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Natalia Contreras covers election administration and voting access for Votebeat in partnership with The Texas Tribune. She has covered a range of topics as a community journalist including local government, public safety, immigration and social issues. Natalia previously reported for the Austin American-Statesman, focusing on impacts of government policies on communities of color. Natalia previously worked at the Indianapolis Star, where she helped launch the first Spanish-language newsletter, and at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. She was born in Tampico, Tamaulipas in Mexico and grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. She is based in Corpus Christi.
Collin, Bastrop and Williamson counties say they’re proactively changing their voting procedures and equipment following a federal attempt to limit barcodes or QR codes on paper ballots. Full Story
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Legislation pushed by Gov. Greg Abbott would bar voters at the polls from immediately casting a ballot based on a last-minute update to their address. Full Story
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The congressional seat in Texas’ 18th District, a hub of Black political power, has been vacant for months. Redistricting could further disrupt representation for its voters. Full Story
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For now, the state is holding off on fulfilling the request while it switches to a new voter registration management system. Full Story
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The election official, who previously worked in Tarrant County, won praise for pushing back on misinformation. Full Story
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New maps would mean months of work for election officials, and key deadlines are approaching. Full Story
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Votec, maker of voter registration management software used in Texas’ largest counties, has thrown election officials for a loop with mixed messages about its financial viability. Full Story
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Texas officials praise the revamped immigration database, but some critics are raising concerns about data privacy and accuracy. Full Story
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Most of those voters are in Harris County, home to Houston. Noncitizen voting is illegal and documented instances are rare. Full Story
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Successful measures include a new early-voting schedule, revised mail-voting procedures and limits on curbside voting. Full Story
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