ban on straight-ticket voting stands after ruling from federal appeals court

Published On 3/18/2022

AUSTIN — Texas’ ban on straight-ticket voting will remain on the books after a slate of rulings from a federal appeals court found that the plaintiffs in three challenges to Texas’ election laws sued the wrong people.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that plaintiffs in three suits including the Texas NAACP and the League of Women Voters of Texas should have sued local election officials instead of the Texas secretary of state.

The ruling was 2-1 with the dissenting judge writing that the court was minimizing the secretary of state’s role in elections and that as the chief election official of Texas, the office does have standing in the cases.

The Texas Alliance of Retired Americans sued the Texas secretary of state in 2020 after a law took effect that banned straight-ticket voting — a practice that allowed voters to cast a ballot picking solely the candidates of the political party of their choice.

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Statement On Resignation Of Harris County Election Administrator From League Of Women Voters Of Texa

Published On 3/17/2022

Statement by Grace Chimene, President, League of Women Voters of Texas and Annie Benifield, president League of Women Voters Houston

March 8, 2022

“Yes, there were challenges in tabulating the votes in Harris County. The good news for voters is the normal post-election audit processes worked to track down the missing ballots and have those votes counted. We applaud the professionalism that the Harris County Election Administrator, Isabel Longoria, and her staff demonstrated during this very complicated and confusing election. That these challenges led to Ms. Longoria’s resignation is unfortunate.

“The real tragedy is the confusion created by the new election law which caused a staggering number of mail ballot rejections. While the challenges faced by the Harris County election administration were resolved, voters all across Texas were disenfranchised due to the new election law when their applications to vote by mail and vote by mail ballots were rejected.

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Texas voting bill stands, for now, court rules

Published On 3/16/2022

A federal appeals court has declined to strike down the Texas voting bill known as Senate Bill 1. In a split decision, the three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals said the plaintiffs in all three suits named Texas Secretary of State John Scott as the sole defendant, and that Scott has no enforcement abilities over the areas covered by the suits.

The suits, which had plaintiffs including the Texas State Conference of the NAACP, the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans and the League of Women Voters.

In one complaint the Coalition of Texans With Disabilities took aim at the signature verification for mail-in ballots. A second group targeted mail-in ballot regulations in general and the third took aim at the elimination of straight-ticket voting.

A federal appeals court has declined to strike down the Texas voting bill known as Senate Bill 1.

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In Texas, thousands of mail ballots were rejected following new ID requirements

Published On 3/16/2022

Thousands of Texas voters had their mail ballots rejected in this month's primary, after the state's controversial new voting law created additional ID requirements.

Local election officials say the new identification requirements as a result of the Republican-backed law tripped up many eligible voters in the March 1 primary.

An Associated Press analysis released Wednesday afternoon found that a total of nearly 23,000 mail ballots were rejected across the majority of Texas' counties.

Perhaps most notably, in Harris County — home to Houston, and the state's most populous county — officials said they rejected a whopping 19% percent of the mail ballots they received, or 6,888 mail ballots in total.

During the primary election in 2018, the county had only rejected 135 mail ballots out of more than 48,000, election officials said in a statement. That's less than 0.3%.

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US appeals court backs Texas in 3 lawsuits challenging voting laws

Published On 3/16/2022

A federal appeals court has ruled for Texas in three lawsuits challenging the state's election laws, including mail-in ballot provisions and the elimination of straight-ticket voting.

In a series of 2-1 rulings Wednesday evening, a panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the lawsuits by civil rights groups, political organizations and voters had targeted the wrong state agency — the Texas secretary of state's office — when they sought to overturn a string of voting laws and practices.

Because the secretary of state is not in charge of enforcing the challenged laws, the agency is protected by sovereign immunity in all three lawsuits, said the opinions written by Judge Stuart Kyle Duncan and joined by Judge Don Willett.

Judge Patrick Higginbotham dissented in all three cases, writing that he believed the majority was splitting hairs by narrowly interpreting which state officers enforce election laws.

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Voter turnout takes a dip in Comal, Guadalupe

Published On 3/16/2022

Voter turnout for the March 1 party primaries declined from percentages Comal and Guadalupe counties posted in 2020 and 2018, though it’s too soon to tell how much the state’s tougher elections laws factored into the local equation.

Unofficially, Comal turnout was at 23.23%, or 28,909 ballots counted from 124,414 registered voters. It was just under the 23.57% turnout in 2018 but well behind the record primary turnout of 29.80% in 2020. Official Guadalupe numbers indicated a turnout of 18.53%, or 21,362 ballots counted from 115,293 registered.

Statewide, more than 27,000 absentee ballots were flagged for rejection, jeopardizing votes cast by Democrats and Republicans alike and in counties big and small, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. It puts the rate of rejected mail ballots in Texas on track to significantly surpass previous elections.

The preliminary figures — reported by Texas counties after votes

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In Texas, thousands of mail ballots were rejected following new ID requirements

Published On 3/16/2022

Thousands of Texas voters had their mail ballots rejected in this month’s primary, after the state’s controversial new voting law created additional ID requirements.

Local election officials say the new identification requirements as a result of the Republican-backed law tripped up many eligible voters in the March 1 primary.

An Associated Press analysis released Wednesday afternoon found that a total of nearly 23,000 mail ballots were rejected across the majority of Texas’ counties.

Perhaps most notably, in Harris County — home to Houston, and the state’s most populous county — officials said they rejected a whopping 19% percent of the mail ballots they received, or 6,888 mail ballots in total.

During the primary election in 2018, the county had only rejected 135 mail ballots out of more than 48,000, election officials said in a statement. That’s less than 0.3%.

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In Texas, thousands of mail ballots were rejected following new ID requirements

Published On 3/16/2022

Thousands of Texas voters had their mail ballots rejected in this month's primary, after the state's controversial new voting law created additional ID requirements.

Local election officials say the new identification requirements as a result of the Republican-backed law tripped up many eligible voters in the March 1 primary.

An Associated Press analysis released Wednesday afternoon found that a total of nearly 23,000 mail ballots were rejected across the majority of Texas' counties.

Perhaps most notably, in Harris County — home to Houston, and the state's most populous county — officials said they rejected a whopping 19% percent of the mail ballots they received, or 6,888 mail ballots in total.

During the primary election in 2018, the county had only rejected 135 mail ballots out of more than 48,000, election officials said in a statement. That's less than 0.3%.

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League of Women Voters of Amarillo to meet Wednesday

Published On 3/13/2022

The League of Women Voters of Amarillo will have a program on public school accountability and assessment in Texas for their March membership meeting.

Skylar Gallop, the Regional Advocacy Director in the Texas Panhandle for Raise Your Hand Texas, will make the presentation on Wednesday, March 16, at Hoffbrau Steakhouse (7203 I-40 W) at 11:30 a.m. The meeting is open to the public. Attendees can order from the menu.

As the regional advocacy director for the Panhandle of Texas, Skylar informs voters in the Texas Panhandle of critical issues facing the more than 5 million students in our state’s public schools and helps inspire and motivate Panhandle voters to become more involved in legislative matters at both state and local levels. Skylar is a former television news reporter and anchor. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from West Texas A&M University and lives in Amarillo.

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Williamson County Elections Website Rated 'Outstanding'

Published On 3/12/2022

Williamson County's Election website was rated as "Outstanding" by the League of Women Voters of Texas in their 2022 Primary Election County Website Review. Williamson County is one of only 56 out of 254 Texas counties to receive this rating.

"We are honored that the League of Women Voters of Texas has rated our Elections website as outstanding in providing voters with the information that they need to participate in the election process, particularly with the additional website requirements that are necessary due to new Texas election laws," said County Judge Bill Gravell. "Williamson County has an exceptional Elections staff who are truly dedicated to public service."

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Nearly 1 in 5 mail-in ballots in Houston area were rejected because of Texas voting law, election of

Published On 3/11/2022

(CNN)Thousands of mail-in ballots were rejected in Texas' most populous county for the March primary because they did not meet requirements set by the state's new voting law passed last year by the Republican-led state legislature, according to Houston-area election officials.

Harris County election officials on Friday announced that of the 36,878 mail ballots received for the March 1 primary, a total of 6,888, or 19%, were rejected "as a direct result of Senate Bill 1."
Under the law, voters had to include a Texas identification number or a partial Social Security number when returning their mail-in ballots. However, the identification number used must match one of the numbers on the voter's registration record. Officials noted that the mail ballots were flagged for rejection "specifically due to ID issues."
The rejection rate is a significant jump from previous years. In 2018, Harris County rejected only 135 mail-in ballots of a total of 48,473 received, officials said ...

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Burnet County Elections website gets top rating from voters group

Published On 3/10/2022

The Burnet County Elections website earned an “outstanding” rating from the League of Women Voters of Texas during its recent review of all 254 county elections websites.

Burnet County Election Administrator Doug Ferguson said he was appreciative of the rating and noted that he and his staff work hard to keep the website updated with the information voters need in an easy-to-use format.

“Our website is relatively new, built last year in the fall, so having gotten an outstanding rating is really nice,” he said. “We’ve also gotten good comments from voters over the last few months along with suggestions to help make it better, which we are always interested in.”

The league announced the ratings Monday, March 7.

Out of a 125 possible points, the Burnet County site scored 92.5. Scores of 90 or better were rated outstanding. Across the state, 56 county election sites earned outstanding ratings. Another 36 received a rating of “very good” for scores of 80-89.

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Irving Archives And Museum Hosts Women's History Month Celebration

Published On 3/10/2022

In celebration of Women's History Month, the Irving Archives and Museum (IAM) showcases stories that honor the contributions of women who broke molds and shattered glass ceilings.

HERSTORY: A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Learn about five outstanding women who helped shape Irving's past and present. From building the first library to being the first women in an Irving Police uniform, they defied traditional female roles to leave their marks on this city. Presented by the City of Irving's Diversity and Inclusion committee.

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Local League of Women Voters keeping tradition alive

Published On 3/8/2022

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The League of Women Voters was established in 1920 as soon as women were granted the right to vote.

The Corpus Christi Chapter started in 1945. They're a non-partisan, grassroots, civic organization working to educate voters in a non-partisan way.

The national chapter as well as the local chapter, 120+ members strong, also works on vital issues of concern to their members and the community.

These last few months, that issue has been redistricting.

Kathryn Oler, president of the League of Women Voters Corpus Christi, said they feel Nueces County Commissioners really listened to them. They asked commissioners to get input and feedback from the community before re-drawing the lines, along with other requests to give residents more information, more input.

And so they did.

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'When women vote, women win': March March for the Vote event starts Women's History Month

Published On 3/8/2022

Members of the community marched and celebrated in downtown Corpus Christi Saturday in remembrance of the 1913 Women's March on Washington and the start of Women's History Month.

Attendees at the March March for the Vote event were able to parade around the park, shop from local women-owned vendors, register to vote, eat from food trucks and listen to speakers and live music from Chicas Rock.

The first local march was in 2020, just before the pandemic yielded lockdowns. A group of supporters, from local women's organizations including Delta Sigma Theta, YWCA, League of Women Voters of Corpus Christi and the American Association of University Women, marched from the Nueces County Courthouse to La Retama Park.

Lois Huff, event organizer, said the goals for the march included "keeping the spirit and essence of women who sacrificed for the right to vote alive and promoting the benefits of action and advocacy."

"The right to vote was not always a given," Huff said.

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‘We won’t be your scapegoat’: Texas, Harris County Democrats address voting rights, Texas secretary

Published On 3/4/2022

HOUSTON – Texas and Harris County Democrats addressed what they said are continuing attacks made by Republicans on local voters during Friday’s press conference, according to a news release.

Democrats also called out the repeated accusations made by Gov. Greg Abbott’s appointed secretary of state and the impact it has made on the Primary Election.

Democrats and Republicans have been going back and forth on properly managing the elections in Harris County since Tuesday.

Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said Democrats will not let Republicans shift blame on their consequence of their administration due to Senate Bill 1.

“We won’t be your scapegoat,” Hinojosa said.

He said the SB1 caused lots of confusion with voters and discouraged people to go out to vote.

“It was not an accidental confusion, it was an intentional confusion, design to prevent people from voting and we are here today to tell the people of the state of Texas that we will not tolerate that

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Polling stations close at 7 p.m.; Register will post unofficial results tonight

Published On 3/2/2022

The polls are open until 7 p.m. tonight for local voters to weigh in on their party's state and local candidates.

Today's primary election will determine what Republicans will emerge as the nominees for Cooke County Judge, Precinct Four Commissioner, Governor and the other races in November.

The Register will update unofficial results online from the Cooke County Clerk's office tonight after polls close at 7 p.m.

VOTE411.org

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How to find my voting day polling location in San Antonio

Published On 3/1/2022

Today's the day, San Antonio. Primary Election Day is here. If you didn't get a chance to vote in Bexar County during early voting, you'll have until 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 1 to get your vote on.

Here's what to know.

What do I need?
Texas requires one of the following forms of ID: Driver license, Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC), Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS, Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS, US military identification card containing the person’s photograph, US citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph, and/or US passport (book or card).

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Texas Primary Unfolds as Advocates Sound the Alarm About Mail Ballot Rejections

Published On 3/1/2022

Pam Gaskin has been handing out campaign flyers since she was nine years old—the year, she says, that she was first allowed to walk down the street without supervision. Gaskin, now 74 and Fort Bend County resident, is an active member of League of Women Voters.

She says this year is different. An expansive voting law that Texas enacted earlier this year has led to widespread confusion among voters attempting to vote by mail in today’s primary, leading to sky-high ballot-application and ballot rejection rates, according to local election officials. “I know how to read and follow directions,” Gaskin says. “This is a form that is designed incorrectly.”

Harris County, which is home to Houston, reported on Feb. 22 that nearly a third of the mail ballots they’ve received have been rejected, due to the state’s new ID requirements, according to the county election office’s spokesperson. Many voters who are not accustomed to providing their driver’s license numbers or ...

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Texas Primary Unfolds as Advocates Sound the Alarm About Mail Ballot Rejections

Published On 3/1/2022

Pam Gaskin has been handing out campaign flyers since she was nine years old—the year, she says, that she was first allowed to walk down the street without supervision. Now 74, Gaskin, a resident of Fort Bend County and a member of the League of Women Voters, has helped register voters for decades.

But this year, she says, is different. An expansive voting law that Texas enacted earlier this year has led to widespread confusion among voters attempting to vote by mail in today’s primary, leading to sky-high ballot-application and ballot rejection rates, according to local election officials. “I know how to read and follow directions,” Gaskin says. “This is a form that is designed incorrectly.”

Harris County, which is home to Houston, reported on Feb. 22 that nearly a third of the mail ballots they’ve received have been rejected, due to the state’s new ID requirements, according to the county election office’s spokesperson.

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Texans go to the polls under sweeping new voting restrictions

Published On 3/1/2022

HOUSTON — With less than two days until Texas’ primary election, Cedric and Myrtis Tatterson sat in a community center gym in Houston to fulfill the training required of them as election judges.

Though they have both served as judges in numerous past elections, Tuesday’s primary will be the first since Texas’ Republican-controlled legislature passed a sweeping voting law with provisions that restrict access to the ballot.

Cedric, who said he has been involved in the struggle for voting rights for decades and marched in his youth with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago, said he’s dismayed with Texas’ efforts to make voting harder.

“You sent me off to Vietnam 50 years ago to fight for this country, and we go backwards,” said the 74-year-old veteran.

Myrtis said it pains her that all five of their children also live in Texas and have to suffer the consequences of the state’s voter suppression tactics.

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After a rocky start, it’s Election Day in Texas

Published On 3/1/2022

Albert Wise, who is disabled, never got his mail-in ballot. It took Houston-area retiree Pam Gaskin three attempts to get hers. And 95-year-old World War II veteran Kenneth Thompson had to resubmit his voter registration to finally vote by mail.

Texas voters like these have had to navigate a rocky path in recent weeks just to get their hands on mail-in ballots as the state’s new election law kicked in, sparking widespread confusion and frustration.
The next test of the new law comes today with Election Day in the Lone Star State. While voting by mail and early in-person voting began weeks ago, Tuesday marks the final day to cast ballots in the nation’s second most populous state.
At stake: nominating contests for governor and a slew of statewide, congressional and legislative seats.

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Texans go to the polls under sweeping new voting restrictions

Published On 2/28/2022

HOUSTON — With less than two days until Texas’ primary election, Cedric and Myrtis Tatterson sat in a community center gym in Houston to fulfill the training required of them as election judges.

Though they have both served as judges in numerous past elections, Tuesday’s primary will be the first since Texas’ Republican-controlled legislature passed a sweeping voting law with provisions that restrict access to the ballot.

Cedric, who said he has been involved in the struggle for voting rights for decades and marched in his youth with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago, said he’s dismayed with Texas’ efforts to make voting harder.

“You sent me off to Vietnam 50 years ago to fight for this country, and we go backwards,” said the 74-year-old veteran.

Myrtis said it pains her that all five of their children also live in Texas and have to suffer the consequences of the state’s voter suppression tactics.

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Texas Holding First Election Since Adoption Of New Election Law

Published On 2/28/2022

Texas' S.B.1 is a newly implemented sweeping election integrity law passed by the Republican-majority state legislature and signed by Gov. Abbott.
For the past seven years, Jim C. has cast his vote in Austin, Texas by mail ballot, which is an option available to registered voters over age 65. But this year, his application for a ballot looked a bit different.

It included a box requiring voters to list either their driver's license or the last four digits of their social security number. Jim chose to enter his social.

But on the day before the deadline to register for vote-by-mail in the 2022 primaries, he received a letter with print so small he needed reading glasses.

"There is a long list, in tiny print, of 16 regulations that must be met," Jim said. "So finally, when we got to the end, we saw that we had been informed that we missed the boat on the ID part of it."

His application to vote-by-mail was rejected a day before the deadline since the board of elections ...

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7 things to know about Tuesday's primary elections

Published On 2/27/2022

Tuesday is primary election day across the state.

Here are 7 things you need to know when you go to the polls Tuesday:

1. The primaries are conducted by the Republican and Democratic parties, not the county. The county election office is the facilitator for the joint election.

2. Statewide, the polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You must vote in the county in which you live and are registered.

3. In Victoria County, registered voters can vote at any of the county’s 32 polling places.

4. To vote you will need to show a form of identification such as your Texas driver’s license, Texas ID, passport or military ID card.

5. Those who wish to submit vote-by mail ballots must do so at the county elections office, 2805 N. Navarro St. Suite 500, inside the Dr. Pattie Dodson Public Health Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

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Primary election is Tuesday, here's what you need to know

Published On 2/25/2022

Victoria County may skew red overall, but Tuesday's election is still an important one for local Republican and Democratic voters alike.

"It's really important because we have so many candidates," said Victoria County Republican Chairman Bill Pozzi on Friday, adding that more competition among Republicans is simply healthy for democracy.

"It is important," said Pozzi's counterpart, Victoria County Democratic Chairman Woodrow Wilson Wagner II. "Although we don't have (many) candidates in county offices, we still have candidates at the state level ... there’s still a reason to get out there Tuesday."

Tuesday, Crossroads voters will have one more day to make their voices heard in this year's joint primary election. Voters will receive primary ballots for the party of their choice and will decide who will continue to the general election on Nov. 8.

In Victoria County, 32 polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters may want to vote in the morning, ...

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Beyond the Vote: Women’s Progress in 21st Century Texas

Published On 2/23/2022

More than 100 years have passed since American women gained the right to vote with the 19th Amendment in 1920. In 2022 we have achieved progress in economic, social, medical, and political realms but this is far from the whole picture.

Women are now 10 percent of all millionaires and have gained more national political representation than ever before yet inequality endures. Many women are still challenged by unequal incomes, poverty, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and abuse.

Women’s numerous advances are worth celebrating but how can they overcome the ongoing problems?

County Line Magazine interviewed Assistant Professor of History Mylynka Kilgore Cardona from Texas A&M University in Commerce. As a historian she offers a long-term view of social, economic, and political gains and setbacks affecting women since the 19th century. She also describes how women are faring today and what factors can lead towards equality.

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Have questions about voting on Election Day? Call the KPRC 2 phone bank on Tuesday

Published On 2/22/2022

The League of Women Voters of Houston will have volunteers on hand to take calls from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

KPRC 2 is continuing our long-standing partnership with the League of Women Voters of Houston this upcoming primary election day. On Tuesday, March 1, volunteers from LWV Houston will answer calls related to voting locations, rules, and more.

KPRC 2 will host the phone bank in conjunction with Telemundo Houston.

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'Bad News for Democracy': Russian Troops in Ukraine, GOP Vote Suppressors in TX

Published On 2/22/2022

Guest: Grace Chimene, President, TX League of Women Voters on alarming mid-term primary ballot rejection rate

Also: Biden announces 'first tranche' of Russian sanctions in response to 'invasion'...

On today's BradCast: The greatest threat to autocracy is, of course, democracy. Which is why, I believe, Vladimir Putin is now threatening Ukraine and why Republicans in this country are (successfully) attacking the right to vote itself.

On Ukraine today, we share the latest in the increasingly dangerous standoff that threatens to spark all out war in Eastern Europe, unlike anything seen since WWII. That, on the heels of Putin's increasingly militaristic and bellicose pronouncements and his unilateral declaration on Monday that two Russia-backed, separatist-controlled regions in the eastern part of Ukraine are now independent "republics" that Russian troops may enter (invade) at will, in defiance of international law.

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More Mail Ballots Rejected Under New Texas Voting Law

Published On 2/22/2022

Some early Texas voters in the nation’s first primary are seeing their mail-in ballots rejected for leaving off newly required information following a GOP-led overhaul of the state’s already strict election code.

Election officials in Harris County — a Democratic stronghold that includes Houston and more than 2.4 million voters — said Thursday that in the first batch of mail-in ballots they have received, about 40% could not be counted because of missing information or signatures required under Texas’ sweeping new law passed in August.

Most of the more than 1,300 ballots flagged were missing mandatory identification such as voter ID or Social Security numbers, and a handful was missing a signature, according to Leah Shah, a spokesperson for the Harris County Elections Administrator’s office.

The new law requires that counties notify voters if their mail ballot is rejected, and voters can get another chance to correct it as long as it is received by Election Day, March 1

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Experts say less than 20 percent of voters turn out for Texas Primary Elections

Published On 2/21/2022

WACO, Texas — In just one week Texas will hold its 2022 primary elections, but history shows that registered voters tend to sit this one out.

"They tend to be under 20 percent. Compare that to midterm elections where it's like 45 percent to a president election where it's 55 to 60 percent," political science professor, Dr. Pat Flavin, told 25 News. "Primary elections definitely qualify as low turnout elections."

With just a few days left for early voting, McLennan County Election Administrator Jared Goldsmith said they've only seen about 4 percent of eligible voters already.

"I thought we were going to have higher turnout for this election than we've seen so far, however looking at past-like elections such as primaries, we are pretty much on par with where we've been," Goldsmith said.

So what do these numbers mean for the candidates? Dr. Flavin said studies show the number of voters can impact election outcomes.

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Gov. Greg Abbott's office blames local election officials for rejected mail-in ballots under voting

Published On 2/16/2022

Thousands of mail-in ballots are being rejected in Harris County and across Texas for not meeting voter ID requirements under the state's new controversial voting law. However, Gov. Greg Abbott's office is placing the blame on local election officials, not the new changes to voter requirements, for invalidated ballots.

Nan Tolson, a spokesperson for Abbott, told Newsweek Tuesday that officials should report such issues to the state instead of going to the media. "The bottom line is that counties should not be rejecting valid mail ballot applications," Tolson told Newsweek. "Reports of high rejection rates of mail ballot applications at the county level are the result of election officials erroneously interpreting the law and going to the press instead of the Texas Secretary of State's office for assistance."

Under Senate Bill 1, which took effect in December, voters are required to include their driver's license number or the last four digits of their social security number

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Texas Republicans’ Voting Law Unleashes Chaos On The State Before Primary

Published On 2/16/2022

As Texas’ first-in-the-nation primary on March 1 approaches, election administrators and voters are struggling to follow its provisions, many of which make it harder to vote.

The state secretary of state’s office has been unable or unwilling to provide the counties with adequate resources and information, and one new ID requirement in particular has helped send unprecedented numbers of ballots and applications into the reject pile.

Older and disabled voters, some of the few that get to vote by mail in Texas, have borne the brunt of the chaos, said Grace Chimene, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas.

“They’re consistent voters,” she told TPM. “They’re very upset that after all these years of voting, suddenly now their ballots and applications are being rejected.”

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Frustrated by the political process? Prove it with your vote, Houston

Published On 2/15/2022

There are all kinds of ways to fight voter suppression in Texas.

On Monday, the League of Women Voters of Houston showed up at Discovery Green armed with red sunglasses, heart-shaped lollipops, stickers, and signs — as well as voter registration forms and 48-page voter guides for Houstonians who hope to participate in the state’s March 1 primary.

It was Valentine’s Day, as well as the first day of the early-voting period; a happy coincidence, observed LWV Houston President Annie Benifield.

“Show your love by voting!” she advised on Tuesday, the 102nd anniversary of the League’s founding.

It was a gorgeous day, too, with dogs frisking and children frolicking and couples picnicking. But it’s been a grim season for voting rights in Texas, thanks to new restrictions passed by the Republican-led Texas Legislature in 2021.

A federal judge in San Antonio gave voting-rights advocates a rare victory on Friday, blocking a provision in the law that criminalizes the solicitation

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Tougher rules debut for early voting in Texas

Published On 2/15/2022

Problems with mail ballots crop up in first primary of ’22

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas began early voting Monday in 2022's first primary after a rushed rollout of tougher restrictions and the return of hundreds of mail ballots, dealing Republicans a clumsy debut of voting rules they tightened across the U.S. over the past year in the name of election security.

"Monday is going to be a big day for all of us to see how this plays out," said Isabel Longoria, the elections administrator for Harris County, which includes Houston and more than 2 million voters.

"I think for all of us there is just a sense of uncertainty," she said.

Election officials in Republican-leaning counties have also expressed frustration and confusion over changes they say they have scrambled to implement since Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in September signed a sweeping law that he said would make it "easier to vote and harder to cheat."

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High numbers of mail ballots are being rejected in Texas under a new state law

Published On 2/15/2022

Weeks ahead of the state’s March 1 primary, local election officials in Texas are sending mail-in ballots back to thousands of voters who had turned them in, citing issues with ID requirements created by the state’s controversial new voting law.

In Harris County — Texas’ largest county, which is home to Houston — election officials said they’d received 6,548 mail-in ballots as of Saturday and had returned almost 2,500 — nearly 38% — for correction because of an incorrect ID.

That’s a far higher rejection rate than is typical.

Isabel Longoria, the Harris County elections administrator, says it’s a serious problem.

“Mail ballots are people’s votes,” Longoria says. “So, I am very concerned — not just with the complexity of the process, but how that added complexity is going to increase the number of mail ballots that we have to reject.”

Voting for the March 1 primary that is currently underway in Texas is the first big election held in the state since Senate Bill 1,

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CNN Cries Voter Suppression Over Incorrectly Filled Form, Clerical Error

Published On 2/15/2022

The liberal media are so desperate to find a single instance of so-called “voter suppression” that they’re resorting to suggesting voters incorrectly filling out forms and clerical snafus were evidence of Republicans stealing the right to vote from black Americans. Or, as they ridiculously call it, “Jim Crow 2.0.” This was the case on Tuesday afternoon's CNN Newsroom as they spoke with a Texas voter.

The segment was helmed by co-host Alisyn Camerota, who leaned on hyperbole to drive the narrative. She suggested “[t]he controversial voting law passed in Texas last year is already creating problems for voters,” and declared: “the worst fears are already coming to pass…”

For the supposedly blatant example of voter suppression, Camerota brought on Pam Gaskin of the League of Women Voters who had her application for a mail-in ballot rejected twice.

Oh, how horrible! She must the victim of a targeted effort to prevent her from voting!

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Early voting in Fort Worth: What to know about the Republican, Democratic primaries

Published On 2/15/2022

Early voting begins Monday in Texas, with races for top county and state officials on the Republican and Democratic primary tickets. Voters can expect to see several new faces in office, and the March 1 primary marks the first round of voting.

In Tarrant County, three lawmakers are not seeking reelection to the Texas Legislature, and there are open seats for Tarrant County judge and criminal district attorney. Heated statewide races, including for governor, round out the ballot in a midterm year. This is the first statewide voting subject to a new election law that drew national attention.

Texas Secretary of State John Scott encourages people to vote during the early voting period, which runs through Feb. 25.

“I urge everyone who can to take advantage of the convenience of the early voting period to avoid crowds on Election Day,” he said in a statement. “It’s also easy to remember — you can get out and vote early starting on Valentine’s Day!”

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Intimidation is unacceptable

Published On 2/15/2022

The League of Women Voters-Comal Area was appalled to read about the harassment of candidate for Texas House District 73 Justin Calhoun at Monday’s candidate forum hosted by Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce.

Trashing of campaign materials and hateful slurs against candidates are strikes against all of us who value American democracy, against the event host and against all those who seek to serve the public by running for office or by providing information to voters.

We urge local voters and organizations to condemn all voter or candidate intimidation attempts whatever your party affiliation. We urge voters to exercise their freedom to vote in the upcoming Texas March 1 Primary Elections as the best response to these attacks on our democracy.

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So thankful for everyone who helps with voting

Published On 2/13/2022

On Saturday, The Eagle Opinion page completed its look at contested Brazos County candidates in the March 1 Republican and Democratic primaries.

We hope voters took the time to read the informative answers provided by the candidates and will use them, along with news stories, campaign ads and flyers and recommendations from friends and co-workers to make a decision on whom to vote for.

Remember, voters may cast a ballot in either party primary, but not both. Winners of the primaries will appear on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. At that time, you may vote for any candidate on the ballot, despite party label.

We want to thank everyone involved in the primaries and general election.

Of course, the candidates deserve thanks for putting their names on the ballot. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there and suffer criticism that comes with being a candidate.

Their families deserve thanks, too, for they give so much.

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Commentary: Do your part for government that works; vote in the primary

Published On 2/13/2022

Election primaries draw more partisan voters, resulting in candidates on the ballot for the general election who do not necessarily represent the mainstream. Once elected, these officials find it difficult to find common ground to move the legislative agenda forward. This aggravates political polarization and reinforces partisan gridlock.

To reflect broader representation in our elected officials, more mainstream voters need to participate in party primaries. Texas needs leaders who reflect the entire spectrum of ideologies and will work across the aisle to make the Legislature and other government offices more functional.

If you are an eligible voter, I urge you to cast a ballot, even if you don’t strongly identify with a political party. You should carefully consider the candidate choices and participate in one of the primaries (or conventions for the Libertarian and Green parties).

In the upcoming March 1 joint primary election for the Democratic and Republican parties,

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League of Women Voters celebrates over 100 years as early voting for primary begins

Published On 2/12/2022

The LWV of Amarillo plans to celebrate the day by advocating early voting and informing the public about the candidates for the date of Feb. 14, the same day early voting begins.

“Voting is simply the essential way that we as citizens participate in our government, and it is something that every eligible citizen can do. It is one of our responsibilities as citizens. It's also a privilege that we have that people have struggled for (for) many years. Voting gives us a voice,” said Sonya Letson, president of League of Women Voters of Amarillo.

According to Letson, the local chapter plans to celebrate the anniversary in several ways. LWV aired its candidates forum on Panhandle PBS over the weekend. The 90-minnute broadcast was to inform the public of the local candidates in the upcoming election for Potter and Randall counties, as well as the state Senate race.

The LWV also plans to celebrate the 102nd anniversary by participating in and helping run the polls this Monday.

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More Mail Ballots Rejected Under New Texas Voting Law

Published On 2/11/2022

Some early Texas voters in the nation’s first primary are seeing their mail-in ballots rejected for leaving off newly required information following a GOP-led overhaul of the state’s already strict election code.

Election officials in Harris County — a Democratic stronghold that includes Houston and more than 2.4 million voters — said Thursday that in the first batch of mail-in ballots they have received, about 40% could not be counted because of missing information or signatures required under Texas’ sweeping new law passed in August.

Most of the more than 1,300 ballots flagged were missing mandatory identification such as voter ID or Social Security numbers, and a handful was missing a signature, according to Leah Shah, a spokesperson for the Harris County Elections Administrator’s office.

The new law requires that counties notify voters if their mail ballot is rejected, and voters can get another chance to correct it as long as it is received by Election Day, March 1

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Texas counties reject up to 40 percent of mail-in ballots under restrictive new law

Published On 2/11/2022

A restrictive new voting law in Texas has sown confusion and erected hurdles for those casting ballots in the state’s March 1 primary, with election administrators rejecting early batches of mail ballots at historic rates and voters uncertain about whether they will be able to participate.

In recent days, thousands of ballots have been rejected because voters did not meet a new requirement to provide an identification number inside the return envelope.

In Harris County, the state’s most populous county and home to Houston, election officials said Friday that 40 percent of roughly 3,600 returned ballots so far have lacked the identification number required under Senate Bill 1, as the new law is known. In Williamson County, a populous northern suburb of Austin, the rejection rate has been about 25 percent in the first few days that ballots have come in, the top election official there said.

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Special Programs and Features

Published On 2/10/2022

This area is dedicated to special series, programs, interviews and other segments that have aired and still hold value in understanding our Central Texas community – whether the segment focuses on the arts, politics, education, business or science and environment.

To help voters learn about candidates this election season, KWBU has partnered with the Waco chapter of the League of Women Voters to present candidate forums for five key local and regional races:

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Thousands Of Texas Vote-By-Mail Applications Flagged For Rejection

Published On 2/10/2022

NEW TEXAS VOTING LAW - Eligible Texans have less than two weeks left to apply for a mail-in ballot ahead of the March 1st primary election. As the deadline approaches, voting rights groups say they continue to hear from voters whose applications have been rejected due to new ID requirements under Texas' new voting law. So far, thousands of vote-by-mail applications have been flagged for rejection. Grace Chimene is the president of the League of Women Voters of Texas.

“So, we’re encouraging people to apply early and to contact their county if they have not heard whether their application has been accepted because we want every voter to be able to vote in the upcoming open Texas primaries,” Chimene said.

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‘It’s just a mess’: Texas election officials and voting rights advocates face mounting challenges

Published On 2/8/2022

Less than a year after Republican lawmakers pushed through a restrictive voting bill in Texas, election officials there are facing mounting challenges in implementing new voting procedures in time for the upcoming primaries.

Officials are conducting their first election under SB 1, a sweeping overhaul that, among other provisions, restricts the hours that counties can offer early voting and bans election officials from sending unsolicited mail-in voting applications.

The voting changes were signed into law in September, leaving officials less than six months to familiarize themselves and voters with the changes in time for the March 1 primary. Issues, from the rejection of mail-in ballot applications to a temporary voter registration card shortage, have since cropped up ahead of early voting starting on February 14 and a February 18 mail-in ballot application deadline.

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Election officials say Texas' new ID rules for voting by mail could cause more ballots to get reject

Published On 2/7/2022

The requirement is part of Texas’ new voting law, Senate Bill 1. A provision of the law requires that the ID number on the application for a vote-by-mail ballot, as well as the ballot itself, match the ID number a voter used to register to vote.

More people’s mail-in ballots could be rejected in the March primary because of Texas' new ID matching requirement, local election officials say.

The requirement is part of Texas’ new voting law, Senate Bill 1. A provision of the law requires that the ID number on the application for a vote-by-mail ballot, as well as the ballot itself, match the ID number a voter used to register to vote.

James Slattery, senior staff attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project, said he hopes the requirements don't lead to mass rejections when voters start returning their mail-in ballots later this month, but there are serious concerns.

"Everything about this election so far has suggested that everything that can go wrong will indeed go wrong,"

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Election officials say Texas' new ID rules for voting by mail could cause more ballots to get reject

Published On 2/6/2022

More people's mail-in ballots could be rejected in the March primary because of Texas’ new ID matching requirement, local election officials say.

The requirement is part of Texas' new voting law, Senate Bill 1. A provision of the law requires that the ID number on the application for a vote-by-mail ballot, as well as the ballot itself, match an ID number on the voter's registration record.

James Slattery, senior staff attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project, said he hopes the requirements don’t lead to mass rejections when voters start returning their mail-in ballots later this month, but there are serious concerns.

“Everything about this election so far has suggested that everything that can go wrong will indeed go wrong,” he said.

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VOTE411.org Is Ready to Inform Texas Voters!

Published On 2/6/2022

League of Women Voters of Texas

VOTE411.org Is Ready to Inform Texas Voters!

Austin, TX – The 2022 Primary Election includes a large number of races across Texas for the Republican and Democratic parties. The League’s Voters Guide and the online interactive version of the Guide, VOTE411.org, are ready to educate voters about all the many races and candidates. Our Guide is highly trusted because the League poses unbiased questions to all candidates on the ballot about issues critical to Texans, and shares their responses in the Voters Guide in their own words. The League is nonpartisan, never supporting or opposing political parties or political candidates.

VOTE411.org

In addition to candidate information, VOTE411.org, will let Texas voters:

Check their registration status and ensure all information is up-to-date

Enter their address to see the races and candidates on their ballot.

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View the 2022 March Primary Voters Guide here

Published On 2/4/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - The League of Women Voters has provided a digital version of the March 2022 Primary Voters Guide for the public.

You can view the guide below:

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ERCOT Listening Tour Offers More Explanations Than Plans

Published On 2/4/2022

On Wednesday, Jan. 26, the League of Women Voters and state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, hosted the Electric Reliability Council of Texas' interim CEO Brad Jones on a "listening tour" to explain what's being done to prepare the grid for another winter storm. Before fielding questions, Jones opened with describing several measures ERCOT has already taken, including facility inspections of weatherization measures by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and introducing statewide emergency alerts through the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

In response to Gov. Greg Abbott's now-infamous guarantee that last year's Winter Storm Uri catastrophe won't be repeated, Jones said, "We've done everything possible to make sure that the lights do stay on." On Tuesday, Abbott amended his statement in regards to this week's ice storm: "No one can guarantee there won't be a load shed event."

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Texas leans on new voting law to reject thousands of ballot applications

Published On 2/3/2022

Officials in Texas are rejecting thousands of mail-in ballot applications ahead of the first 2022 midterm primary votes next month, raising serious alarm that a new Republican law is going to disenfranchise droves of eligible voters.

The state’s 1 March primary is being closely watched as the first important testof one of the dozens of voting restrictions GOP-controlled state legislatures enacted in 2021.

Last August, Texas Republicans passed a sweeping new voting law, SB 1, that imposes new identification requirements in the mail-in voting process, prohibits election officials from soliciting mail-in ballots, provides partisan poll watchers with more autonomy at the polls and outlaws 24-hour and curbside voting.

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League of Women Voters guide available for March 1 elections

Published On 2/3/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - The League of Women voter guide has been delivered to Amarillo and Canyon citizens to use in completing their ballot by mail or in-person, according to the president of the League of Women Voters.

The Voters Guides provide information on voting locations and hours as well as information on the candidates provided by the candidates.

Sonya Letson says their was approximately 12,000 Guides were printed.

“There are more than 20 contested state and local races on the ballot, and we have 100 percent participation in the Voters Guide by local candidates in contested primary races,” she said.

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GOP Women cancel forum; League of Women Voters, KGAF event still on for Feb. 8

Published On 2/3/2022

Feb. 3—The winter storm threat for later this week has forced the cancellation of one Cooke County election forum; however, one set for the airwaves next week is still on.

The Cooke County Republican Women Club have cancelled a county candidate forum set for Thursday. Judge candidates Steve Starnes, Leon Klement and John Roane were expected to participate, along with candidates for county judge and Klement's Precinct 4 seat.

The League of Women Voters of Cooke County and KGAF will host a live, on air forum at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, with the local candidates. It will feature live questions and answers.

"We are proud to partner with KGAF for this public service," League President Alice Gruber said.

Early voting for the primary elections starts Feb. 14 and runs through Feb. 25. Election Day is March 1

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GOP Women cancel Cooke Co. forum; League of Women Voters, KGAF event still on for Feb. 8

Published On 2/1/2022

The winter storm threat for later this week has forced the cancellation of one Cooke County election forum; however, one set for the airwaves next week is still on.

The Cooke County Republican Women Club have cancelled a county candidate forum set for Thursday. Judge candidates Steve Starnes, Leon Klement and John Roane were expected to participate, along with candidates for county judge and Klement’s Precinct 4 seat.

The League of Women Voters of Cooke County and KGAF will host a live, on air forum at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, with the local candidates. It will feature live questions and answers.

"We are proud to partner with KGAF for this public service," League President Alice Gruber said.

Early voting for the primary elections starts Feb. 14 and runs through Feb. 25. Election Day is March 1.

All candidates in contested Cooke County elections have been invited to participate. The public can tune in on KGAF 92.3 FM or 1580 AM, or livestream the event at KGAF.net

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Texas secretary of state sued over secrecy of noncitizen voter purge program

Published On 2/1/2022

Texas Secretary of State John B. Scott’s office has identified more than 11,000 voters who might be noncitizens in a so-called voter purge program, with nearly 1,200 Dallas County residents removed from the rolls.

AUSTIN — A group of civil rights organizations has sued the Texas secretary of state’s office for refusing to turn over documents related to a so-called voter purge program that has already canceled the voter registrations of nearly 1,200 Dallas County residents.

The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund are the lead plaintiffs in the suit against Secretary of State John B. Scott. The suit alleges that Scott violated the National Voter Registration Act by not providing information about the latest effort to purge noncitizens from voting rolls. The program has identified 11,197 registered voters as potential noncitizens.

The Dallas Morning News has also requested information under the ...

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League of Women Voters of Texas launches online Vote 411 tool in advance of primary elections

Published On 2/1/2022

The League of Women Voters of Texas, a nonpartisan civic nonprofit, has put together an interactive, online voter guide to help educate people about the many upcoming races across Texas during election season.

The interactive version of the guide, www.vote411.org, offers a variety of tools. The website will allow Texans to: check voter registration status; find the races and candidates on their ballot based on their address; access and compare candidates' qualifications; access voting information and assistance; find polling locations and times; and create a printable personalized ballot to take

"With the changes in election laws in Texas, voters really need simple, accessible tools to help them navigate the voting process before heading to the polls,” said Grace Chimene, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas, in a press release. “Vote 411 is a trusted, nonpartisan online election resource."

The voter guide can also be downloaded as a PDF for viewing or printing ...

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OPINION: State should prioritize voter registration forms

Published On 2/1/2022

With today’s deadline for registering to vote for the March 1 primary elections, it was fitting that Texas Secretary of State’s office finally fixed a registration glitch last week for the Houston chapter of the League of Women Voters of Texas. The League had been appealing to the state for more voter registration forms in advance of today’s deadline, and state officials surprisingly said that supply chain problems had prevented them from printing up more forms.

The Secretary of State’s office initially said it could give only 50 of these forms for the state’s most populous city. After widespread and deserved criticism, the state finally came through and sent the League 10,000 voter registration forms. That’s far more appropriate for a city the size of Houston … and apparently those “supply chain” problems weren’t that bad after all.

In addition to pre-election drives, the League also distributes voter registration forms at ceremonies where new citizens are sworn in.

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State launches new app to track IDs, but online voter registration remains unavailable in Texas

Published On 1/31/2022

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Monday, Jan. 31 is the last day to register to vote in Texas. It’s also the same day the Texas Department of Information Resources launched an app that will allow Texans to create an account to keep track of different government-issued IDs, including licenses and registrations.

“We’re launching a digital assistant that’s called Texas by Texas or TXT for short. And it’s going to allow Texans to create an online account where they can manage multiple different government services through the ease, security and convenience of one application on any device anywhere and at anytime,” TDIR’s chief information officer and executive director, Amanda Crawford, said Monday.

“Texans can use TXT to officially renew or replace their driver’s license, or their state ID and renew their vehicle registration. Or if you happen to be a massage therapist or a massage instructor, you can also renew those two occupational licenses.

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Texas woman recounts her mail ballot hassle: 3 forms, 28 days, lots of guesswork

Published On 1/31/2022

A few days after her 21st birthday, Pam Gaskin’s father made the 4-hour drive from Galveston County to pick her up from the University of Texas at Austin.

And then he drove her straight back home.

Registering to vote the next day was something of a birthday gift. Gaskin, a Black woman, knew the weight of the moment — the Voting Rights Act of 1965 had been signed just three years earlier, prohibiting discriminatory voting practices in many southern states, including Texas.

She remembers her father’s words: “You will vote every time the polls open. If the only thing on the ballot is ‘dog catcher,’ you will go vote in that election.”

More than five decades later, she can count the number of elections she’s missed on one hand.

But Gaskin’s pledge was put to the test this year after a new state voting law implemented extra ID requirements for mail-in ballot requests. Republicans championed the changes last year in the name of election security, but the stipulations have ...

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How victims of stalking, violence and abuse can keep their information off public voting records

Published On 1/28/2022

AUSTIN, Texas — The deadline to register to vote in the March 2022 primary election is on Monday, Jan. 31, but there are some people, like those who have been stalked or in abusive situations, who do not want their information on public voting records.

People who are in this situation have two options.

Valerie DeBill, the voter registration and turnout director for the Austin Area League of Women Voters, talked to KVUE about those options. She told us the most comprehensive option is to apply for the Attorney General’s Address Confidentiality Program.

The second option, which protects less information but is easier to achieve, is to apply with your County Voter Registrar.

The upside to this option is that you are able to go directly to the voter registration office and apply on your own. The downside with this option is that although your address will not show up in public voting records, your name will still be listed as a registered voter in that county.

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On the Ground: MOVE Texas and League of Women Voters

Published On 1/28/2022

If you’re a nonprofit doing voter engagement work, you already know that voting laws are always shifting. Whether it’s recent adoptions of same day voter registrations, tighter voter ID laws or the expansion (or subtraction) of vote by mail options — the landscape is always changing and sometimes it can be hard to keep your feet beneath you.

2022 is no different. Whether you work in Texas or not, you’ve probably heard about a new law that has been making headlines. As reported by KUT 5 (Austin’s NPR station) Senate Bill 1, which went into effect last month, dictates that “voters will now have to provide — on both their vote-by-mail application and the actual ballot — their driver’s license number or Social Security number.” In the wake of the new law, there are reports of “hundreds” of ballot applications have been rejected in populous counties like Harris, Travis and Bexar.

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Capital highlights: Registration form shortage occurs as deadline nears

Published On 1/26/2022

Less than a week remains before the Jan. 31 deadline to register to vote in the March 1 primary. While Secretary of State John Scott publicly assured Texas voters that “every single eligible Texas voter will be able to register to vote if they have not done so already,” the League of Women Voters on Friday threatened to sue his office if the nonpartisan group isn’t provided with additional voter registration forms.

Gary Borders
The Austin American-Statesman reported the league contends the state has decided to “sharply limit” the number of voter registration forms distributed to the league and other groups, claiming that is a violation of the National Voter Registration Act.

“It is crucial that the Secretary of State’s office act swiftly to provide the necessary voter registration forms for the people of Texas. The deadline to register to vote for the upcoming primary election is quickly approaching, and Texas is one of 11 states without online voter registration,” said Grace

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Redistricting in Texas: How it affects who you vote for

Published On 1/26/2022

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - During last year’s legislative session, the state’s political districts were redrawn. This year’s election is the first one since the new boundaries were changed and could mean you are voting in a new district.

“The majority party does the redistricting and the idea is, you know, you are going to help yourself if you have that opportunity,” Dr. Steve Garrison, a political science professor at MSU Texas, said.

Dr. Garrison adds the redistricting process works in the interest of the political party holding the majority. In Texas, this is the Republican Party.

“It’s purely political but it also has negative because the one input that we have as far as government goes is what the voter’s will and wishes are, and if they are not able to select people that effectively represent those wishes, you get a government that is taking that input and acting on something that may not be representative of what the people are actually looking for,” Dr. Garrison

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League of Women Voters reminds voters about important election deadlines

Published On 1/26/2022

With early voting in the March Primary Election fast approaching, the League of Women Voters of Texas wants to remind voters of some important deadlines and some new voting processes.

“The last day to register to vote for the 2022 Texas Primaries is January 31st,” the LWV said.

Voters may check their voter registration status with their county voter registrar or online at votetexas.gov and click “Am I Registered?”

“There is a new voter registration application that eligible Texans may print, fill out and turn in to their county voter registrar to register to vote,” the LWV said.

Noting another new process, the League of Women Voters said voters who are already registered to vote may now update their voter registration online, at https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/sos/SOSACManager, if they moved within the state or have changed their name.

“The voter will need a Texas Drivers License or Personal Identification Card, their Social Security Number and Voter Registration Card

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Amarillo League of Women Voters updates on applications

Published On 1/26/2022

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The League of Women Voters in Amarillo (LWV) gave an update on their efforts to register community members around the High Plains to vote in time for the March 1 primaries. With only days left until that deadline, Jan. 31, the LWV also offered reminders about recently changed guidelines and the registration process.

This comes after the League of Women Voters of Texas, a broader-scale level of the organization, issued a letter on Jan. 21 to Texas Secretary of State John Scott regarding what was described as a “response to his office’s practice of severely limiting voter registration forms provided to voter registration organizations in the state — in violation of the National Voter Registration Act.” The organization said it would sue if the state did not issue more forms as requested.

LWV Amarillo member Sonya Letson spoke with MyHighPlains.com about the situation and said that the local chapter of the organization has also experienced a shortage of

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Drive-thru voter registration events Friday, Saturday

Published On 1/26/2022

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) -The YWCA and the League of Women Voters of Lubbock County are teaming up to provide two drive-thru voter registration events this week.

The first event is on Friday, January 28 from 11 a.m until 2 p.m. at the YWCA, located at 6501 University Ave. Food trucks will be available.

The second registration will be at the same location, but on Saturday, January 29 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

The last day to register to vote is January 31 for the Texas Midterm Primaries, which take place on March 1.

If you have never registered before, need to change your address or name, or if your registration has expired, you will be able to renew at the event.

If you will be 18 years old by the day of the election, you are able to register now.

Click here to see if you’re currently registered to vote.
https://www.votelubbock.org/voting-information/voter-information-lookup/#VoterEligibilitySearch

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Civil Rights and Wrongs for January 25, 2022

Published On 1/25/2022

Our guests this Tuesday include Grace Chimene, President of the League of Women Voters of Texas. LWV is a nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. We also have Charlie Bonner, Communications Director for MOVE Texas. MOVE is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that builds power in underrepresented youth communities through civic education, leadership development, and issue advocacy. We will hear about the effects of SB1 on the Texas voting experience going forward. We’re joined by Jim Harrington, retired founder of the Texas Civil Rights Project, as well as Michelle Manning-Scott, associate producer of the show. Michelle has been a volunteer for LWV.

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Registration form shortage as deadline nears

Published On 1/24/2022

Less than a week remains before the Jan. 31 deadline to register to vote in the March 1 primary. While Secretary of State John Scott publicly assured Texas voters that ³every single eligible Texas voter will be able to register to vote if they have not done so already,² the League of Women Voters on Friday threatened to sue his office if the nonpartisan group isn¹t provided with additional voter registration forms.

The Austin American-Statesman reported the league contends the state has decided to ³sharply limit² the number of voter registration forms distributed to the league and other groups, claiming that is a violation of the National Voter Registration Act.

It is crucial that the Secretary of State¹s office act swiftly to provide the necessary voter registration forms for the people of Texas. The deadline to register to vote for the upcoming primary election is quickly approaching, and Texas is one of 11 states without online voter registration,² said Grace Chimene

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Texas says supply chain issues have limited the number of voter registration forms it can give out

Published On 1/21/2022

(Texas Tribune) — The Texas secretary of state’s office is having more trouble than usual getting enough voter registration cards to groups who help Texans register to vote.

Sam Taylor, assistant secretary of state for communications, said supply chain issues have made it harder and more expensive to get paper, which means the secretary of state’s office will be giving out fewer voter registration forms to groups ahead of elections this year.

“We are limited in what we can supply this year, because of the paper shortage and the cost constraints due to the price of paper and the supply of paper,” he said.

Grace Chimene, the president of the League of Women Voters of Texas, said it is not unusual for the secretary of state to not have enough forms to fill all the requests it gets from groups like hers ahead of elections. This particular shortage, however, is affecting an important part of her group’s work: registering thousands of newly naturalized citizens.

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Texans Urged to Educate Selves About Voting in March 1 Primary

Published On 1/20/2022

As the March 1st primary election draws near, Texas voters are urged to find out what it takes to successfully vote after legislators there passed laws severely restricting mail-in and early voting.

The League of Women Voters of Texas held an online forum this week asking voters to proactively educate themselves.

Grace Chimene, president of the nonpartisan group, said even seasoned voters could get tripped up.

"The laws that were passed in the last legislative session were huge, and it's a massive change in the election law," Chimene asserted.

Earlier this week, hundreds of applications for mail-in ballots were rejected in Texas counties because voters were using outdated application forms, according to local election administrators. New forms require voters to include a driver's license or Social Security number, which previous forms did not. Adding insult to injury, Chimene pointed out the deadline to register is Jan. 31.

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Texas Secretary of State scrambles to address mail ballot application problems as deadline looms

Published On 1/19/2022

As the Texas Secretary of State hustles to train and equip county election officials to implement new ID requirement for absentee voters that is creating confusion across the state, Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir offered advice to voters.

“The best thing to do when faced with voter suppression — and my friends, this is what voter suppression looks like — the best thing to defeat it is to go vote,” DeBeauvoir, a Democrat, said at a news conference Tuesday. “The best thing to do is fight back.”

The law, passed by the state’s Republican majority last year and in effect as of Dec. 2, added requirements for voters to include a driver’s license number or partial Social Security number. The new law also required that voters be allowed to correct mistakes on their mail ballot applications with the click of a button using an online state system.

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Opinion: Memory loss? No, it’s the new vote by mail voter ID requirement.

Published On 1/18/2022

Do you remember what identification number you used when you registered to vote? No one does, and that number should not prevent you from voting by mail. The latest mail ballot application debacle could be foreseen when the Texas Legislature persisted in making our complicated voting system even harder. Despite a smooth 2020 election, our Legislature enacted ever more restrictive voting laws.

The issue at stake here is a new required voter ID on the application. Voters must provide their Texas driver's license number or Texas ID number. If they do not have one of these, they provide the last four digits of their social security number. The tricky part is found on the back of the application in the fine print: “If you have been issued one of the required numbers, but it is not associated with your voter registration record, please contact your local registrar to inquire about how to add one of the required numbers to your voter registration record.”

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Texas stumbles over its own voter suppression laws in new voter registration form snafu

Published On 1/18/2022

Owing to a paper shortage and a change in voter registration documents, it’s become that much harder for some of the most marginalized Texans to register to vote this year. The Texas Secretary of State’s office told NPR Austin affiliate KUT that voting rights groups are now restricted to just 1,000 to 2,000 voter registration forms per request. According to the president of the League of Women Voters of Texas, just one chapter of the group in Houston requires thousands more ballots, especially when it comes to registering new voters who have recently become naturalized citizens.

”The League in Houston registers about 30,000 new citizens every year through these ceremonies in the past,” Grace Chimene told KUT. Texas ranks in the top three percentage for naturalized citizens, with 69,400 naturalizations approved in Texas in 2021 alone. Though a registration form was previously more easily available to Texans, that form has changed due to the implementation of Texas’ strict new voting

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Texas blames supply chain snarls for shortage of voter registration forms

Published On 1/18/2022

The Texas Secretary of State’s office is blaming supply chain issues for a shortage of voter registration forms in the Lone Star State after bottlenecks in the fall caused prices to skyrocket nationwide.

Sam Taylor, the assistant secretary of state for communications, said supply chain snarls have driven up the price of paper, which will in turn caused the state to distribute fewer voter registration forms in preparation for November’s midterm elections.

“We are limited in what we can supply this year, because of the paper shortage and the cost constraints due to the price of paper and the supply of paper.” Taylor told KUT 90.5.

The Secretary of State’s office is now limiting the number of registration forms groups are able to request: each organization can only receive between 1,000 and 2,000 registration forms per ask, according to Taylor.

The shortage, however, is occurring at a particularly tenuous time for Texas, as groups in the Lone Star State work to register voters

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Texas says supply chain issues have limited the number of voter registration forms it can give out

Published On 1/18/2022

The Texas Secretary of State’s office is having more trouble than usual getting enough voter registration cards to groups who help Texans register to vote.

Sam Taylor, assistant secretary of state for communications, said supply chain issues have made it harder and more expensive to get paper, which means the Secretary of State's office will be giving out fewer voter registration forms to groups ahead of elections this year.

“We are limited in what we can supply this year, because of the paper shortage and the cost constraints due to the price of paper and the supply of paper,” he said.

Grace Chimene, the president of the League of Women Voters of Texas, said it is not unusual for the Secretary of State to not have enough forms to fill all the requests it gets from groups like hers ahead of elections. This particular shortage, however, is affecting an important part of her group’s work: registering thousands of newly naturalized citizens.

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Bexar County election officials deal with SB 1 voter suppression

Published On 1/17/2022

The omicron COVID-19 surge is already making the March primaries a challenge. Bexar County Elections administrator Jacque Callanen told County Commissioners that many election judges and poll staff may not show up because of the virus.

“Some of them are calling us and saying the spouse has it, the grandchildren have it — they have to wait and see,” Callanen said.

She explained that some regular polling sites are now being used for COVID testing.

“But now because it’s testing where people would be coming in with active cases, they’re debating whether we should be asking voters to come into a place and literally stand 10 feet from someone potentially infected,” she said.

Gov. Greg Abbott has made masking optional at voting sites. But a new Texas election law, known as Senate Bill 1, is making matters worse. The law makes it harder for eligible voters to vote from home. Getting a mail-in ballot application is now more difficult and filling it out is more complicated.

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Vote-by-mail changes ahead of primary, disabled and elderly voters question new rules

Published On 1/16/2022

With the March primary election just weeks away, a new state law is changing the process for how some people vote.

"We need it to be less difficult to have our civic involvement accessible to us," says San Antonio voter Edna Molina. "We need it as simple as possible."

Molina is one of nearly a million Texans who voted by mail during the 2020 election.

She's 79-years-old and says she struggles navigating computers and has had a ballot mailed to her the last few years.

Her brother currently in her care who has Down Syndrome, has also voted by mail for years, but now county election offices in Texas can no longer send you an application to vote by mail unless you request it.

"Now for him to request a form to apply for a mail-in ballot is just one more layer of putting people off," says Molina.

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Bexar County election officials deal with SB1 voter suppression

Published On 1/13/2022

The omicron COVID-19 surge is already making the March primaries a challenge. Bexar County Elections administrator Jacque Callanen told County Commissioners that many election judges and poll staff may not show up because of the virus.

“Some of them are calling us and saying the spouse has it, the grandchildren have it — they have to wait and see,” Callanen said.

She explained that some regular polling sites are now being used for COVID testing.

“But now because it’s testing where people would be coming in with active cases, they’re debating whether we should be asking voters to come into a place and literally stand 10 feet from someone potentially infected,” she said.

Gov. Greg Abbott has made masking optional at voting sites. But a new Texas election law, SB1, is making matters worse. The law makes it harder for eligible voters to vote from home. Getting a mail-in ballot application is now more difficult and filling it out is more complicated.

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Texas public officials can no longer promote voting by mail (but we can)

Published On 1/12/2022

Independent voting rights advocates will likely try to spread the word.

It’s a new year and there are new voter laws in place for Texas elections in 2022.

It's now illegal for public officials in Texas to promote voting by mail. So, independent voting rights advocates will likely try to spread the word. Grace Chimene is the president of the League of Women Voters of Texas.

"They can put the information on their website — that is not illegal. What they can't do is say, 'Would you like to vote by mail?' They can't offer (it) when they're out registering voters. They can't give people an application to vote by mail," said Chimene.

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Texas public officials can no longer promote voting by mail (but we can)

Published On 1/10/2022

Texas public officials can no longer promote voting by mail (but we can) - Texas Public Radio 1/10/22

It’s a new year and there are new voter laws in place for Texas elections in 2022.

It's now illegal for public officials in Texas to promote voting by mail. So, independent voting rights advocates will likely try to spread the word. Grace Chimene is the president of the League of Women Voters of Texas.

"They can put the information on their website — that is not illegal. What they can't do is say, 'Would you like to vote by mail?' They can't offer (it) when they're out registering voters. They can't give people an application to vote by mail," said Chimene.

Texas County elections offices are prohibited from sending applications to vote by mail unless a voter specifically requests one.

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Texas Matters: Texas lacks freedom, Abortion post-Roe and voting in 2022

Published On 1/7/2022

A big part of the Texas brand is being a state where you can be free and enjoy a heapin' helpin' of personal liberty. Turns out that’s just more hat than cattle.

The conservative Cato Institute released a report ranking the states for personal freedom. Texas comes in second to the last. California out-performed Texas in this list.

To find out more, TPR spoke with Jason Sorens of the Cato Institute and the co-author of the Cato Institute report "Freedom In The 50 States."

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League of Women Voters urges Texans to prepare for upcoming elections

Published On 1/6/2022

League of Women Voters of Texas and League of Women Voters of the San Antonio Area both urge eligible Texas residents to register and to use available resources ahead of 2022 elections, including March party primaries, May local elections and the November general elections.

“As a statewide volunteer grassroots organization, the League has the unique boots-on-the-ground strength to empower voters and defend democracy in Texas,” LWV Texas President Grace Chimene said in a message to supporters.

According to organization officials, LWV Texas encourages voters to use Vote411.org, the League’s web-based guide where a resident may enter their address, and only the races on their local ballot will pop up.

The interactive guide includes several nonpartisan questions that readers may use to compare their positions on important issues.

Users may also use Vote411.org to check a box next to their preferred candidates and print out a list to take with them to a voting site.

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Commentary: League project empowers young citizens

Published On 1/4/2022

America cherishes democracy, and democracy needs cultivating. It’s up to us, the citizens, to make it work. Making democracy work is to renew the American system of representative government and reinvigorate citizen participation.

As an organization devoted to citizen participation in government, the League of Women Voters of San Antonio believes our youth are critical to the health of our democracy. To safeguard our democracy, it is imperative to reach out to the next generation — our future voters and future leaders.

As anti-democratic forces threaten our democracy and erode public confidence, especially among youth, the League of Women Voters, the most trusted name since 1920 in nonpartisan voter education, is embarking on a strategic, comprehensive youth initiative project, Picture This: Our Future, Our Vote. The initiative advances the league’s core mission of encouraging informed and active participation of citizens in government.

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Poem: Black Woman

Published On 1/4/2022

The black skin on my hands means everything

In the constant pursuit of freedom

Cracks on my knuckles persist

As I spill blood

On the foot of Lady Justice

In the eye of our system —

And to the men above me —

I am identified by

A mere color

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Arlington approves redrawn council districts that some say dilute Black, Latino voting power

Published On 12/16/2021

Arlington's new city council districts give slightly more voting power to voters of color, but NAACP and LULAC leaders said they do not reflect its diverse communities.

Arlington city council approved redrawn voting districts this week that some civil and voting rights groups say do not reflect growth in Black, Hispanic and Latino communities.

Council members gave final approval Tuesday to a map that redraws four of the city’s five single-member districts to more evenly split Arlington residents. The city-appointed redistricting task force selected the map as the best of five put forward — three from Bojorquez Law Firm, two from residents and community groups.
https://texasmunicipallawyers.com/

The approved map moves voters in the area between North Bowen Road, West Sanford Street, Oakwood Lane, and West Randol Mill Road/Westwood Drive from District 1 to District 4. District 3 residents in the boundaries of East Arkansas Lane, New York Avenue, Sherry Street, and East Mayfield

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League of Women Voters Offers Webinar on Effect of New State Laws For Voters Over 65 and With Dis...

Published On 12/14/2021

If you're over 65 or have a disability that makes a trek to the polls difficult or impossible, the League of Women Voters is offering a webinar Wednesday lining out what you are and aren't entitled to under the new tightened Texas voting laws.

In conjunction with The Arc of Texas, Disability Rights Texas, and REV UP, the League will present a one-hour webinar discussing the changes enacted in the most recent session of the Texas Legislature. These include changes to who can vote by mail, voting curbside and how assistance to voters who feel they need help will be handled.

In a press release, Grace Chimene, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas was quoted as saying:

“We want to get voters ready well before the March 2022 Primary Election so that they are not confused by or afraid of these election law changes. This webinar will be helpful for all voters, but especially those who will be disproportionately affected such as disabled voters and voters over 65.

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SCOTUS allows Texas abortion case to continue, ban continues in meantime

Published On 12/10/2021

AUSTIN, Texas -- After 22 days, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision Friday on two cases that seek to challenge Texas' controversial and restrictive abortion ban, a ruling that allows the cases to continue although justices stopped short of pausing the law altogether.

The court, in an 8-1 decision, allowed a lawsuit by Texas abortion providers to proceed in lower courts, but did not stop enforcement of Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Heartbeat Act. Instead, abortion providers will resume lawsuits seeking to block the act.

The court did, however, dismiss a separate challenge from the Biden administration. The court determined that the U.S. Department of Justice does not have standing to sue to block the controversial state law.

In essence, S.B. 8 allows third parties to sue doctors, nurses and clinics for providing abortion services – which are legal under the landmark 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade – to patients.

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HISD board runoffs, and how Houston changed sports

Published On 11/29/2021

On Monday’s Houston Matters: Early voting begins today as voters will decide four HISD trustee races that have been forced into runoffs. We take a closer look at some of the issues at play.

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Letter to the Editor: Primary Election filing is here!

Published On 11/28/2021

Your input sought for League of Women Voters Hays

It may be heresy for a card-carrying member of the League of Women Voters (LWV) to admit that I could use a break from elections. Believe it or not, the Primary Election Cycle is upon us and that means the LWV of Hays County must be ready for February 14th when Early Voting begins. We need to learn what is on your mind. Our crystal ball is out for maintenance, so no vacation for us.

In our commitment to voter education, the League prepares printed Voter Guides and an online guide at VOTE411.org for every election. We also hold candidate forums with the next planned for February 2022. To do a good job for you, the voter, we need your help to prepare timely and relevant questions. We listen to what you care about and prepare questions that are submitted to all candidates. This is your opportunity to let the League know issues of most importance to you.

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Fair Maps Texas is suing Abbott over redistricting maps

Published On 11/17/2021

Austin, Texas – A group of voting rights advocates filed a lawsuit against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Secretary of State John Scott over the state's new redistricting maps.

Numerous voting rights organizations joined Fair Maps Texas Action Committee's lawsuit against the governor and secretary of state, which was announced on Tuesday.

The lawsuit states that the 2020 census showed that people of color accounted for 95% of the state's population increase over the past decade, and argues that the newly enacted redistricting plans fail to depict such reality.

"Instead, Texas has once again done what it has done several times before, drawing electoral districts that intentionally discriminate against the state’s minority populations and dilute their voting power," the lawsuit claims.

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School board members to talk to LWV about impact of recent Texas legislation

Published On 11/13/2021

School board members to talk to LWV about impact of recent Texas legislation
At its monthly lunch membership meeting, the Amarillo League of Women Voters will have several area school board members talk to them about the impact of recent Texas legislation on area public schools, according to a news release.

The meeting will be held at noon Wednesday at Dyer’s-BQue in Wolflin Square.

School board members participating in the panel discussion include Kim Anderson, vice president, Amarillo ISD; Amanda Brown, president of River Road ISD; Anette Carlisle, board member, Amarillo College Board of Regents; and Don Powell, board member, Amarillo ISD. The panel will address education legislation from the regular session, and the three special sessions that followed. Kim Anderson will act as moderator of the panel as second VP of the Amarillo League of Women Voters.

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Galveston County leaders are preparing to eliminate the county's sole minority-represented ...

Published On 11/11/2021

Galveston County leaders are preparing to adopt new precinct maps that would either eliminate or dilute the county’s only precinct designed to represent communities of color — and there's little opponents can do to avert the change.

The two maps under consideration would gut the coalition Black-and-Hispanic representation in Galveston County Precinct 3. One would dismantle the precinct entirely by shifting it inland, and the other would nullify the minority voting advantage by adding to it the largely Anglo Bolivar Peninsula. Republican county leaders employed GOP strategist Dale Oldham to draw the maps.

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SAPL : October 24 In San Antonio History...

Published On 11/9/2021

1919
The San Antonio Equal Franchise Society holds their final meeting at the Gunter Hotel and disbands. In its place is organized the Bexar County League of Women Voters.

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New historical marker to be unveiled in downtown Tyler

Published On 11/5/2021

A ceremony is set Saturday to unveil a historical marker in honor of the League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County.

“We are excited to be receiving this historical marker in the league’s honor,” said Marilyn Willis, group co-president. “The fact that the city is taking the time and effort to recognize our efforts is very exciting.”

Willis added that the league has been around since 1950. Throughout the years, a lot of thought and effort have been put into the activities offered to residents, and some wonderful accomplishments have been made, she said.

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November 2nd Election information

Published On 11/4/2021

Election Day is Tuesday, November 2 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and registered voters will be deciding on 8 propositions, ranging from issues regarding religious freedom, gambling and exemptions for spouses of veterans. Videos are available on each of the 8 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution that explain the proposition and the pros and cons at: https://my.lwv.org/texas.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan civic organization which encourages informed and active participation in government by citizens. Citizens can view printed copies of Voter Guides at local libraries and also visit VOTE411.org.

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Texas Voting Results: Eight state Constitutional Amendment propositions

Published On 11/2/2021

We broke down what the eight proposed Texas Constitution amendments would do if they are passed.

SAN ANTONIO — This Election Day, Nov. 2, Texas voters are considering eight state propositions on their ballots.

Each is a proposed amendment to the Texas Constitution. Voters will have the opportunity to vote “for” or “against” each of them.

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Frisco Public Library: How To Vote In Frisco 2021: Texas Constitutional Amendments

Published On 11/2/2021

It's time to vote in Texas again! This November, Frisco citizens have the opportunity to vote on eight proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Learn more about what you're voting for, when to vote, and where you can vote.

Every odd year, constitutional amendments need voter approval to be added to the Texas Constitution. The current Texas Constitution was written in 1876 and has a very limited scope of power. As such, the Texas Constitution is regularly amended to accommodate the changing needs of our state. The state legislature is putting eight proposed amendments to the ballot this time.

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Election Guide: Eight Texas Constitutional Amendments

Published On 11/2/2021

We analyzed what would happen if the eight proposed Texas constitutional amendments were passed.

San Antonio — On this election day, November 2, Texas voters are considering eight state proposals on ballots.

Each is an amendment to the Texas Constitution. Voters have the opportunity to “agree” or “disagree” with each other.

All potential amendments began in the Texas State Parliament, as the State Constitution cannot be amended by citizen-led voting initiatives or petitions. For this reason, Texas will vote for the amendment in the fall of odd-numbered years, following the spring legislative session.

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Nov. 2 is Election Day: Here’s everything you need to know

Published On 11/1/2021

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Tuesday is Election Day and it is important to know what’s on the ballot. Here are some races you should be aware of.

Statewide, Texans will vote on eight constitutional amendments, and locally, Houston area residents will have district- and county-specific ballot options. There are also a number of school board elections that will greatly impact our children’s futures.

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Texas constitutional election Nov. 2

Published On 11/1/2021

Highland Lakes voters can cast their ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, in the Texas constitutional amendment election. After almost two weeks of early voting, Election Day is the last chance for Texans to decide the eight proposed amendments.

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Election Day Tuesday - All Precincts Vote at Coleman Co. Courthouse

Published On 10/31/2021

This Tuesday, November 2nd, voters across Texas will decide on whether to approve 8 proposed constitutional amendments which came out of the last Texas legislative session. All precincts in Coleman County will vote at the Coleman County Courthouse on Tuesday. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. (scroll down for link to the county elections page)

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League of Women Voters and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center raising awareness...

Published On 10/29/2021

On Thursday, Oct. 28, the League of Women Voters and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center held a Prenatal Care Community Meeting to discuss access to prenatal care in the Panhandle area.

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Amarillo League of Women Voters educates community on the importance of prenatal care

Published On 10/28/2021

The importance of prenatal care was the topic of discussion at a community meeting held tonight by the Amarillo League of Women Voters.

The meeting is part of an ongoing two year-long study by the Amarillo League about maternal morbidity and mortality in Amarillo.

The league says the United States ranks higher for mortality deaths than any other industrialized country.

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Election 2021, a guide to the Texas Propositions

Published On 10/18/2021

SAN ANTONIO - How many times have you gone to the polls on election day, read a proposition, and had no idea what it really meant?

This election is not what the League of Women Voters’ calls “a fun election” -- but they say voting on Texas amendments might benefit you one day, so knowing what they mean is crucial.

“It’s very good to know what sort of changes are being made to the constitution and how it might affect you,” says Janet.

This election, along with county propositions, you’ll see eight state propositions.

Two of them are a result of COVID.

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Eight proposed constitutional amendments on Nov. 2 ballot

Published On 10/18/2021

They are not “permanent” but they’re not easy to repeal once they’re enacted

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - More than 500 voters made it out to the polls on Monday for the first day of early voting in Lubbock County. Special elections like this November’s are usually known for low voter turnout. But constitutional amendments aren’t something to scoff at.

“It’s probably more important than electing a person because it’s fundamentally changing the rules in which we operate,” Lubbock State Senator Charles Perry said.

In addition to a few local items, such as a $174 million bond to repair Lubbock city streets and a property tax rate increase for Lubbock County residents, there are eight new propositions that would change the state’s constitution. They range from closing unintended loopholes of existing legislation to creating new protections based on experiences during the pandemic.

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Low voter turnout on day one of early voting in Potter and Randall Counties

Published On 10/18/2021

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — Elections administrators in Potter and Randall Counties said early voting in the Nov. 2 election got off to a slow start on Monday.

“It is so slow today, just beyond. We’ve had slow elections before, but I think this one may be setting a record for the slowest,” said Melynn Huntley, Potter County elections administrator.

Huntley said 106 people voted in Potter County on Monday. In Randall County, elections administrator Shannon Lackey said only about 120 people had voted by Monday afternoon.

“That is an extremely low turnout but I hope to see is I hope that so many more people come out and cast their ballot for the constitutional amendment, and the city of Amarillo special election,” said Lackey.

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TEXAS HISTORY MINUTE: Oveta Hobby, first Department of Health Secretary, wife of Texas gov.

Published On 10/8/2021

Oveta Culp Hobby was a woman of drive and determination. From newspaper editor to presidential cabinet secretary and more, Hobby lived a life of service and breaking barriers for women.

She was born Oveta Culp in 1905 in Killeen to lawyer Ike Culp and his wife, Elizabeth. She was one of seven children. She was very intelligent and studious as a child. When her father was elected to the state legislature in 1918, she accompanied him to the Capitol on many occasions to witness the legislature in action.

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Texas Election Day: Eight Proposals Will Be Voted

Published On 10/5/2021

We analyzed what would happen if the eight proposed Texas constitutional amendments were passed.

Austin, Texas — On this election day, November 2, Texas voters will see eight state proposals on ballots.

Each is an amendment to the Constitution of Texas, and as always, voters have the opportunity to “agree” or “disagree” with each other.

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League assembling local election information | Community Alert |

Published On 10/4/2021

The 2021 off-year elections will be anything but off-target Nov. 2 — and that’s why the League of Women Voters-Comal Area (LWV-CA) is schooling area voters on candidates and issues.

On Monday, voters could access VOTE411.org, enter their address, and obtain ballot information specific to their location. Unregistered voters wishing to cast ballots in the general election had until Monday to register to vote.

While odd-year elections usually feature Texas constitutional amendments — there are eight proposals on this year’s ballot — voters in Comal and Guadalupe counties will decide several important issues.

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Gov. Abbott faces some Republican opposition over call to increase penalties for illegal voting

Published On 10/3/2021

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is facing some pushback from Republican leadership over his call to increase penalties for illegal voting. He added the issue to the third and current special session agenda Thursday, saying the provision for stiffer penalties was removed from the controversial election overhaul bill he signed into law in September.

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City and county push forward with redistricting, public input sought

Published On 10/1/2021

The El Paso County Redistricting Advisory Commission is close to making a recommendation to the County Commissioners Court on how to redraw the boundaries for the four commissioner precincts.

Voting boundaries for elected officials at the local, state and federal level are redrawn every 10 years following the release of decennial U.S. census data.

El Paso County’s population in 2020 was 865,657, according to data released in August. The figure represents an 8% increase over the prior census in 2010 — the county’s slowest period of growth since the Great Depression.

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LWV to register voters at Amarillo United, Amigos locations Saturday

Published On 10/1/2021

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - The Amarillo League of Women Voters will be registering voters at United and Amigo’s locations Saturday.

The league will also be registering voters at the Women’s March at Ellwood Park.

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National Voter Registration Day: This is where you can register across the Houston area

Published On 9/28/2021

The 2021 National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, Sept. 28 and KPRC 2 is partnered with the League of Women Voters of Houston to get voters registered all across the Houston area.

LWV-Houston will have more than 200 volunteers at more than 40 locations on that day to help qualified voters register to vote. QR codes linking to voter registration materials, registration status, and sample ballots, will be on hand.

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League of Women Voters Wichita Falls helps get more citizens registered to vote

Published On 9/28/2021

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — For National Voter Registration Day the League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls spent the day at three local public libraries to help get residents registered to vote, a tradition they’ve been doing for the past five years.

“Voting for the first time was a wonderful experience for me. I felt like I was grown up, I guess. I felt like I was part of society and that I had a say in what was happening and who was going to be representing me,” Cheryl Gilley, a member of the League of Women Voters said.

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Voter registration deadline looms, League of Women Voters hard at work

Published On 9/28/2021

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Time is ticking to register to vote in this upcoming election, Nov. 2, which has items ranging from constitutional amendments to tax changes.

Tuesday is a holiday you may not even know existed; National Voter Registration Day. People across the nation are filling out those registration forms, and here in The Bomb City, efforts have been going all month long.

“We will have been at all the major public high schools this September," said Sonya Letson, President of the League of Women Voters.

“We want to enforce to them that you know they have they have a right to say what happens in their future," Jami Cowart, Voter Services Coordinator with the League of Women Voters said.

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LIST: Where Smith County residents can register to vote on National Voter Registration Day

Published On 9/26/2021

SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK) – The Smith County Elections Office and the League of Women Voters of Tyler will have several locations open for people to register to vote for National Voter Registration day.

Lanes Chapel begins 7th annual pumpkin patch
Nation Voter Registration day is on Tuesday, Sept. 28 and the East Texans can register to vote at the following areas:

Tyler Public Library – 201 South College, Tyler – From noon to 3 p.m.
Lindale Public Library – 200 East Hubbard, Lindale – From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tyler Jr. College Student Center – 1327 So Baxter – From 3:50 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
UT Tyler Muntz Library and Harvey Deck – 3900 University Blvd, Tyler – From noon to 3 p.m.
Tyler Downtown Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Smith County Elections Office – 304 East Ferguson – From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Glass Recreation Center – 501 West 32nd, Tyler – From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
New Life Community Church – 1201 NNW Loop 323 – Drive thru from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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Texas Secretary of State's office announces audit of 2020 election results in Dallas, Collin, ...

Published On 9/25/2021

The Texas Secretary of State's office has launched an audit of 2020 election results in four of Texas’ largest counties: Harris, Dallas, Tarrant and Collin.

In a statement released Sept. 23, the office said it anticipates the state Legislature will fund the process.

“Under existing Texas laws, the secretary of state has the authority to conduct a full and comprehensive forensic audit of any election and has already begun the process in Texas’ two largest Democrat counties and two largest Republican counties—Dallas, Harris, Tarrant and Collin—for the 2020 election,” the statement said.

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League of Women Voters to register voters ahead of November election

Published On 9/23/2021

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo League of Women Voters (LWV) announced it will be registering voters on Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Downtown Amarillo Public Library. Voter Services Vice President Jami Cowart said the event is in recognition of National Voter Registration Day.

“We are delighted that both the Potter County Commissioner’s Court and the Amarillo City Council have proclaimed September as Voter Registration Month, and we are pleased to report that the Amarillo League has registered senior students at all local high schools during this month. The League believes that getting young people in the habit of voting at an early age will ensure their participation in our democracy,” Cowart added.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage: The history behind Amarillo’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Amarillo LWV President Sonya Letson said they are preparing for the elections on Nov. 2.

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Local women voters set registration event

Published On 9/22/2021

National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, Sept. 28, as the deadline to register for the Nov. 2 election is Oct. 4.

On Saturday, Sept. 25, the League of Women Voters Hill Country will hold a voter registration and voter information table at the Harper Family Dollar Store, 23047 U.S. 290 West, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

League members who are deputized to register voters for Gillespie and Kerr counties will be available. Additionally, they will have information on where and when to vote. Those unable to drop by who want to check their voter registration status should visit Vote411.org.

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Group petitions Texas Supreme Court over Harris County ballot harvesting case

Published On 9/21/2021

The Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, Houston-based Dr. Steven Hotze, chairman of the Harris County Republican Party, and others have asked the Texas Supreme Court to intervene to compel the Harris County elections administrator to follow election law governing mail ballot procedures and to follow a previous Texas Supreme Court ruling in State v. Hollins.

“The Administrator’s illegal election scheme creates voter confusion and an environment for voter fraud, including ballot harvesting,” Houston-based Jared Woodfill told The Center Square. “Ballot harvesting or vote trafficking are schemes where individuals collect and return mail-in votes on behalf of multiple voters. Sometimes the voter may realize their ballot is being harvested, especially if compensation was involved. Sometimes, they may not realize it is being harvested, as they are misinformed that the harvester is just ‘providing a service or assistance.’”

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League of Women Voters sets virtual fall kickoff event on Sept. 26

Published On 9/17/2021

The League of Women Voters Austin Area will host a virtual fall kick-off event on Sept. 26.

The topic will be “Democracy in the Spotlight: Voter Rights & Election Laws." The program will be given from 2 to 4 p.m., and volunteer deputy registrar training for those interested will be given from 4 to 5 p.m.

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Lawmakers hear testimony from public on redistricting as 3rd special session approaches

Published On 9/17/2021

Lawmakers are holding public hearings to hear testimony on the process, and grassroots organizations are encouraging Texans to participate, saying it's important for people to inform lawmakers about their communities and how they would be best represented.

The Texas House Redistricting Committee is holding its next public hearing this Saturday at 11 a.m.

“I wanted to work on fixing the fundamentals of democracy," said Genevieve Van Cleve, Texas director for All On The Line, a group that is fighting against the practice of gerrymandering.

She's been preparing for the upcoming redistricting process for years.
“The way these lines are drawn is how all of the power and the money is divvied up in Texas for a decade," she said.
“The way in which you will partition the state, the way in which certain voters are grouped with other voters, makes a big difference both in terms of political and partisan representation, as well as in racial and ethnic group representation," said

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Group petitions Texas Supreme Court over Harris County ballot harvesting case

Published On 9/17/2021

(The Center Square) – The Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, Houston-based Dr. Steven Hotze, chairman of the Harris County Republican Party and others have asked the Texas Supreme Court to intervene to compel the Harris County elections administrator to follow election law governing mail ballot procedures, and to follow a previous Texas Supreme Court ruling in State v. Hollins.

“The Administrator’s illegal election scheme creates voter confusion and an environment for voter fraud, including ballot harvesting,” Houston-based Jared Woodfill told The Center Square. “Ballot harvesting or vote trafficking are schemes where individuals collect and return mail-in votes on behalf of multiple voters. Sometimes the voter may realize their ballot is being harvested, especially if compensation was involved. Sometimes, they may not realize it is being harvested, as they are misinformed that the harvester is just ‘providing a service or assistance.’”

There are currently 500 election fraud case

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League of Women Voters of Texas Statement on the Impact of SB 1 on Texas Elections

Published On 9/8/2021

AUSTIN, TEXAS-- "For democracy to work, it must include all voices. SB 1 is an extremist anti-voter bill that raises even more barriers to voting and specifically targets vulnerable communities, especially voters with disabilities, voters of color, and elderly voters," said Grace Chimene, president of the League of Women Voters of Texas.

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Here’s what’s in Texas Republicans’ new voting law

Published On 9/8/2021

Here’s what’s in Texas Republicans’ new voting law
Editor’s Note: Senate Bill 1, Texas’ restrictive new voting bill, was the law of the Lone Star State for barely an hour when civil rights groups launched a slew of lawsuits aimed at striking down the law. A federal lawsuit filed by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund says the law “intentionally targets and burdens methods and means of voting used by voters of color,” while a joint lawsuit by LULAC, Voto Latino, Texas American Federation of Teachers and the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans charges that the provisions of SB 1 are “purposely intended to limit minority voters’ access to the ballot box.” Even before the law was signed, a complaint was filed in Austin Friday on behalf of five plaintiffs including REV UP Texas and the League of Women Voters of Texas, saying SB 1 creates “a litany of needless hurdles to voting.” Read on to learn exactly what the new voting law does and who it will affect.

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"Party at H-E-B Park" Will Make Voter Registration in Hidalgo County A Celebration

Published On 9/8/2021

Edinburg Will Welcome a Festive Event with Raffles, Family Fun and Food on Saturday, September 18th Hidalgo County community members can register to vote at a festive event at Edinburg, Texas H-E-B Park on Saturday evening, September 18th. "Party at H-E-B Park" will enable visitors to register an at entertaining bash for themselves and their families. The event will feature a raffle with prizes, free snacks, and inflatable arcade games for kids. English and Spanish-speaking volunteers will be on hand to make the registration process fast and easy. "For busy, working families, finding time to register while looking after kids can be a challenge." said Sophia DeLoretto-Chudy, Campaign Manager, Good Deed Corps. "We're offering an evening of fun activities so the vital act of voter registration will feel like a celebration instead of a red tape obstacle." The event is co-organized by the nonprofit Good Deed Corps, the League of Women Voters of the Rio Grande Valley,

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs law creating new voting restrictions as opponents sue

Published On 9/7/2021

AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on Tuesday signed into law a bill that creates strict new voting rules in the state, ending a months-long effort by Democrats to stall the legislation by denying Republicans a quorum in the House.

But the law already faces at least five challenges in state and federal courts, with dozens of organizations and individuals suing Texas GOP leaders and local elections officials. Abbott said he did not think the legal challenges would derail the legislation.

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Texas governor signs new GOP voting restrictions into law; court battles await

Published On 9/7/2021

Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed an elections overhaul into law Tuesday that adds more voting restrictions in the booming state, after Democrats spent months protesting what they say are efforts to weaken minority turnout and preserve the GOP’s eroding dominance.

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Women are "disproportionately impacted by voter ID laws"

Published On 9/7/2021

IF YOUR TIME IS SHORT
States each set their own laws about voter identification requirements and name changes for voter registration. Procedures vary; some states make automatic changes while others don’t.

The Brennan Center found in 2006 that approximately 66% of voting-eligible women have a document with a current legal name. The survey didn’t ask women whether they were prevented from voting as a result of lacking an ID with their current name.
The Williams Institute at UCLA found that about 42% of transgender adults eligible to vote in 2020 in states that don't vote entirely by mail had no ID documents that reflected their correct name or gender. But the report did not contain a count of transgender adults who were not able to cast a ballot due to voter ID requirements.

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League of Women Voters response to SCOTUS failure to block Texas abortion law

Published On 9/6/2021

AUSTIN — Last night, the US Supreme Court declined to rule on a Texas law that bans abortions after six weeks of pregnancy and allows private citizens to sue abortion providers and those who aid a person in obtaining an abortion. League of Women Voters of the United States Board President Dr. Deborah Ann Turner and League of Women Voters of Texas President Grace Chimene issued the following joint statement in response:

“By refusing to rule on Texas’s near-ban on abortions, the Supreme Court allows a horrific, anti-woman law to take effect in the state. Not only does this law essentially ban abortion services, but it opens up service providers to unjust lawsuits by private citizens simply for doing their job.

“The League of Women Voters of Texas advocated strongly against this law and other attempts by the Texas legislature to roll back reproductive rights.”

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Before the legislation is even signed, Texas’ new voting rules are challenged in two federal lawsuit

Published On 9/6/2021

Before the legislation is even signed, Texas’ new voting rules are challenged in two federal lawsuits
Harris County joined a coalition of community and advocacy groups filing lawsuits over Senate Bill 1, arguing the far-reaching rewrite of Texas voting laws violates the U.S. Constitution and numerous federal laws and will suppress voters.

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Before the legislation is even signed, Texas’ new voting rules are challenged in two federal lawsuit

Published On 9/6/2021

"Before the legislation is even signed, Texas’ new voting rules are challenged in two federal lawsuits" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

The top elections official in Harris County and a host of organizations that serve Texans of color and Texans with disabilities have fired the opening salvos in what’s expected to be an extensive legal battle over Texas’ new voting rules.

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Calling It An Extremist Anti-Voter Bill – Groups File Lawsuit Challenging Texas Law

Published On 9/5/2021

Austin-Texas – This week after lawmakers in Texas finally passed anti-voter SB 1, a coalition of civil rights organizations filed a lawsuit.

“SB1 is a discriminatory law that creates more unnecessary barriers and silences the voices of Texans with disabilities as well as Texans of color,” said Lia Sifuentes Davis, Senior Litigation Attorney with Disability Rights Texas, one of the co-counsel on the case.

While Ryan Cox, Senior Attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Process said, “SB1 officially cements Texas as the hardest state to vote in the country.”

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Civil Rights Groups Sue State Of Texas Over Restrictive Voting Rights Bill

Published On 9/3/2021

The suit filed by MALDEF on behalf of several groups and the Harris County Elections Administrator says Senate Bill 1 threatens to criminalize voter engagement activities, limits voter assistance and allows voter intimidation by partisan poll watchers.

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Texas elections bill faces two federal court challenges from voting rights advocates

Published On 9/3/2021

In one lawsuit, Dallas’ Friendship-West Baptist Church joins Hispanic, Black voting rights activists in fight to overturn bill they argue violates federal law.

AUSTIN — Two separate coalitions of voting rights advocates, civil rights organizations and faith-based groups filed lawsuits Friday challenging the divisive GOP elections bill, days after Texas lawmakers greenlit the proposal and sent it to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.
The groups argued that provisions in the bill, expected to be signed soon by Abbott, violate federal law and asked judges to block the governor and other state officials from enforcing it.

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Civil Rights Sue Over Texas Voting Law

Published On 9/3/2021

The state of Texas is facing several lawsuits over a new election law which the GOP claims is needed to fight voter fraud. The one filed by the civil rights group MALDEF, claims that it is both unconstitutional and violates federal voting rights law.

The group also says the law criminalizes the type of help that non-English speakers need to navigate a polling place. It also makes it illegal for organizers to help groups get to the ballot box. Similar lawsuits were also filed today by the Brennan Center, the League of Women Voters, Texas Impact, and the Texas Civil Rights Project.

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Biden blasts Supreme Court refusal to block Texas abortion ban; Pelosi vows vote on House bill to en

Published On 9/2/2021

A divided Supreme Court late Wednesday refused to block a Texas abortion statute that bans the procedure as early as six weeks into pregnancy, drawing sharp criticism from President Biden and a pledge from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to call a vote on legislation that would enshrine a woman's right to an abortion into federal law.

The court’s five most consistent conservatives — Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr., plus President Donald Trump’s nominees to the court, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett — said they would let the law stand while the legal battle over it continues.

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Elections overhaul bill passes Texas Legislature

Published On 9/1/2021

SAN ANTONIO — Expect some changes the next time you cast a vote.

Governor Greg Abbott is expected to sign Senate Bill 1 into law after legislators advanced the measure on Tuesday.

The controversial bill, which seeks to tighten voting rules across Texas, prompted special sessions and Democrats to flee to Washington D.C.

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Texas Lawmakers Reach Compromise on School Mask Mandates, Plan to Allow Parents to “Opt Out”

Published On 8/31/2021

Texas lawmakers with contrasting bills on school mask mandates recently reached an agreement on legislation to address the issue. In a meeting of the Texas House Committee on Public Education on Monday, committee Chair Rep. Harold Dutton, Jr., said he and Rep. Jeff Leach plan to craft a bill that permits school districts to implement mask mandates, but allows parents to opt their children out.

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Commentary: Democracy is at risk. Get registered to vote.

Published On 8/28/2021

Today, National Voter Registration Day, is a time to galvanize those who have not yet been brought into the electoral process. The right to vote is the foundation of democracy. American democracy is at risk. Engaged citizens are democracy’s best defense.

Voter registration drives are taking place in Texas against the backdrop of the extremist anti-voter bill SB 1 that was signed into law earlier this month. The law, passed under the guise of election integrity, aims to restrict political participation, disproportionately targeting marginalized voters. At the signing of the bill, Gov. Greg Abbott said this will “make it harder for cheaters to cast an illegal ballot.”

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August 26th is Women’s Equality Day

Published On 8/26/2021

Women’s Equality Day, Aug. 26, 2021, commemorates the adoption of the 19th Amendment, granting voting rights for many American women. On this day the League of Women Voters of Texas celebrates advancements made towards achieving full political, economic, and social equality. It is a celebration of the trailblazers, visionaries, and suffragists who have worked towards equal rights for all.

“We take this day to reflect on how far we have come and to assess the future of voting and elections in Texas,” said Grace Chimene, President of the Texas League. “The 19th Amendment was a step forward to ensuring every voice is heard in the crafting of the laws that impacts us all. League members and supporters believe democracy works best when all eligible voters can participate.”

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Controversial Texas Voting Laws Overshadowed By Quorum Break Set To Take Effect Next Week

Published On 8/25/2021

Much of the drama over this summer's special legislative sessions has focused on Gov. Greg Abbott's priority elections bill, which spurred a quorum-breaking walkout from Texas Democrats that ended this week.

Overshadowed by the political battle in Austin: the Texas Legislature did in fact pass several bills on voting during the regular session. And only a few of the new voting laws come without controversy.

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Celebrating Women’s Equality Day: Women’s suffrage in El Paso

Published On 8/25/2021

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Women’s Suffrage movement led to women’s voting rights in the United States in August 1920, with the ratification of the 19th Amendment, with many El Pasoans also participating in the fight.

Janine Young, one of the board directors at the El Paso Historical Society, said that many suffragettes in the Borderland deserve much more exposure than they get.

Ruth Augur, founder of the El Paso Equal Franchise League, Courtesy: El Paso Historical Society
The El Paso Equal Franchise League, or the El Paso Suffrage League, was founded in 1915 by Ruth Monro Augur, who was an artist and journalist who was 28 years old when she founded the league.

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Progressives want Biden to push harder on voting rights

Published On 8/25/2021

WASHINGTON—The Democratic-run U.S. House may have passed a major voting rights bill on a party-line vote, but progressive groups aren’t letting Democratic President Joe Biden off the hook.

Instead, they tramped to Lafayette Park, just in front of the White House, on August 25 to demand he force voter protection and voting rights expansion through a balky evenly split U.S. Senate.

Marshaled by People for the American Way, the NAACP, and the League of Women Voters, several hundred people gathered in the newly reopened park to declare “STEP UP JOE,” in a large sign made of big single letters.

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Lawsuits challenging state voting restrictions could alter rules for 2022 midterms, 2024 presidentia

Published On 8/23/2021

WASHINGTON – In Panama City, Florida, the League of Women Voters set up a face-painting table for children during community gatherings at the library. While the children were occupied, former chapter president Cecile Scoon said volunteers could chat up parents about registering to vote or voting by mail.
Then on early voting days in the fall, Scoon said the group would find a shady tree near the Glenwood Community Center polling place, to answer voters’ questions over grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. On a good day, there might be shrimp. Voters who couldn't break away from work could use Bay County's 24-hour drop box for receiving absentee ballots.
Such get-out-the-vote efforts are under threat by a new state law adopted after the 2020 election. Scoon, the League of Women Voters and other groups are challenging the law in federal court, arguing the measures make it harder to vote, especially for people of color.

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Potter County starts process for November election

Published On 8/23/2021

The process for November’s election in Potter County began Monday as the Commissioners’ Court unanimously approved various orders establishing what the election will look like.

The election, which is scheduled for Nov. 2, will include eight state constitutional amendments that include topics such as the state’s ability to limit religious services, changing the eligibility requirements for certain positions within the judicial branch, and establishing the right for residents of certain facilities to designate an essential caregiver for in-person visitation.

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Texas Democrats Return Home To A New Battle: Redistricting

Published On 8/21/2021

Texas grew more than any other state in the last decade. Tasked with adding two congressional districts, some political watchers say redistricting could be a "blood bath" between the state parties.

Transcript

MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST:

After more than a month out of the state, some Texas Democrats have returned to Austin. They fled to Washington, D.C., in July, you may recall, to stall a restrictive voting bill that Texas Republicans want to pass. Now that they've returned, there's another huge job ahead for lawmakers - drawing new district lines across a state that has grown more than any other over the last decade. Ashley Lopez of member station KUT in Austin reports.

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Texas Democrats Return Home To A New Battle: Redistricting

Published On 8/20/2021

Some Texas Democrats who broke quorum last month have started to return to the state, which means lawmakers are starting to get back to work. In the coming weeks, that work will have to include the giant task of drawing new voting district lines for the state. Texas has grown more than any other over the last decade and has gained two additional seats in Congress.

Redistricting is historically a messy, contentious and partisan process no matter the state. This year in Texas, though, tension is already at an all-time high before lawmakers meet to draw new maps.

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LWVCA Forum to Identify “Communities of Interest” as Redistricting Begins

Published On 8/19/2021

The U.S. Census Bureau released data last week that provides a snapshot of demographics in Texas counties like Comal, now the second-fastest growing county in the Texas.
The county saw its population grow by 49% since 2010, from 108,472 to 161,501 in 2020. Comal is now the fifth-fastest growing county in the United States.

Texas legislators will use this 2020 census data to realign state legislative and congressional districts before the 2022 election.

The federal government will use it to allocate billions of dollars in funding to hospitals, roads, schools, and other critical infrastructure.

To ensure Comal and surrounding counties are fairly represented during redistricting, League of Women Voters of the Comal Area (LWVCA), in conjunction with Fair Maps Texas, hosts a nonpartisan Redistricting Mapping Event from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

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Census results to shape League of Women Voters forum on redistricting

Published On 8/18/2021

Redistricting season officially kicked off with Thursday’s release of detailed population data from the U.S. Census Bureau that will be used to redraw local, state and national voting districts in the coming months.

It could determine control of Congress, the Texas Legislature, and city and county alignments beginning with the 2022 elections. The League of Women Voters of the Comal Area is hosting a Redistricting Mapping Event from 2-3:30 p.m. Aug. 21 at Westside Community Center, 2932 South Interstate 35 Frontage Road in New Braunfels.

LWV-Texas is sponsoring the event, which will identify, define and map area and regional communities of interest, called COIs.

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Texans May Update Voter Registration Online Thanks To Lawsuit Victory

Published On 8/2/2021

Commentary: In a huge victory for voting rights, Texas voters will now permanently be able to register to vote online when they update their driver’s license information, following a successful legal challenge by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, and the Texas Democratic Party.

The DCCC, DSCC, and Texas Democratic Party intervened in a lawsuit against the state of Texas after they refused to comply with the National Voter Registration Act, often referred to as the “motor voter” law. In August, the lawsuit forced a temporary fix that allowed Texas voters to register to vote online when they updated their driver’s license, which has since led to more than one million Texans using this method to register to vote or update their registration — after this week’s victory, those protections are now permanent.

“This legal victory deals a blow to voter suppression at a pivotal moment for democracy in America,”

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About A Million Texans Have Registered To Vote Online Since Court Ruling On Motor Voter Laws

Published On 7/31/2021

After a lengthy court battle, the Texas Department of Safety has started allowing voters to update their voter information at the same time they update their driver’s license information online.

The Texas Civil Rights Project filed a federal lawsuit against the state on behalf of three voters in Texas who thought they had updated their addresses on their voter registration through the DPS website. They later found out that never happened because online voter registration is illegal in Texas.

The plaintiffs in the case were Jarrod Stringer, Nayeli Gomez and John Harms, as well as two organizations, MOVE Texas and the League of Women Voters of Texas.

The lawsuit claimed Texas was violating the National Voter Registration Act — which includes federal motor voter laws — and the U.S. Constitution. The Texas Civil Rights Project first sued the state five years ago, but the lawsuit was thrown out on a technicality. The group sued again shortly after.

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Letter to the editor: HB 3 is an attack on our right to vote

Published On 7/27/2021

My ability to vote is precious to me and my community - HB 3 is an attack on our right to vote. During the regular session, the comprehensive election bill, SB 7, failed to pass. Now, another comprehensive election bill, HB 3, will soon be heard on the House floor, and I urge you to vote NO. My particular concerns are:

This letter is the result of study of the bill by the League of Women Voters of Texas. I am a proud member of this non-partisan group who stand for Voter’s Rights.

HB 3 would make voting by mail a much more precarious process: if the additional required voter ID number on the application to vote by mail does not match the voter ID number on the voter's application for voter registration, the application to vote by mail is rejected. Similarly, if the additional required voter ID number on the carrier envelope does not match the number on the application for voter registration, the ballot is rejected. It's easy to see how this mismatch can inadvertently happen

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Study finds nearly 400 Nueces County children with lead poisoning

Published On 7/23/2021

NUECES COUNTY, Texas — A four year study on the impact on lead poisoning in children living in Nueces County was presented to County Commissioners on Wednesday by the League of Women Voters.

The group sent off a request to the Texas Department of State Health Services for data from 44 area zip codes looking for the number of children under 6 with elevated blood lead levels between the years of 2012 and 2017. What they found was that nearly 400 children reported some sort of lead poisoning in just the top 12 zip codes.

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Study: Hundreds of Nueces County children suffered lead poisoning over five-year period

Published On 7/23/2021

Around 300 Nueces County children under the age of 6 — and potentially hundreds more — had high levels of lead in their blood between 2012 and 2017, and at least 50 more children experience lead poisoning each year, according to an analysis by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The League of Women Voters of Corpus Christi presented the findings of that study to the Nueces County commissioners’ court this week.

The presentation also showed that, as recently as 2019, the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi’s Child Development Center had a higher level of lead in its water than federal regulations allow.

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Here’s how hard it is to vote in Texas

Published On 7/22/2021

Texas already has some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country, but that hasn’t stopped Republican state legislators from wanting to make it even harder for residents to cast a ballot.

The latest Republican voting bills (one version in the state House and another in the state Senate) would end measures that led to record turnout in several Texas counties last year and increased accessibility for vulnerable populations. For example, it would prevent drive-through polling sites in the state, implemented to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and require individuals who assist non-English speakers and disabled voters to submit additional paperwork. Plus, if signed into law, Texas would give more power to partisan poll “watchers,” meaning officials would have a hard time removing people who could be harassing voters.

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Local business community reacts to rally in support of Texas Democrats in DC

Published On 7/21/2021

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A coterie of former Democratic officials, non-profit organizations and more gathered at Tom Lea Park on Wednesday morning in support of the Democratic members of the Texas Legislature who remain in Washington, D.C., after breaking quorum last week to prevent voting during a special session on a controversial voting bill.

“For Abraham Lincoln, Benito Juarez and Kamala Harris, voting was and is a sacred right — a big, big, right. For each of us, it’s a sacred duty,” said former Texas State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh.

He was joined by fellow former Texas Sen. Jose Rodriguez, as well as the El Paso League of Women Voters, the Border Network for Human Rights, Sunrise El Paso and more.

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Texas Impact holds "Let My People Vote" rally at state Capitol

Published On 7/19/2021

Members of the Texas Impact, the nearly 50-year-old statewide advocacy organization representing Texans of faith working for justice, the League of Women Voters of Texas, the NAACP of Texas, and LULAC of Texas, are hosting a “Let My People Vote” Rally for Voting Rights at the Texas Capitol on Monday.

Texas Impact anticipates at least 400 rally attendees will gather, calling on state lawmakers to not place proposed restrictions on voting.

The group rejects restrictive measures and wants state leaders to forge a compromise, focus on common-sense modernization of Texas’ election laws that will improve voter access and increase transparency in all Texas elections.

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Gov. Greg Abbott Gave Texas Democrats A Big Bargaining Chip

Published On 7/18/2021

For all his tough guy antics, Texas Governor Greg Abbott may have inadvertently given the state’s Democrats a big bargaining chip: More control over the state’s partisan redistricting efforts. The question is, will Democrats use it?
After the end of the regular session of the Legislature and the defeat of two of the governor’s top priorities, he targeted the Legislature’s own budget with a line-item veto to retaliate. This move may have won him a battle, but lost him the war.
“I will veto Article 10 of the budget passed by the legislature ,” he tweeted. “Article 10 funds the legislative branch. No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities.”

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Texas Democrats’ historic walkout to block GOP elections bills receives national praise and condemna

Published On 7/13/2021

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Democratic lawmakers drew a line in the sand on Monday afternoon after staging a planned walkout of the state Capitol and onto a flight to Washington D.C. — all in their latest effort to block Republican elections overhaul bills, which Democrats say are merely voter suppression.

The bills stem from the previous Senate Bill 7, which was defeated by another Democratic walk-out. But this week, Senate Bill 1 and its House equivalent received their first hearings. Despite no proof of widespread fraud in Texas’ 2020 Election, state Republicans have honed in on “election integrity” as a major party platform.

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League of Women Voters of Texas Statement on Failed Quorum in Special Session

Published On 7/12/2021

League of Women Voters of Texas
Statement on Failed Quorum in Special Session
July 12, 2021

The League of Women Voters of Texas president, Grace Chimene, issued the following statement in response to the failed legislative process that drove some legislators to leave Texas today.

“As a non-partisan organization whose mission is empowering voters and defending democracy, the League is deeply disappointed that only extreme measures like the legislative exodus we saw today can prevent Texans from losing their voting rights.

“During the regular legislative session, the League of Women Voters of Texas (LWVTX) partnered with local, state, and national organizations to provide input to legislators who were considering various election bills. Yet, when SB 7 emerged as the final, comprehensive election bill, it was clear that voting rights were under attack. Under the guise of making elections more secure, SB 7 threatened the very core of our right to cast a ballot.

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Wichita Falls student selected to represent Texas at Girls Nation in Washington D.C.

Published On 7/8/2021

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — For 17-year-old Tina Majdinasab, some of her duties include being president of the Wichita County Junior Bar Association and serving as a teen court attorney, but even those roles couldn’t compare to what was to come next.

“I was over the moon like you have no idea. So, it was online so the whole thing was on a zoom webinar and then they announced my name, I jumped out of my seat, I went and screamed at my family, ‘I’m going to Washington D.C.,'” Majdinasab said.

The rising Rider High School Senior was selected out of 600 girls in this year’s Texas Bluebonnet Girls State to be one of the two girls to represent Texas at Girls Nation in Washington D.C.

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Fort Worth residents warned not to share info on website seeking to ‘verify’ votes

Published On 6/11/2021

County officials are advising Fort Worth residents to ignore a post card that asks them to verify their vote by entering personal information on a non-secure website.

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Texas Democrats call on Congress to help fight voting restrictions

Published On 6/2/2021

WASHINGTON — As Texas Democrats drew national attention over the weekend, dramatically killing a massive package of election measures that would have reduced access to the polls, they said they wanted to make a larger point about what they view as Republican efforts to suppress the minority vote.

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Texas Legislative Session Ends in Controversy

Published On 6/1/2021

Corpus Christi Rep. Todd Hunter to lead redistricting efforts in special session

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Groups' ad blasts voter suppression bill

Published On 5/27/2021

"Democracy is Under Attack"

That was the headline Friday ((May 21)) on a full-page ad in the front section of The Austin American-Statesman, blasting the Republican-dominated Texas Legislature for its efforts to make it harder to vote.

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Opinion: I grew up in Jim Crow Texas, and we must stay vigilant on voter suppression

Published On 5/26/2021

Growing up in Odessa, my family had to eat in restaurant kitchens when we ate out because African Americans were banned from main dining areas.

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Local officials react to SB 7 passage in House

Published On 5/10/2021

A pared down version of Senate Bill 7 is headed back to the Senate after it passed the House on Friday.

Senate Bill 7, which is written by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, passed the House with a vote of 81-64. Now the Senate has to review and approve amendments made by the House before it can be sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.

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Did a Black Woman Get Prison for Illegal Voting, While a White Man Got Probation?

Published On 5/5/2021

Did a Black Woman Get Prison for Illegal Voting, While a White Man Got Probation? - Snopes.com

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'It's absolute crap': Heated exchange at Texas Capitol

Published On 4/29/2021

'It's absolute crap': Heated exchange at Texas Capitol after lawmaker tries to push election bill ...

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Community leaders against Texas permitless carry bill, say it's unsafe

Published On 4/28/2021

Community leaders against Texas permitless carry bill, say it's unsafe

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League of Women Voters host virtual panel addressing permitless carry bill concerns

Published On 4/27/2021

AUSTIN, Texas (KLTV) - A watchdog group held a press conference Tuesday to speak out addressing their concerns regarding permitless carry bills.

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Texas GOP Bill to Bar Drive-Thru Voting Advances

Published On 4/21/2021

Critics said they find it unbelievable Republican lawmakers would adopt a bill to make it less safe to vote during the pandemic.

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Election judges could carry guns at most polling sites under bill passed by Texas House

Published On 4/20/2021

Reprinted in the Denton Record Chronicle.
AUSTIN — The Texas House on Tuesday passed a bill that would allow election judges to carry handguns at most polling locations on Election Day and during early voting.

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Mayor Turner stands against voter suppression

Published On 4/8/2021

Powered by ScriptSpeak
Mayor Sylvester Turner invited a diverse group of elected officials, community leaders and business executives to stand in solidarity against voter suppression bills in the Texas Legislature.

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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Blasts Houston-Area Leaders Over Opposition To Voting Bills

Published On 4/6/2021

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick blasted Houston-area leaders for enacting voting laws that he said were unconstitutional, after they called out state legislators for pushing for new strict voting laws.

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Democracy is Good for Business!

Published On 4/5/2021

Advocacy Organizations Reach Out to Texas Business Community to Support Voting Rights

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Her Ballot Didn't Count. She Faces 5 Years in Prison for Casting It

Published On 4/3/2021

Limited access

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Groups Ask Texas Lawmakers To Allow Virtual Public Input For Controversial Voting Bills

Published On 3/23/2021

Voting rights groups in Texas are asking state lawmakers to accommodate remote public input as they consider sweeping voting legislation this week.

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Texas This Week: League of Women Voters Texas discusses 'election integrity' bills

Published On 3/21/2021

This week, the governor held a news conference to support a group of bills that he says will enhance "election integrity." But critics say the bills suppress voters.

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Texas GOP launches avalanche of bills to curtail voting

Published On 3/15/2021

Lawmakers are seeking to limit early voting and tighten ID requirements, among other restrictive measures.

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Texas State University designated a voter friendly campus

Published On 3/11/2021

SAN MARCOS – Texas State University has been designated a “Voter Friendly Campus” through an initiative led by the national nonpartisan organizations Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project (CVP) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.

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Women's History Month: League of Women's Voter

Published On 3/11/2021

Watch Kendria Lafleur and Katie Lopez talk with Abby Breidenbach who highlights the League of Women Voters during Women's History Month.

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LWV-CA seminar will review Texas health care

Published On 3/9/2021

The state of health care in Texas will be the topic of a Zoom seminar hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Comal Area (LWV-CA) on Wednesday, March. 17.

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Published On 3/6/2021

The Texas Democratic Women of the Brazos Valley meeting, via Zoom at 2 p.m. Stephanie Swanson, the issue chair of redistricting and census for the League of Women Voters of Texas, will speak. A question-and-answer session will follow. Register at go.theeagle.com/tdwbv.

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Amarillo League member appointed to state LWV board

Published On 3/4/2021

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – Announced today, Linda Vaughn, forums chair of the Amarillo League of Women Voters Board of Directors, has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the League of Women Voters of Texas board until June 2022. She had been serving this year on the state organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force.

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Federal voting law aimed at Texas is early test of Democrats' power in DC

Published On 3/4/2021

limited access

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The League of Women Voters of Texas Calls on Texas Legislature to Plan for Future Extreme Weather

Published On 2/20/2021

As millions of Texans are without power and water due to continuing severe weather conditions, the League of Women Voters of Texas calls on the Texas Legislature, the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) network to take responsibility for this failure of our independent power grid and develop plans and systems to prevent future disasters like this one.

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LWV discuss voting rights and election redistricting

Published On 2/10/2021

Members of the League of Women Voters of the Hill Country-Texas held a virtual February meeting; and hosted Janet Imhoff, vice president of the Texas League and Advocacy chair, who spoke on the League interests and activities for the newly opened Texas Legislative session in Austin.

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League of Women Voters Texas to Host Virtual “Lobby Day” This Weekend

Published On 2/4/2021

AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF News) – North Texans are invited to join the League of Women Voters Texas’ virtual Lobby Day over the weekend.

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Members sought for local League of Women Voters

Published On 2/2/2021

Baytown area women interested in establishing a Baytown Chapter of the League of Women Voters will meet via ZOOM on Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

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Liberty County’s election website ranks in state’s top 22 percent

Published On 1/27/2021

The League of Women Voters of Texas has named Liberty County’s election website as outstanding.

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New Texas district boundary lines underway, advocates concerned

Published On 1/18/2021

The Texas State Legislature is working on redistricting, or drawing new district boundary lines that reflect the community. This year, advocates say they are focused on making sure that district boundary lines are drawn fairly

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Voting Groups Warn Texas Lawmakers Aren't Making It Easy For People Who Want A Say In Redistricting

Published On 1/14/2021

Voting groups say redistricting plans the Texas Senate laid out in a resolution passed Wednesday do not reasonably accommodate public input.

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Today Was Opening Day Of The 2021 Texas Legislative Session. Here's What Happened

Published On 1/12/2021

Today was opening day of the 87th Texas legislative session. Lawmakers convened at noon in the state Capitol, where new senators and representatives were sworn in.

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League of Women Voters of Texas recognizes Navarro County Elections staff

Published On 1/11/2021

The League of Women Voters of Texas recognized the Navarro County Elections Administrator and staff for its outstanding COVID-19 website, providing accurate, accessible, and useful voter information on a safe and secure election website.

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Capitol riot reactions: Houston-area businesses, organizations weigh in on turmoil

Published On 1/7/2021

HOUSTON – Here are some of the statements released by Houston-area businesses and organizations in reaction to the Capitol riot.

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LWVTX in the News Jun-Dec 2020

Published On 12/23/2020

Links to articles from Jun 2020 - Dec 2020

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LWVTX in the News 2015 - May 2020

Published On 6/1/2020

Links to news articles referencing the League of Women Voters of Texas

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LWV Baytown

Baytown LWV hosts voter rights forum today

Published On 4/19/2021

The newly formed Baytown Chapter of the League of Women Voters will host a public forum April 20 to discuss bills in the Texas Legislature that address voter issues and election law. The event will be hosted on Zoom from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

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LWV Bell Co News

Local women reflect on 100 years of suffrage

Published On 8/18/2020

TEMPLE, Texas (KWTX) - Women won the right to vote 100 years ago Tuesday in the U.S. and two local women say they’re grateful.

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LWV Cy-Fair News

Two CFISD Teachers Accepted to Harvard Case Study Method Project

Aug. 2, 2019—Two CFISD government teachers, Tiffany Cross and Roxana Caulder, were recently accepted into the Harvard Case Study Method Project taking place Aug. 18-20 at Harvard University.

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Harris County sees record-breaking voter turnout in November midterm elections

Published On 11/26/2018

Harris County sees record-breaking voter turnout in November midterm elections - Community Impact Newspaper (11/26/18)

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League of Women Voters-Cy-Fair works to educate voters on local issues

As election season approaches in Texas, the local chapter of the League of Women Voters—a nonpartisan political organization—is helping voters get informed.

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LWV Victoria News

Early Voting Ends Soon! Election Day Next Tuesday!

Published On 2/23/2022

Austin, TX – The last day of early voting for the 2022 Primary Election is Friday, February 25th and Election Day is Tuesday, March 1st. March 1st is also the last day for Vote by Mail ballots to be received at election offices.

Use VOTE411.org to be an informed Texas voter in this important election.
• Enter your address to see the races and candidates on your ballot.
• Compare candidates’ qualifications and responses to questions.
• Create a personalized ballot of your choices to print out and take to the polls (use of mobile devices is not allowed in the voting booth).
• If voting in person during early voting or on Election Day, choose a polling place and time that works best for you.
“At the League of Women Voters of Texas, we take our mission of “Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.” seriously. We strive to assist all Texas voters with the knowledge and the confidence to vote. As a nonpartisan organization, we provide information about elections

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Before the legislation is even signed, Texas’ new voting rules are challenged in two federal lawsuit

Published On 9/4/2021

Senate Bill 1 is a far-reaching rewrite of the state’s election code that further tightens voting-by-mail rules, reins in local efforts to expand voting options, bolsters access for partisan poll watchers and sets new rules — and possible criminal penalties — for those who assist voters in casting their ballots. Credit: Shelby Tauber for The Texas Tribune
"Before the legislation is even signed, Texas’ new voting rules are challenged in two federal lawsuits" was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

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LWV Waco News

Virtual panel held to discuss suffrage, Black women’s suffrage and voter suppression

Published On 9/23/2020

To recognize the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, a virtual panel was held on Tuesday, National Voter Registration Day. Speakers discussed the history of women’s suffrage, Black women’s suffrage and the way voter suppression continues.

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Local Leagues

Local Leagues in the News Archive Jun 2020 - Jun 2021

Published On 6/24/2021

A list of "in the news" articles for all local Leagues

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Comal County's League of Women Voters pushing for fair redistricting of boundaries

Published On 4/27/2021

Texas’ torrid growth over the past decade is paying off with a major boost in political clout — two additional congressional seats and electoral votes deepening its already massive influence in the nation’s politics.

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League of Women Voters honors Judge Darr for role in making democracy work

Published On 4/2/2021

The Honorable Judge Robin Malone Darr is the real deal.

That sentence kept running through my mind as I sat in Judge Darr’s office in the Midland County Courthouse and spoke with her about life, her career and the meaning of making democracy work in Midland County.

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Texas local Leagues in the news July 2018 - May 2020

Published On 5/31/2020

An archive of local Leagues in the news

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Texas local Leagues in the news Jan 2016 - May 2018

Published On 6/1/2018

An archive of local Leagues in the news - 2016, 2017, 2018

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