The decision will make Dallas County the largest jurisdiction in the U.S. where ballots are hand-counted. Voters will still be able to vote at any countywide vote center during early voting.
Politics
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2026 Texas Elections
Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey files for Tarrant County judge, forgoing eighth term in Congress
The Fort Worth congressman’s district was upended under the new GOP-friendly map approved this summer. He was expected to run for the district being vacated by Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
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Courts
Llano County library book removals allowed after U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear challenge
Seven residents launched a challenge in 2022 to the removal of 17 books, which included topics on race and gender. They won a reinstatement of the titles, but lost on appeal.
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2026 Texas Elections
Rep. Jasmine Crockett enters Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
Crockett, a second-term congresswoman, has skyrocketed to fame through viral spats with Republicans, becoming one of her party’s most prolific fundraisers.
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2026 Texas Elections
Democrat Colin Allred drops out of Senate race, announces run for 33rd Congressional District
The former Dallas congressman said he wanted to help his party avoid a runoff. In his campaign to return to the House, he will face U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, his successor in Congress.
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Politics
Former Texas Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff dies at 89
During his time in the Texas Senate, the moderate Republican tackled major issues such as school finance and ethics reform.
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2026 Texas Elections
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt announces run for comptroller, dropping congressional bid
The Austin Democrat said she wants to tackle waste and fraud as a watchdog over the state budget. She will retain her Senate seat if she loses.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
Supreme Court’s map ruling sends Texas Democrats toward potential primaries, retirement or higher office bids
Houston Democrats are barreling toward a primary while North Texas Democrats await Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate decision.
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Health care
How Texas’ voter-approved $3 billion dementia fund will fare in court
In 2023, Texas overcame lawsuits that sought to prevent constitutional amendments from going into effect, but one that voters approved in 2021 is still blocked.
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Texas measles outbreak
If Texas measles outbreak is still spreading, U.S. could lose measles-free status, scientists say
One study estimates that an outbreak the size of the one in West Texas earlier this year costs about $12.6 million.