Recent enforcement operations across Texas have raised concerns among undocumented immigrants. Here’s what immigration attorneys want you to know about your rights and resources.
María Méndez
María Méndez works on efforts to better connect with Texans and writes explainers and guides. She strives to answer Texans' questions about politics and public policy and to help them find resources. Previously, she reported on public education at the Austin American-Statesman, border and business issues at Texas Public Radio and politics and breaking news at The Dallas Morning News. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, interned at The Texas Tribune as an engagement fellow and worked for The Daily Texan, UT’s student newspaper. She was born in Mexico, grew up in Austin and speaks Spanish. She is based in Austin. Read Articles by María Méndez
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas Legislature 101: How bills become laws — and how you can participate in the process
Here’s a rundown of how legislation moves through the Capitol, the ways lawmakers operate and who the power players are.
Posted in
2024 Texas Elections
Following a year of partisan fights, Election Day runs smoothly across Texas
A mostly quiet Election Day in Texas came after a series of pitched partisan battles over how elections should be conducted.
Posted in
Politics
Problems voting on Election Day? Tell us your stories.
Tell us about any trouble you have trying to vote, so we can continue to report on potential challenges Texans may face at the ballot box.
Posted in
2024 Texas Elections
When will Texas election results come in? Here’s how the process unfolds.
By state law, Election Day totals must be submitted to the state within 24 hours after polls close. Meeting that deadline requires careful but quick work.
Posted in
2024 Texas Elections
Facing election scrutiny, Texas prepares for Nov. 5 with paper ballots and strengthened security
Only a handful of Texas counties will not have all in-person voters cast paper ballots at the polls. By 2026, all voting machines in Texas must produce a paper trail, per a 2021 state law.
Posted in
2024 Texas Elections
Election Day is Tuesday. Here’s a guide to your rights at Texas polls.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. Our guide outlines your voting rights and where you can cast a ballot.
Posted in
2024 Texas Elections
Here’s how to register to vote in Texas before the Oct. 7 deadline
Our guide can help you determine how to register, who is eligible to vote, whether you’re still registered and more in advance of Election Day.
Posted in
2024 Texas Elections
What Texans need to know about helping people register to vote or cast ballots
Texas officials have launched investigations into voting fraud allegations, but assisting other voters isn’t automatically illegal.
Posted in
2024 Texas Elections
Here’s how to vote in the Texas 2024 election
Election Day is Nov. 5. Here is everything you need to know about casting a ballot in Texas.