The Secretary of State’s Office didn’t initially check with the Department of Public Safety, which collects proof of citizenship from people who register to vote through them.
Politics
Stay informed with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth political coverage, including Texas elections, state government, policy debates, and the leaders shaping the future of the state.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas Rep. Gary VanDeaver, a private school voucher holdout, won’t seek reelection
VanDeaver, who represents northeast Texas, was one of two House Republicans to oppose a school voucher program this year after he narrowly beat a pro-voucher primary challenger in 2024.
Posted in
2025 Legislative Recap
As Texas’ “bathroom bill” becomes law, questions remain about how it will be enforced
Some trans Texans worry that the lack of specificity on how the law will be enforced will harm their safety and lives.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls won’t seek reelection, becoming sixth Texas Republican to announce exit from Congress
The Richmond Republican, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, made the announcement with days left before the deadline for candidates to file for the 2026 primaries.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Texas proposes hiking licensing fees for summer camps by as much as 4,000%
Some Texas overnight summer camps may start paying as much as $19,500 per year to renew their license with the state. Currently, they pay $464.
Posted in
State Government
A slate of new Texas laws goes into effect December and January. Here’s what to watch.
Laws include restricting transgender people’s access to public bathrooms, allowing lawsuits against abortion pill providers, and replacement of the STAAR test.
Posted in
State Government
Texas adds new ID restrictions on vehicle registrations and renewals
The restrictions, which went into effect on Nov. 18, could upend the ability of many undocumented residents to legally own vehicles.
Posted in
Immigration
Some DACA recipients have been arrested in Trump’s immigration crackdown
As immigrants have faced increased vetting, the arrests this year signal a change in how the U.S. is handling “Dreamers” amid a reshaping of policy.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Brandon Herrera raises $1 million, swipes at Rep. Tony Gonzales over alleged affair
Gonzales recently made his first public remarks about the death of his 35-year-old aide who died after lighting herself on fire. He vigorously denied reports that the two were engaged in an extramarital affair.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Texas summer camp owners brace for more mental health issues among youth
Mental health experts expect the July 4 floods have resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder, unhealthy hypervigilance and recurring thoughts on disasters among campers.