Hey, Texplainer: When I show up to the polls to vote, do I need my photo ID?
Jim Malewitz
Jim Malewitz was a reporter at the Tribune from 2013 to 2017, covering energy and environment and then working on investigations. Previously, he covered those issues for Stateline, a nonprofit news service in Washington, D.C. The Michigan native majored in political science at Grinnell College in Iowa and holds a master’s from the University of Iowa. There, he helped launch the nonprofit Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism, where he currently serves on the board of directors. Jim also coaches the Texas Tribune Runoffs, which, sources say, is the scrappiest coed newsroom softball team west of the Mississippi.
Posted in
Economy
Petroleum engineer lifts Libertarian hopes in Railroad Commission race
Mark Miller, a Libertarian running for Railroad Commission, is gaining an unusual amount of attention in a turbulent election cycle, leaving his party hopeful that it can make a splash in a statewide race.
Posted in
Guides
Texplainer: What are the rules for poll watchers?
Hey Texplainer: I hear that a poll watcher may be lingering nearby while I vote. What does Texas law say they can and cannot do?
Posted in
Politics
Texas to Russia: Stay out of our polling places
Texas has denied Russian officials’ request to observe the state’s voters in their polling places.
Posted in
Energy
Paxton sues Brownsville over fee on plastic bags
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the city of Brownsville, calling its $1 bag fee an “illegal sales tax.”
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Texas agencies want option of keeping departed employees on payroll
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office and four other agencies were questioned Wednesday about granting departing employees “emergency leave” as a form of separation payment.
Posted in
Politics
Wikileaks: Clinton Aide Noted Perry’s Economic Message Echoes Clinton’s
When Rick Perry launched his second bid for president last year, an aide to Hillary Clinton’s campaign argued the two candidates share “similar messages & themes” on the economy, according to an email released by Wikileaks.
Posted in
Politics
Texas Senator Calls State Ethics Commission “Arrogant” and “Haughty”
“If you are untouchable, we’ve got a problem,” Sen. Brian Birdwell told the chairman of the commission, which is charged with making sure public officials and campaigns obey state ethics and elections laws.
Posted in
Demographics
Ignoring Anti-Refugee Rhetoric, Texans Rush to Help in Resettlement
Texas nonprofits that resettle refugees say volunteer turnout has increased — in some cases dramatically — since the state’s elected officials started trying to bar Syrians fleeing violence at home.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Schools May Be Flouting Law on Registering Students to Vote
Hundreds of Texas high schools are likely flouting state requirements that they register eligible students to vote, new data suggests.