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Posts tagged as “voting”

Special Election For Constitutional Amendments

September 2, 2021

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation setting Tuesday, November 2, 2021 as the special election day for eight proposed constitutional amendments in Texas. The eight proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot are:

PROPOSITION 1: The constitutional amendment authorizing the professional sports team charitable foundations of organizations sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to conduct charitable raffles at rodeo venues.

PROPOSITION 2: The constitutional amendment authorizing a county to finance the development or redevelopment of transportation or infrastructure in unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas in the county.

PROPOSITION 3: The constitutional amendment to prohibit this state or a political subdivision of this state from prohibiting or limiting religious services of religious organizations.

Continue reading...Special Election For Constitutional Amendments

Local Democrats meet with VP Harris

June 24, 2021
The Democratic Caucus of the Texas Legislature, chaired by Senator Carol Alvarado of Houston, (in the green dress top left) meets with Vice President Kamala Harris, (top center in front of flag) to discuss federal and state legislation that is attempting to restrict voters’ rights. Also around the table, Houston State Representatives Armando Walle, Senfronia Thompson, and State Senator Boris Miles.

Discuss Texas Voter Restriction bills

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week a group of Democratic state legislators met with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss the ongoing fight to protect voting rights in Texas and to urge the US Senate to pass H.R. 1 and H.R. 4 to combat coordinated voter suppression efforts taking place across the country.

Sen. Carol Alvarado (D-Houston), the chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, released the following statement after the meeting:

“Today the members of the Texas delegation had a productive conversation with Vice President Harris about the fight against voter suppression in the Texas Legislature and the importance of H.R. 1 and H.R. 4.

“We are grateful for Vice President Harris’ partnership and support in our nation’s capitol as Democrats aim to preempt Jim Crow style laws from every level of government. As we look toward the next special session in Austin, the Texas Senate Democrats will continue to do our part in the fight to ensure that our sacred right to vote is not taken away by blatant Republican voter suppression tactics.”

Continue reading...Local Democrats meet with VP Harris

87th Legislature ends, as Democrats walk out to kill Voter Restrictions bill

June 10, 2021

AUSTIN – A bill to overhaul voting rules in the state failed to pass in the Texas House on Sunday night in a victory for Democrats and voting rights advocates. Sunday was the last day of the legislative session that the bill, Senate Bill 7, could have been passed, but it may be brought up again in the future.

SB7 failed to pass in the Texas House because a group of House Democrats walked out of the legislature, causing the House to lose quorum — in order for certain procedures to take place, such as passing legislation, a certain number of House members must be present — blocking Republicans from passing the bill despite their majority. Birnel said that was all made possible by the work of organizers.

The bill would place limits on early voting hours, drive-thru voting, and tighten restrictions on who can vote by mail. It would also expand the role that poll watchers can play, including allowing them to be closer to the polls and to record certain voters.

Continue reading...87th Legislature ends, as Democrats walk out to kill Voter Restrictions bill

Local Leaders oppose SB7 bill as Voter Suppression

April 15, 2021

HOUSTON – Amid a national outcry against proposed restrictive voting bills in many Republican controlled states, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo hosted a press conference Monday to voice their opposition to Texas House Bill 6 and Texas Senate Bill 7.

“These bills are going through on our watch,” said Turner. “What’s happening in the state of Texas, in the legislature, is wrong.”

“Soon enough, we will have taken the largest step back since Jim Crow,” said Hidalgo. “The dominoes of basic voting rights are starting to fall.”

Lt Governor Dan Parick also held a news conference in Austin this week, angrily defending the bills and accusing opponents of lying about whether they restricted or limited voting, and especially minority voters.

Among other items, Texas HB 6 would prohibit government officials from sending mail-in ballot applications to voters. In addition, it would require anyone providing help to a disabled voter at the polls to show an ID and share why they’re helping the disabled individual.

Texas SB 7 would require people to have legitimate reasons to vote by mail, get rid of drive-thru voting, and allow poll watchers to record video.

Continue reading...Local Leaders oppose SB7 bill as Voter Suppression

Heavy voter turnout splits between parties in polls

November 5, 2020

Without a clue concerning the Presidential candidacy except a substantial lead by the incumbent in key toss up states and a lead by the challenger in projected electoral votes local elections are monotonously slow on Tuesday night.

Locally, Precinct 3 Constable Sherman Eagleton has maintained a comfortable 60% to 39% lead over Andre Hines all night.

With less than half of the votes to count in Harris County John Cornyn seems off to a fourth term in the US Senate by over 8% over Democrat M.J. Hagar.

Keeping the House seat for the local District 36, Republican Incumbent Brian Babin was about 62% in Harris County over Dem. Rashad Lewis. That Turns to 80% to 19% in Chambers County in favor of Babin. New face in the Republican Party in the House, Dan Crenshaw a War on Terror veteran won by over 10% over Sima Ladjevardian, who immigrated from Iran. Also in the US House Race, District 29 was won by Dem. Sylvia Garcia about 71% to 27% for Rep. Jaimy Blanco.

Incumbent Democrat Kim Ogg has a nine percent lead over Mary Nan Huffman for District Attorney.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez leads Republican Joe Danna by 15%.

Tax Assessor – Collector Ann Harris Bennett a Democrat has a 10% lead over Chris Daniel and a 50% lead over Billy Pierce.

Newport MUD Proposition for the compromise bond to handle improvements 67% for and 32% against.

Crosby School District Position 5 Heather Barrett at 57% then David Givens 27% and Sharon Mayes 15%.

Huffman School Board Position 4 Kirk Vaughn had 69% Dean Tinnin 31%. Position 5 Preston Tucker 54.5% against Charles Bardwell 45.5%. Position 7 Amanda McGee 47% against Pat Keith 43% and Vernon Reed 10%.

MUD 50 had an election Alice Dangerfield 62% Melody Fontenot 38%.

ESD 80 Chuck Murray had 19.5%, Raymond St. Julian Sr. 29% Derek Elkins 18%, all incumbent.

In the battle for Railroad Commissioner Chrysta Castaneda held 53% for most of the night over James Wright 44%.

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Texas saw Amy Clark Meachum start off ahead in votes then fall far behind Nathan Hecht who took 53% to her 44%.

Continue reading...Heavy voter turnout splits between parties in polls

Early voting breaks records

October 22, 2020

More than 700,000 Harris County voters cast ballots

By Chris Valdez

Harris County residents are voting at a record-setting pace this year, a clear indication that Texas voters are excited and enthusiastic about making their voices heard at the ballot box. Joint efforts by civic organizations like members of Houston in Action in partnership with local officials to expand voter registration, education and equitable access helped ensure Harris County’s election infrastructure was prepared to handle the enormous turnout.

Top-line numbers:

Continue reading...Early voting breaks records

Early Voting Oct. 13 thru 30

October 15, 2020

Election Day is November 3rd

Early voting started Tuesday, Oct. 13 in Harris County, and will continue through Friday, Oct. 30. Election Day is November 3rd. Voters can go to any polling location, which can be located at www.harris votes.com. This year you will not be able to vote a straight ticket, so it will take longer to choose each candidate by name.

Important races include President Trump versus his challenger Joe Biden. Also Texas Senator John Cornyn is running against MJ Hegar, a war-wounded veteran.

U. S. Representatives that face challengers include Dan Crenshaw, Sheila Jackson Lee, Sylvia Garcia, and Brian Babin. All of these represent some part of local districts.

In state races, incumbents Dan Huberty and Briscoe Cain face challengers. Armando Walle, Senfronia Thompson, and Ana Hernandez are running unopposed in their districts.

Continue reading...Early Voting Oct. 13 thru 30

Crosby’s elections controversial

October 15, 2020

The most exciting election of this century began on Tuesday, all voting terminates November 3, which means that in addition to the national and state elections there is a full line of local elections to know about before voting.

To avoid long lines during COVID-19, early voting requires a mask and an approved photo identification. Early voting began October 13 through 17 from 7 to 7 . Locations will also be open Sunday, October 18: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., October 19-24: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday, October 25: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., October 26: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., October 27-29: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. October 27-29: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., October 30: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Early voting can be done, no matter where you live, at all early voting locations. Locations have undergone some changes. Locations include San Jacinto Community Center – Meeting Room, 604 Highland Woods Drive, Highlands, TX 77562-4546 and Coady Baptist Church – Fellowship Hall, 5606 Wade Road, Baytown, TX 77521-9744. Crosby is not voting inside the Edith Faye Cook Cole Harris County Crosby Branch Library as usual but instead, behind the Crosby Post Office, Crosby Community Center – Large Assembly Room, 409 Hare Road, Crosby, TX 77532 an alternative for folks in Huffman is Lake Houston Church of Christ – Fellowship Hall, 8003 Farmingham Road, Humble, TX 77346-2249.

Anyone around Channelview might use Martin Flukinger Community Center – Large Assembly Room, 16003 Lorenzo Street, Channelview, TX 77530. A bit farther North and West is North Channel Branch Library – Meeting Room, 15741 Wallisville Road, Houston, TX 77049 and more North is C E King Middle School, 8530 C E King Parkway, Houston, TX 77044.

On Thursday, October 29, seven polling locations will be open for over 24 hours in Harris County, and from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. October 30. You can vote over the 36-hour period at East Harris County Activity Center, Tracy Gee Community Center, Juergen’s Hall Community Center, Victory Gardens, NRG Arena, Kashmere Gardens Multi-Service Center, McGovern Texas Medical Center Commons.

The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is October 23. This is the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot, and fear of catching COVID-19 isn’t good enough to qualify thanks to the Governor enforcing his interpretation of Texas Law. Some physical condition that incapacitates otherwise is required.

Continue reading...Crosby’s elections controversial

Run-off election holds surprise results

July 16, 2020

Eagleton in a landslide; Garcia wins tight race

HARRIS COUNTY – Tuesday, the Democratic and Republican Parties held their Run-Off Primary elections and the results in several races were different than had been predicted.

Jacinto City and vicinity had a showdown between Precinct 2 Constable incumbent Chris Diaz against challenger Lt. Jerry Garcia. This was a close race, with Garcia winning by only 229 votes of 9,505 cast. This race had been marked with negative charges of unethical practices and favoritism on both sides.

Substantially more people voted in the Democratic Party in early voting at several Precinct 3 locations. Early voting counts in Crosby were 744 Democratic and 434 Republican most probably due to the hotly contentious local Precinct 3 Constable race between incumbent Sherman Eagleton, and previous constable Ken Jones, and the fact that there were more contests at issue for the Democrats. Over 150,000 votes were cast county wide on the Democratic ticket. The Republicans drew about 60,000 on their ballot.

Voters are no longer designated to specific voting precincts but habitually tend to vote at locations near where they live and with which they are familiar.

Continue reading...Run-off election holds surprise results

Controversy surrounds May 2 BHISD and Mont Belvieu elections

April 16, 2020

The city of Mont Belvieu is planning an election on May 2nd for Mayor and 2 councilmen, and the Barbers Hills ISD school district is planning an election that same day for their $277.5 million Bond Referendum and two school board seats. Voting is in person, and by mail-in ballots, which are being encouraged.

Because of the “lockdown” ordered by County officials, and an executive order from Governor Abbott telling governments and districts that they should move their May 2nd elections to November to avoid health problems and voter intimidation in May, several politicians have criticized or questioned the wisdom of the two entities in Mont Belvieu continuing their scheduled elections on May 2.

State Representatives Mayes Middleton, and Briscoe Cain, have said the elections should be moved, while City Manager Nathan Watkins and School Superintendent Greg Poole have defended the date as legal and needed early.

Voters may apply for a mail-in ballot until April 20 at www.montbelvieu.net/election. Early voting starts April 20 to April 28, at the BHISD conference center at 9600 Eagle Drive.

Continue reading...Controversy surrounds May 2 BHISD and Mont Belvieu elections