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Donald Lamb Sr., a member of Kennard’s city council, poses for a portrait outside of City Hall following a city council meeting in Kennard on April 8, 2024. The city of Kennard recently canceled its city council elections for at least the 18th time.
We the Texans

This East Texas town hasn’t held a city council election in at least 18 years

In Kennard, City Council members have been appointed after previous members retired or died.


We the Texans

Texas is an economic and cultural powerhouse. It’s also among the least civically engaged states in America. This project explores how democracy is experienced and challenged here with a collection of stories that elevate the voices of regular voters, explainers that demystify elections and events where Texans share their concerns about the state’s institutions. Sign up for our bimonthly newsletter with the latest updates here

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A Kennard city limit sign April 9, 2024.
A road adjacent to a pasture runs through town in Kennard, Texas, U.S., on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The city of Kennard has canceled its City Council elections for at least the 18th time.
April Wright, Kennard’s city administrator, reviews paperwork inside City Hall in Kennard, Texas, U.S., on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The city of Kennard has canceled its City Council elections for at least the 18th time.
Photographs of the Houston County Fair sit on a windowsill at Curry’s Auto Parts in Kennard, Texas, U.S., on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The city of Kennard has canceled its City Council elections for at least the 18th time.
Mary Ann Davis, a member of Kennard’s City Council, and April Wright, Kennard’s City Administrator, attend a City Council meeting in Kennard, Texas, U.S., on Monday, April 8, 2024. The city of Kennard has canceled its City Council elections for at least the 18th time.
The lights remain on at City Hall following a City Council meeting in Kennard, Texas, U.S., on Monday, April 8, 2024. The city of Kennard has canceled its City Council elections for at least the 18th time.

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Economy Politics State government 2024 elections