Find out what's on the ballot, where to find your nearest polling location, and much more...
Texas 2021 Elections
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Where to Vote
Registered and eligible voters may vote at ANY early voting location located in the county of residence. You may also look up your early voting location here ([link removed]) , a site powered by the Texas Secretary of State.
On Election day, if your county participates in the Countywide Polling Place Program (CWPP) ([link removed]) , you can vote at any location in your county of registration. If your county does not participate in the CWPP, you can vote at the voting precinct assigned to you.
*You can find your voting precinct location by using "My Voter Page ([link removed]) ", which will be populated with voting sites two days prior to election day. Election Day voting hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at all polling places statewide. For questions regarding polling places, always consult your County Elections Office. ([link removed]) *Your voting precinct number (Pct. No.) is located next to your year of birth on your voter registration certificate.
Fore more information visit www.VoteTexas.gov ([link removed]) .
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What's on the Ballot
In the 87th regular session, the Texas Legislature passed 8 joint resolutions proposing amendments to the state constitution. The following propositions will be on the upcoming ballot:
(Further analysis may be found here. ([link removed]) )
Proposition 1
([link removed]) HJR 143 ([link removed])
If passed, this amendment would expand the definition of "professional sports team" to include an organization sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women's Professional Rodeo Association, allowing the opportunity to conduct raffles.
(State law already allows charitable raffles to be held at many professional sporting events, including NASCAR races, PGA events, and games hosted by other professional sports teams.)
Proposition 2
HJR 99 ([link removed])
If passed, this amendment would authorize a county to issue bonds to fund infrastructure and transportation projects in undeveloped and blighted areas, as well as prohibit counties that issue bonds for such purposes from pledging more than 65% of the increase in ad valorem tax revenues to repay the bonds.
Proposition 3
SJR 27 ([link removed])
This amendment would add a new section of the constitution to prohibit the state or any political subdivision from enacting a law, rule, order, or proclamation that limits religious services or organizations.
Proposition 4
SJR 47 ([link removed])
This amendment would change the eligibility requirements for the following judicial offices: a justice of the supreme court, a judge of the court of criminal appeals, a justice of a court of appeals, and a district judge. Requirements would include:
* Candidates to be residents of Texas as well as citizens of the United States;
* Candidates to have 10 years of experience in Texas as a practicing lawyer or judge of a state or county court for candidates of the supreme court, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, or a court of appeals;
* Candidates to have 8 years of experience in Texas as a practicing lawyer or judge of a state or county court for candidates of a district court;
* Candidates to be disqualified if their license to practice law was revoked or suspended during law was revoked or suspended during the experience requirement; and
* Requirements to be applied to individuals elected or appointed to a term beginning after January 1, 2025.
Proposition 5
HJR 165 ([link removed])
This amendment authorizes the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct to accept and investigate complaints and reports against candidates running for state judicial office.
Proposition 6
SJR 19 ([link removed])
The amendment would allow residents of nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, or state-supported living centers to designate an essential caregiver that may not be prohibited from visiting the resident, (even during a pandemic).
Proposition 7
HJR 125 ([link removed])
This would amend the Texas Constitution to allow the legislature to extend a homestead tax limit for surviving spouses of disabled individuals as long as the spouse is over 55 years old and resides in the home. (Currently, disabled individuals may apply for a $10,000 homestead tax exemption and a limit on school district property taxes).
Proposition 8
SJR 35 ([link removed])
This would amend the Texas Constitution to authorize a total residence homestead property tax exemption for a surviving spouse of a member of the armed services who is killed or fatally injured in the line of duty. (Currently, the constitution grants the exemption to the surviving spouse of a member of the armed services who is killed in action). The new version would also include service members who were fatally injured during military training or other military duties.
NOW IS THE TIME TO WINTERIZE YOUR PLUMBING!
Winter Storm Uri was a historic deep freeze that left most of the state frozen and without power for nearly a week. There are several precautions every home and business owner can take now to mitigate disaster when the temperature drops!
* Always Hire a Licensed Plumber
* Insulate Water Pipes
* Replace Foundation/Attic Vents
* Locate Your Main Shutoff Valve
Do not hire a plumber if their license is not current and in good standing!
Be sure to ask for their license number and then you may check it using the TSBPE's public license search. ([link removed]) The License Detail page includes not just license status but also disciplinary and continuing education history.
Above all else, the key to preparing for another wild winter is to get out ahead of it. Take action now!
Texas A&M/TEES Nuclear Power Institute ([link removed]) is offering a six-episode masterclass mini-series in the areas of Cyber Security, Manufacturing, Automation, Radiation science, Technology and Success skills for high school students and their educators. Registration is free and students completing all six episodes will receive a class certificate of completion.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations are projected to grow two times faster than the total for all occupations in the next decade. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2019–29 employment projections show that occupations in the STEM field are expected to grow 8.0 percent by 2029, compared with 3.7 percent for all occupations.
Julian Alvarez, Labor Commissioner of the Texas Workforce Commission, presents a masterclass in artificial Intelligence that is sure to inspire the next generation of data scientists and engineers.
We hope high school students will avail themselves of this great opportunity to learn more about STEM and STEM careers! Register now [link removed] ([link removed]) .
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) is an authentic STEM learning experience for Texas high school juniors to engage with NASA’s mission and become the next generation of explorers. Like-minded students complete an online curriculum in exploration and discovery. The highest achieving students are invited to attend a five-day virtual experience plus a two-day onsite to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas during the summer. Mentored by NASA scientists and engineers, students work in teams to plan a mission to the Moon and Mars.
For more on the application process, visit the HAS website here: www.nasa.gov/has (http:// www.nasa.gov/has)
Applications are due October 21, 2021, 2 p.m. CDT
Capitol Resources
Texas House Website ([link removed])
Bill Search ([link removed])
Legislative Reference Library ([link removed])
House Research Organization ([link removed])
Legislative Budget Board ([link removed])
Capitol Visitor Information ([link removed])
District Office: 936-628-6687
10501 Hwy 150, Suite B
Shepherd, TX 77371
P.O. Box 1116
Shepherd, TX 77371
Walker County Office
1414 11th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
Capitol Office: 512-463-0570
1100 Congress Avenue, E2.812
Austin, TX 78701
P.O. Box 2910
Austin, TX 78768
Liberty County Office
1923 Sam Houston Street
Liberty, TX 77575
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