Civic Notes: April 3rd
Election updates, recap, legislative update, and member spotlight
📣 We’re Halfway Through the Semester Longhorns!
I hope everyone has been having a wonderful semester so far. Here’s an update on what TX Votes has been up to!
🔥 Key Dates
✅ April 11: Civic Champions application deadline
✅ April 22: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot
✅ April 22–29: Early voting period
✅ May 3: Election Day
✅ May 7–8: 40 for Forty (Virtual Fundraiser)
🗳️ Check if there’s an election in your area!
💡 TX Votes Recap
🔹 Learning About Local Government
We spoke with Krista Weatherford, Policy Advisor for City Councilmember Ryan Alter, and Sara Barge, Chief of Staff for Councilmember Zo Qadri. They shared their journeys to public service and explained the differences between city and county-level concerns. It was incredibly informative to hear firsthand what kinds of issues you should bring to your city council members!
🔹 Great Conversations Event
TX Votes attended Great Conversations, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Annette Strauss Institute. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our organization’s successes and network with fellow civic-minded individuals. We’re already looking forward to next year!
🔹 Visit from Texas Representative Gina Hinojosa
We were honored to welcome Texas State Representative Gina Hinojosa (House District 49). She shared her path to public office and insights about navigating the 89th Legislature in a polarized political environment. She also led a discussion on key legislative topics and the bills she has filed to address them. It was a privilege to learn from her experiences!
🔹 Guest Speaker: Max Rombado
We also had the pleasure of hearing from Max Rombado, Legislative Director for Raise Your Hand Texas. He discussed the importance of public education and the challenges schools face, including funding issues, grading systems, and the need for more educators. His expertise shed light on how public schools are vital to building strong communities.
🔹Social at Peace Park
Once a month, TX Votes hosts socials for its members. In March, we gathered at Peace Park for a potluck-style meetup with snacks and drinks. It was a wonderful time filled with great conversations and community!
🗳️ 89th Legislative Session Update
📌The legislative session is in full swing, with several key voting-related bills being addressed in daily hearings. Here are four significant bills we’re tracking:
SB 16 – Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration
This bill, which has passed the Senate Committee stage, requires proof of citizenship to register to vote.
Acceptable documents include a passport, birth certificate, or ID issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Volunteer Deputy Registrars (VDRs) cannot accept proof of citizenship and must receive training on this new requirement.
SB 77 (Companion: HB 1001) – Paper Ballots
This bill mandates the use of paper ballots in Texas elections and limits certain electronic devices during voting.
It aims to enhance election security by reducing potential vulnerabilities in electronic systems.
HB 2082 – Automatic and Online Voter Registration
This bill creates the Texas Voting Rights Act, allowing online and automatic voter registration as well as same-day registration.
It also expands mail-in ballot eligibility and allows online applications for mail-in ballots.
SB 147 – Expanded College Campus Polling Places
This bill requires polling places on large college and university campuses in Texas (enrollment of 5,000+ students).
The goal is to increase student voter turnout by making voting more accessible.
📌 Stay Informed: Use Texas Legislature Online to track bills, sponsors, and upcoming hearings throughout the legislative session.
🌟 Member Spotlight: Eleanor Burns
📌 Year: Freshman
📌 Major: Political Communication
📌 Hometown: Fredericksburg
📌 Role: TX Votes Member
💬 Why TX Votes?
"I joined TX Votes because I was inspired by the number of voter registrations this organization encourages, and I wanted to help others become more politically engaged."
✨ Fun Fact:
"I drive a stick shift!"