{"id":1953,"date":"2026-03-16T11:07:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T16:07:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commoncause.org\/texas\/?page_id=1953"},"modified":"2026-04-03T13:13:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T18:13:30","slug":"policy-library","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.commoncause.org\/texas\/policy-library\/","title":{"rendered":"Policy Library"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":""},"class_list":["post-1953","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"header":{"component_page_header":{"header_type":"default","title":"Welcome to our Policy Library!","lead":"","image":"","subnavigation":false}},"sidebar":{"helper_enable_sidebar":false,"helper_media_contact":{"heading":"Media Contact","manually_enter_person":false,"person":"","name":"","role":"","phone":"","email":""},"helper_links_downloads":{"heading":"Links & Downloads","links":null}},"page_layout":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"intro....."}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"Article V Convention of States"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

Article V Convention of States<\/span><\/h2>\r\nArticle V of our Constitution says there are two ways to amend it. The first is by a two-thirds vote of both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. The second is by a new constitutional convention, which Congress is required to hold if two-thirds of state legislatures (34 states) call for one.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nLately, wealthy donors, corporations, and radical far-right actors have been pushing calls for an Article V Convention across the country. They want to reshape our Constitution for their own benefit. The Constitution does <\/span>not<\/b> contain rules for an Article V Convention. Extremists and wealthy special interests see it as their best chance to write their far-right agenda into the Constitution.<\/span>\r\n\r\nAn Article V Convention could repeal <\/span>any<\/b> of our cherished amendments, including the First Amendment right to free speech and freedom of the press, the 19th Amendment for women\u2019s right to vote, the Sixth Amendment right to a speedy and public trial by jury, the 24th Amendment abolition of poll taxes, or the 22nd Amendment limitation that a president can only serve two terms. It could also add amendments to take away reproductive rights, undo marriage equality, or allow deportation without due process.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOur Constitution isn\u2019t perfect, but we won\u2019t fix it by Article V Convention. It\u2019s a Pandora\u2019s Box that should stay closed.<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more: ","panels":[{"panel_heading":"Stopping a Dangerous Article V Convention Summary","panel_copy":"Stopping a Dangerous Article V Convention<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"A Constitutional Convention With No Guardrails Is A Real Possibility Blog post","panel_copy":"A Constitutional Convention With No Guardrails Is A Real Possibility<\/a> \u2013 We Must Stop It from Common Cause National"},{"panel_heading":"Article V Law review article","panel_copy":"The Article V Convention Threat Awakens: Looking Within, Abroad, and Ahead<\/span><\/a> from the William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"The Threat of an Article V Convention Explainer","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/span>Explained: The Threat of an Article V Convention<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Opposing HJR 98 Flyer","panel_copy":"Opposing HJR 98<\/span><\/a>, which reauthorized Texas\u2019s call for an Article V Convention in 2025<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Ads opposing an Article V Convention","panel_copy":"Ads opposing an Article V Convention<\/span><\/a>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"Countywide Polling"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

Countywide Polling<\/span><\/h2>\r\nThanks to the Countywide Polling Place Program established in <\/span>Texas Election Code 43.007<\/span><\/a>, many Texans get to cast their ballots at any polling place in their county on Election Day. During early voting, all Texas voters can vote countywide (known in many states as \u201cvote centers\u201d or \u201csuper-precincts\u201d). On Election Day, voting reverts to precinct-only polling places <\/span>unless<\/b> counties opt in to Countywide Polling. As of Fall 2025, 100 of our state\u2019s 254 counties have implemented countywide polling, allowing 85% of registered Texas voters to vote at their polling place of choice on Election Day.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis program prevents thousands of ballots from being thrown out just because they were cast in the wrong neighborhood. Countywide voters can cast a ballot near their home, workplace, child\u2019s school, or doctor\u2019s office. Voters facing long lines are free to go to a polling place with a shorter one. Countywide polling is popular with voters across the political spectrum. Convenience isn\u2019t a partisan issue! We will fight any attempt to do away with the Countywide Polling Place Program in Texas.<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more:","panels":[{"panel_heading":"a List of Counties that are approved to use Countywide Polling in Texas","panel_copy":"Counties that are approved to use Countywide Polling in Texas<\/span><\/a>, Texas Secretary of State<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Texas Republicans are punishing voters \u2018because we can\u2019 Op-Ed","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/span>Texas Republicans are punishing voters \u2018because we can\u2019<\/span><\/a> (March 2026)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Map of Countywide Polling Counties","panel_copy":"Map of Countywide Polling Counties by 2024 Election Results<\/span><\/a> (March 2025)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Texas Conservatives want to end Countywide Polling Explainer","panel_copy":"Texas Conservatives want to end Countywide Polling. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/span><\/a> (June 2024)<\/span>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"Elections Generally"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

Elections Generally<\/span><\/h2>\r\nTexas elections happen more than you think! Each election consists of an Early Voting period and Election Day. Check <\/span>Vote411<\/span><\/a> to find out the dates of the next election in your area and plan out your ballot!<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more","panels":[{"panel_heading":"Timeline: \u00a0Important Election Dates for 2026","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/span>Important Election Dates for 2026<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Explainer: What is a Primary Election in Texas?","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/span>What is a Primary Election in Texas?<\/span><\/a> (February 2026)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Explainer: What is a Runoff Election in Texas?","panel_copy":"What is a Runoff Election in Texas?<\/span><\/a> (November 2025)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Explainer: What is a Special Election in Texas?","panel_copy":"What is a Special Election in Texas?<\/span><\/a> (April 2025)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Texas Election Protection: A Post-Election Report","panel_copy":"Texas Election Protection: A Post-Election Report<\/span><\/a> (February 2023)<\/span>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"High School Voter Registration"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

High School Voter Registration<\/span><\/h2>\r\nTexas Election Code 13.046<\/span><\/a> requires Texas high schools to offer voter registration to eligible high school seniors twice a year. Schools that follow this law create a lifelong pattern of voting in young people. Unfortunately, underfunded and overworked teachers and administrators can\u2019t always prioritize high school voter registration. Common Cause Texas works with our partners to help encourage and support compliance.<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more","panels":[{"panel_heading":"Resource: Texas Secretary of State Guidance for High School Deputy Voter Registrars","panel_copy":"Texas Secretary of State Guidance for High School Deputy Voter Registrars<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Volunteer opportunity: Help the Texas League of Women Voters register Texas high schoolers!","panel_copy":"Help the Texas League of Women Voters register Texas high schoolers!<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Report: Texas High School Voter Registration: A How To Guide","panel_copy":"Texas High School Voter Registration: A How To Guide<\/span><\/a>, Texas Civil Rights Project (October 2025)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Report: \u00a0Texas High Schools\u2019 Noncompliance with Voter Registration Requirements","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/b>Texas High Schools\u2019 Noncompliance with Voter Registration Requirements<\/span><\/a>, MIT Election Data + Science Lab (October 2021)<\/span>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"Immigration and Voting Safe from ICE"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

Immigration and Voting Safe from ICE<\/span><\/h2>\r\nOnly citizens are able to register and cast a ballot in Texas. No one has ever been able to show that noncitizen voting changed an election result in the United States. But the myth of noncitizen voting is a two-for-one deal; it lets Texas leaders steal power from voters and immigrants at the same time. Many currently eligible voting citizens came to the US as immigrants, and they are more likely to be purged from the voter rolls because of outdated information. In the last few years, our state has used countless tactics to hurt voters, immigrants, and immigrant voters. Common Cause opposes all such suppression.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Constitution guarantees some fundamental rights to every person in this country regardless of their immigration status, including rights to due process, freedom of speech, the right to remain silent in the presence of law enforcement, and protection against unlawful search and seizure. We will fight for the rights of our friends and neighbors, regardless of their immigration status.<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more","panels":[{"panel_heading":"Voting & Immigration Presentation","panel_copy":"Voting & Immigration<\/span><\/a> (February 2026)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"\u00a0Vote Safe from ICE in Texas Toolkit","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/span>Vote Safe from ICE in Texas<\/span><\/a> (February 2026)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Explainer: Vote Safe from ICE in Texas","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/span>Vote Safe from ICE in Texas<\/span><\/a> (February 2026)<\/span>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"Legislature"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

Legislature<\/span><\/h2>\r\nThe Texas Legislature is composed of a 31-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives. Its regular session happens once every two years, starting on the second Tuesday in January of odd-numbered years. Each session lasts 140 days. Those short 140 days control the lives of every person in our state, and Common Cause Texas is always there to fight for our interests. Join us!<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more","panels":[{"panel_heading":"Presentation: 2025 Texas Legislature Wrap-Up","panel_copy":"2025 Texas Legislature Wrap-Up<\/span><\/a> (June 2025)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Watch CCTX Testimonies Here","panel_copy":"Watch CCTX Testimonies Here<\/span><\/a> (May 2025)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Presentation: How to Testify at the Legislature","panel_copy":"How to Testify at the Legislature<\/span><\/a> (February 2025)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Presentation: Lege 101 ","panel_copy":"Lege 101<\/span><\/a> (January 2025)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Texas Capitol Tips and Tricks Video ","panel_copy":"Texas Capitol Tips and Tricks<\/span><\/a> (January 2025)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"\u00a0Common Cause Texas Lege Hub\u00a0","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/b>Common Cause Texas Lege Hub<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"Money in Politics"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

Money in Politics<\/span><\/h2>\r\nFederal candidates \u2013 and most local candidates in Texas \u2013 have to abide by some level of limits to the amount of money they can accept from donors. For state candidates, there is no limit whatsoever.<\/span>\r\n\r\nLimiting the amount and source of campaign contributions is one of the most common tactics for regulating money in politics. Texas is one of just four states that place no limits on contributions. Limits vary widely from state to state and from office to office within a state.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe vast majority of us know money has too much influence in politics. That's why we're committed to passing common sense contribution limits. We want to ensure that the voices of everyday Texans aren\u2019t drowned out by unlimited money in our elections.<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more","panels":[{"panel_heading":"\u00a0Stop Big Money in Texas","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/b>Stop Big Money in Texas<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Report: ALEC-tioneering: Unmasking Money & Influence in Texas Politics","panel_copy":"ALEC-tioneering: Unmasking Money & Influence in Texas Politics<\/span><\/a> (November 2023)<\/span>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"Online Voter Registration"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

Online Voter Registration<\/span><\/h2>\r\nForty-three states offer online registration. Of the remaining seven states, three have same-day voter registration. Texas is one of just four states that require you to register weeks in advance, either in person or by mail. You can bank online, update your driver\u2019s license online, store and access your medical records online. We\u2019re pushing Texas to catch up with the times and allow quick, secure online voter registration.<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more","panels":[{"panel_heading":"Online Voter Registration Summary","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/span>Online Voter Registration<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Report: \u00a0The Administrative Advantage: Online Voter Registration","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/span>The Administrative Advantage: Online Voter Registration<\/span><\/a> (April 2019)<\/span>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"Open Primaries"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

Open Primaries<\/span><\/h2>\r\nYou probably know that a primary election is a partisan election in which voters select the candidates who will be on the ballot in the general election. In Texas, we have open primaries, so all eligible voters can choose to vote on either a Republican or Democratic slate of candidates. Texans of all parties<\/span> overwhelmingly support<\/span><\/a> our open primary system, despite recent efforts to close it. We need to preserve open primaries to make sure that every Texan\u2014Republican, Democrat, Independent, and undecided\u2014gets to participate in our political process.<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more","panels":[{"panel_heading":"The History of Primary Elections in Texas Video","panel_copy":"The History of Primary Elections in Texas<\/span><\/a>, presented with Texas Civil Rights Project and League of Women Voters of Texas (February 2026)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"2026 Texas Primary Roundup Video","panel_copy":"2026 Texas Primary Roundup<\/span><\/a>, presented with Texas Civil Rights Project and League of Women Voters of Texas (February 2026, slides <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Explainer: What is a Primary Election in Texas?","panel_copy":"What is a Primary Election in Texas?<\/span><\/a> (February 2026)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Primary Election Texas Toolkit","panel_copy":"Primary Election Texas Toolkit<\/span><\/a> (December 2025)<\/span>\r\n\r\n "},{"panel_heading":"Social media posts in favor of Open Primaries","panel_copy":"Social media posts in favor of Open Primaries<\/span><\/a> (December 2025)<\/span>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"Proof of Citizenship"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

Proof of Citizenship<\/span><\/h2>\r\nIn the last few years, democracy deniers have been spreading the racist conspiracy theory that ineligible voting is moving the needle in our elections. There is no proof that noncitizen voting has ever once affected an election outcome in the United States. Regardless of reality, state and federal officials who fear their own voters are using this myth to advance legislation requiring voters to prove citizenship to register to vote.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nProving citizenship to vote would inconvenience all Texans, but some communities would be hit harder than others. Approximately 1.3 million voting-age Texas citizens (7% of eligible voters) would have difficulty providing proof of citizenship via a birth certificate, passport, or certificate of naturalization. Young voters (18-29) in Texas are three times more likely to have trouble accessing proof of citizenship compared to older voters. About 8% of Latine Texans and 5% of Black Texans report that they cannot easily access proof of citizenship.<\/span>\r\n\r\nUnpopular measures like the federal SAVE Act and the failed SB 16 would limit access to the ballot and disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of voters. Texas already has <\/span>extensive checks in place<\/span><\/a> to keep noncitizens off the voter rolls. We don\u2019t buy the racist lies about noncitizen voting, and we don\u2019t need the false solution of proof of citizenship.<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more","panels":[{"panel_heading":"The SAVE Act Summary","panel_copy":"The SAVE Act<\/span><\/a> (2026)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"\u00a0Clarifying Texas\u2019s constitutional amendment on \u201cnoncitizen voting\u201d","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/span>Clarifying Texas\u2019s constitutional amendment on \u201cnoncitizen voting\u201d<\/span><\/a> (October 2025)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Presentation: Say No to the So-Called SAVE Act","panel_copy":"Say No to the So-Called SAVE Act<\/span><\/a> (March 2025)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Presentation: Voting Rights Briefing on Documentary Proof of Citizenship","panel_copy":"Voting Rights Briefing on Documentary Proof of Citizenship<\/span><\/a> (February 2025)<\/span>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"Protesting"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

Protesting<\/span><\/h2>\r\nThe First Amendment protects your right to assemble peacefully and share your views by protesting. But this right comes with some limitations, including where and when you can protest. Before you march, take some time to familiarize yourself with the best way to stay safe while you shout your views.<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more","panels":[{"panel_heading":"\u00a0A Student\u2019s Guide to Protesting in Texas","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/span>A Student\u2019s Guide to Protesting in Texas<\/span><\/a> (February 2026)<\/span>"},{"panel_heading":"Tips for Protesting in Texas","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/span>Tips for Protesting in Texas<\/span><\/a> (March 2025)<\/span>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"Redistricting"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

Redistricting<\/span><\/h2>\r\nThe population of the United States changes constantly, but federal legislation keeps the House of Representatives capped at 435 members. States redraw their electoral districts to redistribute those 435 members across the states according to population. This process, known as redistricting, is <\/span>supposed<\/span><\/i> to happen every 10 years. Redistricting should be used as a tool to make sure that everyone has a voice in our government, but in some states (and off-year cycles), redistricting has become a weapon to silence the voices of Black, Latine, and Asian-American voters.<\/span>\r\n\r\nDrawing unfair maps \u2014 a process known as gerrymandering \u2014 denies communities the representation and resources they deserve. Our work to end gerrymandering includes efforts in the courts, on the ballot, and in state and federal legislatures to ensure a just and independent process.<\/span>"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Read more","panels":[{"panel_heading":"Fair Redistricting and Ending Gerrymandering Summary","panel_copy":"Fair Redistricting and Ending Gerrymandering<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":" Mid\u2011Decade Redistricting: Democracy on the Line Summary","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/b>Mid\u2011Decade Redistricting: Democracy on the Line<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Presentation: The Latest on Texas Redistricting","panel_copy":"The Latest on Texas Redistricting<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Presentation: Carving Up the Lone Star State","panel_copy":"Carving Up the Lone Star State<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Video: Five weeks of redistricting in under five minutes","panel_copy":"Five weeks of redistricting in under five minutes<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Video: Common Cause testimony against 2025 Redistricting","panel_copy":"Common Cause testimony against 2025 Redistricting<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Explainer: redistricting added to the 89th special session in Texas","panel_copy":"\u00a0<\/b>It\u2019s official, redistricting was added to our special session in Texas, here\u2019s what you need to know<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Presentation: Texas Redistricting Emergency Webinar ","panel_copy":"Texas Redistricting Emergency Webinar<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Presentation: Preparing for the Redistricting Special Session","panel_copy":"Preparing for the Redistricting Special Session<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Explainer: Trump wants to rig our maps","panel_copy":"Trump wants to rig our maps<\/span><\/a>"},{"panel_heading":"Report: Texas Community Redistricting Report Card","panel_copy":"Texas Community Redistricting Report Card<\/span><\/a>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_chapter_marker","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_chapter_marker":{"chapter_title":"State Takeover of Elections"}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"

State Takeover of Elections<\/span><\/h2>\r\nIn Texas, we have a decentralized election system. Our Secretary of State oversees all elections, and the state legislature sets laws and standards that all counties must follow. Other than that, local election officials are<\/span> supposed<\/span><\/i> to have discretion to run elections that make sense for their citizens. Harris County (home to 2,702,952 registered voters) should run elections differently from Loving County (home to 149 registered voters). Occasionally, our state leaders threaten to usurp the power of local election officials in order to influence who is able to cast a ballot in those counties. Common Cause Texas opposes all attempts to thwart the will of the voters, including through a state takeover.<\/span>\r\n\r\n "}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_basic_html","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_basic_html":{"heading":"Presentation: Threatened Takeover of Harris County Elections (January 2026)","code":"
\r\n