Politics and Elections
Are you registered to vote in Travis County? Which political animal best parallels your own beliefs? While the Republicans may have gained control of the state in recent years, there are plenty of other options for Austinites who enjoy bucking the trend. Locate political parties and follow election news at the city, county, state, and national level. Find out how, where, and when to vote. Visit the Web sites of the candidates or dig up slightly less biased views on the candidates and the issues under consideration at each election. Keep up with local election coverage and political activism in and around Austin.
Austin City Council Member Seats Up For Election in 2008
The City of Austin is conducting a general election on May 10, 2008 to vote on three members of the Austin City Council. Two current members are running for re-election. The other position is open.
The City of Austin is conducting a general election on May 10, 2008 to vote on three members of the Austin City Council. Two current members are running for re-election. The other position is open.
Candidate names, below, link to their campaign web sites, when available. The last day to file to be on the ballot is March 10 at 5 p.m.
Chief Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals Up for Re-Election
Of the six justices on the 3rd Court of Appeals, only the Chief Justice is up for re-election in 2008. Once elected, the new or returning judge starts a six-year term that runs from January 2009 to December 2014.
Of the six justices on the 3rd Court of Appeals, only the Chief Justice is up for re-election in 2008. Once elected, the new or returning judge starts a six-year term that runs from January 2009 to December 2014.
Learn more about the candidates for this seat currently held by Chief Justice W. Kenneth Law.
U.S. Senate Seat Up for Re-Election
There are 34 U.S. Senate seats up for election on November 4, 2008, including one for Texas. Once elected, the term for these new or returning senators runs from January 2009 to January 2015.
There are 34 U.S. Senate seats up for election on November 4, 2008, including one for Texas. Once elected, the term for these new or returning senators runs from January 2009 to January 2015.
Learn more about the candidates for the seat currently held by John Cornyn.
Travis County Elected Officials
Judges, Commissioners, the District Attorney, and other County officials geneally serve 4 to 6 year terms. See who holds which office in Travis County and when each office is up for election.
Judges, Commissioners, the District Attorney, and other County officials geneally serve 4 to 6 year terms. See who holds which office in Travis County and when each office is up for election.
What Offices Are Up For Election in 2008 in Travis County?
2008 is a Presidential election year. But there are plenty of other offices up for grabs at the state and county levels. While the actual names on the ballot may change between now and November 4, find out which specific state, district, and county offices, and court seats are up for election in 2008 for Travis County voters.
2008 is a Presidential election year. But there are plenty of other offices up for grabs at the state and county levels. While the actual names on the ballot may change between now and November 4, find out which specific state, district, and county offices, and court seats are up for election in 2008 for Travis County voters.
Federal Elected Officials - Travis County Elections
Texas has a hand in electing the President. Texas voters also send two senators and 32 representatives to Washington. Three of those representatives are selected by citizens of Travis County.
Texas has a hand in electing the President. Texas voters also send two senators and 32 representatives to Washington. Three of those representatives are selected by citizens of Travis County.
State Elected Officials - Travis County Elections
From the Governor to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, there are several state offices that hold 4 and 6 year terms, represent or work for the entire State of Texas, and are elected in statewide elections. Other state offices are elected by district including State Senators and Representatives and members of the State Board of Education.
From the Governor to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, there are several state offices that hold 4 and 6 year terms, represent or work for the entire State of Texas, and are elected in statewide elections. Other state offices are elected by district including State Senators and Representatives and members of the State Board of Education.
Proposition 15 - Cancer Research Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment requiring the creation of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and authorizing the issuance of up to $3 billion in bonds payable from the general revenues of the state for research in Texas to find the causes of and cures for cancer.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment requiring the creation of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and authorizing the issuance of up to $3 billion in bonds payable from the general revenues of the state for research in Texas to find the causes of and cures for cancer.
Proposition 16 - Sewer and Water Supply Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment.
Proposition 14 - Justice and Judge Mandatory Retirement Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment permitting a justice or judge who reaches the mandatory retirement age while in office to serve the remainder of the justice's or judge's current term.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment permitting a justice or judge who reaches the mandatory retirement age while in office to serve the remainder of the justice's or judge's current term.
Proposition 12 - Highway Improvement Bonds Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds by the Texas Transportation Commission in an amount not to exceed $5 billion to provide funding for highway improvement projects.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of general obligation bonds by the Texas Transportation Commission in an amount not to exceed $5 billion to provide funding for highway improvement projects.
Proposition 13 - Family Violence Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment authorizing the denial of bail to a person who violates certain court orders or conditions of release in a felony or family violence case.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment authorizing the denial of bail to a person who violates certain court orders or conditions of release in a felony or family violence case.
Proposition 11 - Legislative Vote Records Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment to require that a record vote be taken by a house of the legislature on final passage of any bill, other than certain local bills, of a resolution proposing or ratifying a constitutional amendment, or of any other nonceremonial resolution, and to provide for public access on the Internet to those record votes.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment to require that a record vote be taken by a house of the legislature on final passage of any bill, other than certain local bills, of a resolution proposing or ratifying a constitutional amendment, or of any other nonceremonial resolution, and to provide for public access on the Internet to those record votes.
Proposition 10 - Inspector of Hides and Animals Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment to abolish the constitutional authority for the office of inspector of hides and animals.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment to abolish the constitutional authority for the office of inspector of hides and animals.
Proposition 9 - Disabled Vet Tax Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt all or part of the residence homesteads of certain totally disabled veterans from ad valorem taxation and authorizing a change in the manner of determining the amount of the existing exemption from ad valorem taxation to which a disabled veteran is entitled.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt all or part of the residence homesteads of certain totally disabled veterans from ad valorem taxation and authorizing a change in the manner of determining the amount of the existing exemption from ad valorem taxation to which a disabled veteran is entitled.
Proposition 8 - Home Equity Loans Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment to clarify certain provisions relating to the making of a home equity loan and use of home equity loan proceeds.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment to clarify certain provisions relating to the making of a home equity loan and use of home equity loan proceeds.
Proposition 7 - Eminent Domain Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment to allow governmental entities to sell property acquired through eminent domain back to the previous owners at the price the entities paid to acquire the property.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment to allow governmental entities to sell property acquired through eminent domain back to the previous owners at the price the entities paid to acquire the property.
Proposition 6 - Motor Vehicle Exemption Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation one motor vehicle owned by an individual and used in the course of the owner's occupation or profession and also for personal activities of the owner.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation one motor vehicle owned by an individual and used in the course of the owner's occupation or profession and also for personal activities of the owner.
Proposition 1 - Angelo State University Amendment
Pros and Cons of the constitutional amendment providing for the continuation of the constitutional appropriation for facilities and other capital items at Angelo State University on a change in the governance of the university.
Pros and Cons of the constitutional amendment providing for the continuation of the constitutional appropriation for facilities and other capital items at Angelo State University on a change in the governance of the university.
Proposition 2 - Student Loan Amendment
Pros and Cons of The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of $500 million in general obligation bonds to finance educational loans to students and authorizing bond enhancement agreements with respect to general obligation bonds issued for that purpose.
Pros and Cons of The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of $500 million in general obligation bonds to finance educational loans to students and authorizing bond enhancement agreements with respect to general obligation bonds issued for that purpose.
Proposition 3 - Homestead Appraisal Value Amendment
Pros and Cons of The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide that the maximum appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem taxation is limited to the lesser of the most recent market value of the residence homestead as determined by the appraisal entity or 110 percent, or a greater percentage, of the appraised value of the residence homestead for the preceding tax year.
Pros and Cons of The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide that the maximum appraised value of a residence homestead for ad valorem taxation is limited to the lesser of the most recent market value of the residence homestead as determined by the appraisal entity or 110 percent, or a greater percentage, of the appraised value of the residence homestead for the preceding tax year.
Proposition 4 - Maintenance, Construction Bonds Amendment
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of up to $1 billion in bonds payable from the general revenues of the state for maintenance, improvement, repair, and construction projects and for the purchase of needed equipment.
Pros and cons of the constitutional amendment authorizing the issuance of up to $1 billion in bonds payable from the general revenues of the state for maintenance, improvement, repair, and construction projects and for the purchase of needed equipment.
Proposition 5 - Small City Downtown Property Amendment
Pros and Cons of the constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit the voters of a municipality having a population of less than 10,000 to authorize entering into an agreement with an owner of real property approved for funding under certain Texas Department of Agriculture programs under which the parties agree that all ad valorem taxes imposed on the owner's property may not be increased for the first five tax years after the tax year in which the agreement is entered into.
Pros and Cons of the constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to permit the voters of a municipality having a population of less than 10,000 to authorize entering into an agreement with an owner of real property approved for funding under certain Texas Department of Agriculture programs under which the parties agree that all ad valorem taxes imposed on the owner's property may not be increased for the first five tax years after the tax year in which the agreement is entered into.
Texas Marriage Amendment
Here is the text of House Joint Resolution Number 6, also known as the Texas Marriage Amendment, including the wording to appear on the ballot on November 8, 2005. Get history and commentary on this proposed change to the Texas Constitution.
Here is the text of House Joint Resolution Number 6, also known as the Texas Marriage Amendment, including the wording to appear on the ballot on November 8, 2005. Get history and commentary on this proposed change to the Texas Constitution.
Travis County Democratic Party
Offers current news, a calendar, and commentary from party officials. Register to vote, make a donation.
Offers current news, a calendar, and commentary from party officials. Register to vote, make a donation.
Travis County Green Party
Read about their Presidential candidates and other news from the Greens.
Read about their Presidential candidates and other news from the Greens.
Travis County Libertarian Party
Learn more about the Libertarian platform as well as news on their Presidential candidate who has his campaign headquarters here in Austin.
Learn more about the Libertarian platform as well as news on their Presidential candidate who has his campaign headquarters here in Austin.
Travis County Republican Party
Get election information, meet party officials, and make a contribution to the GOP.
Get election information, meet party officials, and make a contribution to the GOP.
Stonewall Democrats of Austin
Their mission is to "sensitize and educate Democratic candidates and officeholders and the Democratic Party to the issues and concerns of the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) community." Check their calendar for regular meetings and special events.
Their mission is to "sensitize and educate Democratic candidates and officeholders and the Democratic Party to the issues and concerns of the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) community." Check their calendar for regular meetings and special events.
Texas Democratic Party
The Dems report on the Kerry-Edwards ticket as well as statewide party news. Check the events calendar and read the Yellow Dog blog.
The Dems report on the Kerry-Edwards ticket as well as statewide party news. Check the events calendar and read the Yellow Dog blog.
Green Party of Texas
Meet the candidates, read the news, and view a side-by-side comparison of the Green Party and other major political parties.
Meet the candidates, read the news, and view a side-by-side comparison of the Green Party and other major political parties.
Reform Party of Texas
Provides news, events, and rules. Read the party's platform.
Provides news, events, and rules. Read the party's platform.
Republican Party of Texas
See what the GOP is doing all over the state through news, polls, and a library of information.
See what the GOP is doing all over the state through news, polls, and a library of information.
Elections - Texas Almanac 2004-2005
Carolyn Barta recounts how the 2002 election sealed the deal on the "Republicanization of Texas."
Carolyn Barta recounts how the 2002 election sealed the deal on the "Republicanization of Texas."
Congressman Lamar Smith
Learn more about the current Congressman from District 21 and his bid for re-election.
Learn more about the current Congressman from District 21 and his bid for re-election.
Michael McCaul
This Republican aims to occupy the District 10 seat vacated by Democrat Lloyd Doggett (who is seeking re-election in District 25 due to redistricting).
This Republican aims to occupy the District 10 seat vacated by Democrat Lloyd Doggett (who is seeking re-election in District 25 due to redistricting).
What District Do You Vote In? Who Represents Austin and Travis County in the Texas Legislature and US Congress?
Find your Texas State Senators and Representatives. Learn which State and US Congressional Districts cover Austin and Travis County.
Find your Texas State Senators and Representatives. Learn which State and US Congressional Districts cover Austin and Travis County.
What Do the City of Austin November 2006 Bond Elections Cover?
There are 7 propositions on the ballot for the City of Austin on November 7, 2006. Here's what these bond elections will create.
There are 7 propositions on the ballot for the City of Austin on November 7, 2006. Here's what these bond elections will create.
What Are We Voting For in the November 2006 Elections?
Tuesday, November 7, 2006 Travis County is conducting Joint General and Special Elections. In addition to voting for Governor for Texas, we'll be voting for United States Senators and Representatives and a variety of state offices including Attorney General, commissioners, and judges. Also, in Austin there are several bond issues on the ballot on November 7.
Tuesday, November 7, 2006 Travis County is conducting Joint General and Special Elections. In addition to voting for Governor for Texas, we'll be voting for United States Senators and Representatives and a variety of state offices including Attorney General, commissioners, and judges. Also, in Austin there are several bond issues on the ballot on November 7.
Video Voting for Governor
Which of our candidates for Governor made the best impression in his or her TV ads? Did they inform, educate, or simply make you laugh (or groan)? Watch the ads then cast your vote for the most entertaining, most negative, and most truthful videos regardless of who you might have voted for.
Which of our candidates for Governor made the best impression in his or her TV ads? Did they inform, educate, or simply make you laugh (or groan)? Watch the ads then cast your vote for the most entertaining, most negative, and most truthful videos regardless of who you might have voted for.