Senate Bill 16 would create new barriers for voters and new burdens for election officials.
Natalia Contreras
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.
Posted in
Politics
Voting-rights coalition quits challenge to Texas’ 2021 redistricting after court setback
The remaining plaintiffs in the case are organizations representing Latino and Black voters, with a trial set to begin May 21.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Republican lawmakers revive effort to give attorney general more power to prosecute election crimes
Critics fear increased election prosecutions could intimidate voters and local election officials. Attorney General Ken Paxton has long sought more autonomy over election cases.
Posted in
Politics
DOJ drops fight against Texas political maps as Trump administration retreats from voting rights cases
The Biden administration had challenged a Republican-led redistricting plan that diluted the political power of minorities. Other legal challenges will continue.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas Senate majority unveils bill requiring voters to prove their citizenship
All 20 GOP senators signed on to Senate Bill 16, which would apply to currently registered voters, and restrict some to only congressional elections.
Posted in
Politics
In Guadalupe County, an elections academy aims to strengthen residents’ trust in voting
The academy offers an inside look at how votes are counted and secured. It’s building confidence — and inspiring similar programs across Texas.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Texas countywide voting bill would allow fewer polling sites
Senate Bill 985 would revise a 2023 law that raised the minimum number of voting locations. County election officials say they’ve struggled to comply with it.
Posted in
Politics
Bexar County hires veteran election official pushed out of previous job amid right-wing criticism
Michele Carew was unanimously appointed as election administrator for the county that’s home to San Antonio, four years after leaving her post in Hood County.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
Some Texas lawmakers want to ban countywide voting on Election Day. Local officials are pushing back.
Election administrators say letting people cast a ballot at any polling site is more convenient for voters and cheaper for local governments.
Posted in
State Government
Texas counties left scrambling after critical election equipment loses its certification
Texas decertified a widely used electronic pollbook after problems in November. Will a fix arrive in time for the next election?
