- From the Texas SOS: Glossary of Elections Terminology.
- advanced or early voting:
. . . a convenience voting process by which voters in a public election can vote before a scheduled election day. Early voting can take place remotely, such as via postal voting, or in person, usually in designated early voting polling stations. The availability and time periods for early voting vary among jurisdictions and types of election. The goals of early voting are usually to increase voter participation, relieve congestion at polling stations on election day, and avoid possible discrimination against people with work and travel schedules that may effectively prohibit them from getting to the polls during the hours provided in a single election day.
- - VoteTexas.gov - Early Voting:
- - National Conference of State Legislatures - Early In-Person Voting.
- - Texas State Law Library - Absentee & Early Voting.
- blanket or wide-open primary:
a system used for selecting political party candidates in a primary election, used in Argentina and historically in the United States. In a blanket primary, voters may pick one candidate for each office without regard to party lines; for instance, a voter might select a Democratic candidate for governor and a Republican candidate for senator. In a traditional blanket primary the candidates with the highest number of votes for each office in each party advance to the general election, as the respective party's nominee. Blanket primaries differ from open primaries – in open primaries voters may pick candidates regardless of their own party registration, but may only choose among candidates from a single party of the voter's choice. A blanket primary gives registered voters maximum choice in selecting candidates among those systems that separate primary from general elections. Blanket primary elections also serve as polls for the general elections, revealing the portion of votes that the candidates are expected to receive in them.
- casework:
The term “casework” refers to assistance provided by members of Congress (or the Texas Legislature) to constituents who need help while filing a grievance with the federal government or a federal agency.
In a lot of cases, constituents don’t know how to get help if they have an issue relating to federal government services or a problem with federal programs. Casework gives these constituents a chance to seek that help from their representatives in Washington.
- closed primary:
an election to select candidates to run for public office. Primaries may be closed (partisan), allowing only declared party members to vote, or open (nonpartisan), enabling all voters to choose which party’s primary they wish to vote in without declaring any party affiliation. Primaries may be direct or indirect. A direct primary, which is now used in some form in all U.S. states, functions as a preliminary election whereby voters decide their party’s candidates. In an indirect primary, voters elect delegates who choose the party’s candidates at a nominating convention.
- - National Conference of State Legislatures: State Primary Election Types.
- credit claiming: To claim credit for something that benefits constituents "If it is assumed that Members of Congress (MCs) are single-minded seekers of reelection, then we would predict that MCs would devote substantial resources to three basic activities: Advertising (making yourself seen, e.g. franking, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, speeches, interviews), credit claiming (particularistic policies, pork, casework, etc), and position taking (using role call votes and speeches to stake out a popular position more than to change policy). "
- cross-filing: cross-filing (similar to the concept of electoral fusion) occurs when a candidate runs in the primary election of not only their own party, but also that of one or more other parties,[1] generally in the hope of reducing or eliminating their competition at the general election. It was in effect in California from 1913 to 1959, when it was abolished, and has been used in other states, most significantly in New York and New Hampshire, where it is still in effect.
- direct primary: A direct primary is a primary in which voters choose candidates via direct vote. This is contrasted with an indirect primary, in which voters choose delegates who then choose a party's candidates at a later convention. An example of a direct primary is the Pennsylvania state primary, in which voters vote directly for candidates for congressional and state-level office. An example of an indirect primary is the presidential preference primary.[
- disclosure: Individuals and organizations that act in a political forum — officeholders, candidates, donors, and interest groups promoting or opposing issues during election cycles — are subject to government-mandated disclosure requirements. These requirements allow interested parties, such as the media and the public, to examine records otherwise hidden from them. The result is closer scrutiny of facts and figures and of the relationships between political actors.
- equal protection clause: The Supreme Court’s equal protection jurisprudence as applied to voting laws has most prominently been developed in the context of redistricting. The Supreme Court has interpreted the Constitution to require that electoral districts within a redistricting map contain an approximately equal number of persons, which is known as the equality standard or the principle of one person, one vote.
- general election: A general election is an election in which candidates are elected to offices. This is in contrast to a primary election, which is used either to narrow the field of candidates for a given elective office or to determine the nominees for political parties in advance of a general election. Generally, candidates for a general election are chosen via a primary election, but this is not always the case.
- grandfather clause: The term originated in late 19th-century legislation and constitutional amendments passed by a number of Southern U.S. states, which created new requirements for literacy tests, payment of poll taxes and residency and property restrictions to register to vote. States in some cases exempted those whose ancestors (i.e., grandfathers) had the right to vote before the American Civil War or as of a particular date from such requirements. The intent and effect of such rules was to prevent former African-American slaves and their descendants from voting but without denying poor and illiterate whites the right to vote.
- incumbent: The incumbent is the current holder of an office or position, usually in relation to an election. In an election for president, the incumbent is the person holding or acting in the office of president before the election, whether seeking re-election or not. In some situations, there may not be an incumbent at time of an election for that office or position (ex; when a new electoral division is created), in which case the office or position is regarded as vacant or open. In the United States, an election without an incumbent is referred to as an open seat or open contest.
- independent candidate: An independent or non-partisan politician is a politician not affiliated with any political party or bureaucratic association. There are numerous reasons why someone may stand for office as an independent.
Some politicians have political views that do not align with the platforms of any political party, and therefore choose not to affiliate with them. Some independent politicians may be associated with a party, perhaps as former members of it, or else have views that align with it, but choose not to stand in its name, or are unable to do so because the party in question has selected another candidate. Others may belong to or support a political party at the national level but believe they should not formally represent it (and thus be subject to its policies) at another level. In some cases, a politician may be a member of an unregistered party, and therefore officially recognised as an independent.
Independents sometimes choose to form a party, alliance, or technical group with other independents, and may formally register that organization. Even where the word "independent" is used, such alliances can have much in common with a political party, especially if there is an organization which needs to approve the "independent" candidates.
- - Texas SOS: Running as an Independent Candidate in 2022.
- - Texas SOS: Independent Candidates.
- literacy test: A literacy test assesses a person's literacy skills: their ability to read and write. Literacy tests have been administered by various governments, particularly to immigrants. In the US, between the 1850s[1] and 1960s, literacy tests administered to voters had the effect of disenfranchising African Americans and other groups with diminished access to education.
- majority election: A majority voting system is an electoral system in which the winner of an election is the candidate that received more than half of the votes cast. In the event that no candidate wins an outright majority, a runoff election is held between the top two vote-getters. For this reason, majority systems are sometimes referred to as two-round systems.
- Motor Voter Act: a United States federal law signed into law by President Bill Clinton on May 20, 1993, that came into effect on January 1, 1995.[1] The law was enacted under the Elections Clause of the United States Constitution and advances voting rights in the United States by requiring state governments to offer simplified voter registration processes for any eligible person who applies for or renews a driver's license or applies for public assistance, and requiring the United States Postal Service to mail election materials of a state as if the state is a nonprofit.[2] The law requires states to register applicants that use a federal voter registration form, and prohibits states from removing registered voters from the voter rolls unless certain criteria are met.
- open primary: An open primary is a type of primary election where voters do not have to formally affiliate with a political party in advance in order to vote in its primary. In some cases, voters can declare their affiliation with a party at the polls on the day of the primary, even if those voters were previously affiliated with a different party.
- party-line voting: in a deliberative assembly (such as a constituent assembly, parliament, or legislature) is a vote in which a substantial majority of members of a political party vote the same way (usually in opposition to the other political party(ies) whose members vote the opposite way).
Sources vary on what proportion of party members must adhere to the party line in order for the vote to constitute a "party-line" vote. For example, in the United States, the Congressional Record has stated: "A party-line vote is one on which a majority of Republicans vote one way and a majority of Democrats vote another. 2. A bipartisan vote is one in which a majority of Republicans and a majority of Democrats vote the same way".
- party primary: a voting process by which voters can indicate their preference for their party's candidate, or a candidate in general, in an upcoming general election, local election, or by-election. Depending on the country and administrative divisions within the country, voters might consist of the general public in what is called an open primary, or solely the members of a political party in what is called a closed primary. In addition to these, there are other variants on primaries (which are discussed below) that are used by many countries holding elections throughout the world.
The origins of primary elections can be traced to the progressive movement in the United States, which aimed to take the power of candidate nomination from party leaders to the people.
- plurality election: electoral systems in which a candidate(s), who poll more than any other counterpart (that is, receive a plurality), are elected. In systems based on single-member districts, it elects just one member per district and may also be referred to as first-past-the-post (FPTP), single-member plurality (SMP/SMDP),[1] single-choice voting[citation needed] (an imprecise term as non-plurality voting systems may also use a single choice), simple plurality[citation needed] or relative majority (as opposed to an absolute majority, where more than half of votes is needed, this is called majority voting). A system which elects multiple winners elected at once with the plurality rule, such as one based on multi-seat districts, is referred to as plurality block voting.
- poll tax: also known as head tax or capitation, is a tax levied as a fixed sum on every liable individual (typically every adult), without reference to income or resources.[1] Poll is an archaic term for "head" or "top of the head". The sense of "counting heads" is found in phrases like polling place and opinion poll. Prior to the mid 20th century, a poll tax was implemented in some U.S. state and local jurisdictions and paying it was a requirement before one could exercise one's right to vote. After this right was extended to all races by the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution, many Southern states enacted poll taxes as a means of excluding African-American voters, most of whom were poor and unable to pay a tax.
- position taking: Politicians get "reward for taking positions rather than achieving effects"
- preference primary: a primary election in which a voter indicates a preference for a particular candidate to be a party's nominee for the presidency. Caucuses may also be conducted as part of the presidential nominating process. In general, a state's presidential preference primary or caucus is not a direct election; that is, voters do not select the party's nominee directly, but instead vote for delegates who will then vote for the preferred candidate at the party's national convention, where the presidential nominee is formally selected. Presidential preference primaries are conducted by the state in accordance with state laws; caucuses, by contrast, are conducted by the parties themselves.
- primary election: Primary elections allow voters to determine which candidates compete in the general election and can be nonpartisan or partisan. Nonpartisan and all-party primaries are used to narrow a wider field of candidates for a nonpartisan office. In partisan primaries, voters choose the candidates they prefer for a political party to nominate in the general election. The laws governing primary elections vary from state to state and can even vary within states by locality and political party. This variation has created a number of different types of partisan primary elections.
- private financing: Some countries rely heavily on private donors to finance political campaigns. These kinds of donations can come from private individuals, as well as groups such as trade unions and for-profit corporations. Tactics for raising money may include direct mail solicitation, attempts to encourage supporters to contribute via the Internet, direct solicitation from the candidate, and events specifically for the purpose of fundraising, or other activities.
Fundraising from private donors is often a significant activity for the campaign staff and the candidate, especially in larger and more prominent campaigns. For example, one survey in the United States found that 23% of candidates for statewide office surveyed say that they spent more than half of their scheduled time raising money. Over half of all candidates surveyed spent at least 1/4 of their time on fundraising.
- public financing: The Federal Election Commission, the agency that oversees federal election financing, defines public financing as the receipt of "federal government funds to pay for the valid expenses of [candidates’] political campaigns in both the primary and general elections."
In plain English, this means if campaigns play by the FEC’s rules, they may use U.S. Treasury dollars to fund their primary and general elections. The amount of Treasury money available is determined by the American people. When we file our taxes, we can choose to check a box to set aside $3 from our taxes to be distributed to qualified candidates. This does not increase anyone’s tax bill or decrease the amount of a refund. The money is taken from the taxes you’re already paying and set aside in the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.
- roll off: What is voter roll-off? Voter roll-off happens when voters submit an incomplete ballot - meaning they only fill out the top of the ticket. With down-ballot races specifically voters are less likely to complete their ballot because they typically know nothing about these races.
Why does it matter? For a local race, voter roll-off or "undervotes" can significantly decrease a candidate's chances of winning. In fact, they can make the difference between a winning and losing candidate.
- runoff election: a voting method used to elect a single candidate, where voters cast a single vote for their preferred candidate. It generally ensures a majoritarian result, not a simple-plurality result as under first past the post. Under the two-round election system, the election process usually proceeds to a second round only if in the first round no candidate received a simple majority (more than 50%) of votes cast, or some other lower prescribed percentage.[1] Under the two-round system, usually only the two candidates who received the most votes in the first round, or only those candidates who received above a prescribed proportion of the votes, are candidates in the second round. Other candidates are excluded from the second round.
- second-order elections: "second-order" in that they were viewed as less important by voters, parties and the media than first-order elections.
First-order elections are those that determine the government and/or executive power in a political system, i.e., national elections. They are first-order in that they are seen as more important by parties, voters and the media. Local and regional elections are also considered second-order elections.
Second-order elections present the following characteristics: turnout is expected to be lower than in national elections, voters are more prone to vote for protest parties, or parties in the periphery of the political system, rather than the usual mainstream parties they would vote for in a national election. As a result, second-order elections are often used by voters to punish or reward the current governing parties.
- suffrage: the right to vote in public, political elections and referendums (although the term is sometimes used for any right to vote).
- voter turnout: the participation rate (often defined as those who cast a ballot) of a given election. This is typically either the percentage of registered voters, eligible voters, or all voting-age people.
- Voting Rights Act of 1965: a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States that prohibits racial discrimination in voting.[7][8] It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the height of the civil rights movement on August 6, 1965, and Congress later amended the Act five times to expand its protections.[7] Designed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, the Act sought to secure the right to vote for racial minorities throughout the country, especially in the South.
- white primary: primary elections held in the Southern United States in which only white voters were permitted to participate. Statewide white primaries were established by the state Democratic Party units or by state legislatures in South Carolina (1896),[1] Florida (1902),[2] Mississippi and Alabama (also 1902), Texas (1905),[3] Louisiana[1] and Arkansas (1906),[4] and Georgia (1900).[5] Since winning the Democratic primary in the South almost always meant winning the general election, barring black and other minority voters meant they were in essence disenfranchised.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query primary elections. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query primary elections. Sort by date Show all posts
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
A preview of our look at elections.
For Wednesday and Thursday's coverage in 2305 of elections - a few points I want to make sure we highlight, some of these we've covered before in other sections in this class:
- Elections are central features of democratic systems. They are meant to connect the government with the preferences of the electorate (which is the word I use to describe not only the people who can vote, but the people who do vote). Not only are elections intended to make governing decisions follow the preferences of the majority, they are intended to ensure that government is considered to be legitimate.
- The Bill of Rights ensures that some decisions are not subject to majority rule. Elections, purposely, cannot determine all decisions.
- Each governing institution in the US - each branch of government - has its own unique mode of election. This is on e of the factors that separates them from each other.
- All elections on the national level are indirect - that's because we are a republic. We covered the reason for this when we read through Federalist #10. Many features of American government are designed to be removed from the direct influence of the electorate. This creates tension, and sometimes calls to question the legitimacy of the governing system. Many states and local governments allow for direct elections such as initiatives, referendums and recalls.
- While most governing systems - even totalitarian systems - have elections, not all are legitimate. In order to be so, elections have to be free, fair, open and frequent.
- Elections are political affairs and involve conflicts over values, interests and power.
- Elections in the United States are winner take all. This means that most are designed to allow for the election of one person for one position. Most other democracies around the world feature proportional representation. This allows for legislative positions to be allocated to different parties based on the percentage of votes they receive in each election. Proportional representation allows for the development of multiple political parties. Winner take all elections create incentives for the development of two large political parties. This explains why we have had two large parties for the bulk of our history.
- With the exception of local elections, political parties dominate elections at the national and state level.
- Elections in the US are two stage affairs. The first stage is the primary election - candidates compete to be the parties nominee in the general election, which is the second stage.
- The electorate in primary elections is very different than the electorate in general elections. Primaries tend to have much lower turnout than general elections, and the electorate in each party's primary tend to be more ideologically driven than that in the general election.
- The outcomes of elections can be manipulated by gerrymandering and by determiningwho can vote, as well as who is likely to vote.
- Gerrymandering and primary elections have bee argued to help drive increased polarization in the US Congress.
- The design of elections was originally fully up to the states. Beginning with the 14th and 15th Amendment, the national government began overseeing elections and placed limits on the ability of states to design elections on their own. Some states engaged in discriminatory behavior. One of the more well known such efforts involved the Voting Rights Act, which was passed in 1965 and made certain states subject to having all of their election laws precleared by the Justice Department before they could go into effect. Covered states tend to not like that and have challenged the need for preclearance. Last week's court case Shelby v Holder was the most recent challenge to the law.
- Elections are central features of democratic systems. They are meant to connect the government with the preferences of the electorate (which is the word I use to describe not only the people who can vote, but the people who do vote). Not only are elections intended to make governing decisions follow the preferences of the majority, they are intended to ensure that government is considered to be legitimate.
- The Bill of Rights ensures that some decisions are not subject to majority rule. Elections, purposely, cannot determine all decisions.
- Each governing institution in the US - each branch of government - has its own unique mode of election. This is on e of the factors that separates them from each other.
- All elections on the national level are indirect - that's because we are a republic. We covered the reason for this when we read through Federalist #10. Many features of American government are designed to be removed from the direct influence of the electorate. This creates tension, and sometimes calls to question the legitimacy of the governing system. Many states and local governments allow for direct elections such as initiatives, referendums and recalls.
- While most governing systems - even totalitarian systems - have elections, not all are legitimate. In order to be so, elections have to be free, fair, open and frequent.
- Elections are political affairs and involve conflicts over values, interests and power.
- Elections in the United States are winner take all. This means that most are designed to allow for the election of one person for one position. Most other democracies around the world feature proportional representation. This allows for legislative positions to be allocated to different parties based on the percentage of votes they receive in each election. Proportional representation allows for the development of multiple political parties. Winner take all elections create incentives for the development of two large political parties. This explains why we have had two large parties for the bulk of our history.
- With the exception of local elections, political parties dominate elections at the national and state level.
- Elections in the US are two stage affairs. The first stage is the primary election - candidates compete to be the parties nominee in the general election, which is the second stage.
- The electorate in primary elections is very different than the electorate in general elections. Primaries tend to have much lower turnout than general elections, and the electorate in each party's primary tend to be more ideologically driven than that in the general election.
- The outcomes of elections can be manipulated by gerrymandering and by determiningwho can vote, as well as who is likely to vote.
- Gerrymandering and primary elections have bee argued to help drive increased polarization in the US Congress.
- The design of elections was originally fully up to the states. Beginning with the 14th and 15th Amendment, the national government began overseeing elections and placed limits on the ability of states to design elections on their own. Some states engaged in discriminatory behavior. One of the more well known such efforts involved the Voting Rights Act, which was passed in 1965 and made certain states subject to having all of their election laws precleared by the Justice Department before they could go into effect. Covered states tend to not like that and have challenged the need for preclearance. Last week's court case Shelby v Holder was the most recent challenge to the law.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
This might explain party polarization more than anything else
Chew on this graph for a moment:
When we discuss voter turnout - mostly in 2305, though it certainly applies to 2306 - we point out that turnout varies depending on the types of election. We also point out that the composition of the electorate varies depending on the election.
This is especially true for primary as opposed to general elections.
Primary elections - as you have hopefully already seen - are party elections. It's how party identifiers determine who their party's candidates for the general election are. Notice what the graph is telling us.
The more ideologically consistent the voter - the more likely he or she will vote in a political primary. The more mixed - meaning the more moderate the voter - the less likely this is the case. This tells us that candidates for general elections are selected by ideologues. This guarantees that those candidates will be ideologues also - since that's what it takes to win primary elections.
What's more, moderates have little ability to determine what candidates will be on the ballot on the general elections because they opt not to vote in primary elections.
There's a school of thought - that I tend to agree with - that looks at primary elections as the driving factors behind ideological and party polarization.
This graph provide evidence why that's the case.
When we discuss voter turnout - mostly in 2305, though it certainly applies to 2306 - we point out that turnout varies depending on the types of election. We also point out that the composition of the electorate varies depending on the election.
This is especially true for primary as opposed to general elections.
Primary elections - as you have hopefully already seen - are party elections. It's how party identifiers determine who their party's candidates for the general election are. Notice what the graph is telling us.
The more ideologically consistent the voter - the more likely he or she will vote in a political primary. The more mixed - meaning the more moderate the voter - the less likely this is the case. This tells us that candidates for general elections are selected by ideologues. This guarantees that those candidates will be ideologues also - since that's what it takes to win primary elections.
What's more, moderates have little ability to determine what candidates will be on the ballot on the general elections because they opt not to vote in primary elections.
There's a school of thought - that I tend to agree with - that looks at primary elections as the driving factors behind ideological and party polarization.
This graph provide evidence why that's the case.
Sunday, October 2, 2022
Section Six - Suffrage, Elections, Campaigns, etc . . .
In this section we dig further into elections - the mechanism that is used to tie the people with the government.
In addition to the mechanics of he electoral process, this involves questions involving who gets to participate, who runs elections, who is allowed to run for office, and how they campaign for office.
These can be divided into the following topics:
1 - Suffrage
2 - Elections
3 - Voting
4 - Voter Suppression
5 - Candidates
6 - Campaigns
7 - Campaign Consultants
7 - Campaign Finance
8 - The Donor Class
These can be defined as follows:
1 - Suffrage: "Suffrage, political franchise, or simply franchise is the right to vote in public, political elections and referendums (although the term is sometimes used for any right to vote)."
2 - Elections: the formal process of selecting a person for public office or of accepting or rejecting a political proposition by voting.
3 - Voting: a method by which a group, such as a meeting or an electorate, convenes together for the purpose of making a collective decision or expressing an opinion usually following discussions, debates or election campaigns.
4 - Voter Suppression: any legal or extralegal measure or strategy whose purpose or practical effect is to reduce voting, or registering to vote, by members of a targeted racial group, political party, or religious community.
5 - Candidate: A candidate is someone who is being considered for a position, for example someone who is running in an election or applying for a job.
6 - Campaign: an organized effort which seeks to influence the decision making progress within a specific group. In democracies, political campaigns often refer to electoral campaigns, by which representatives are chosen or referendums are decided.
7 - Campaign Consultants:
8 - Campaign Finance: . . . the funds raised to promote candidates, political parties, or policy initiatives and referendums. Donors and recipients include individuals, corporations, political parties, and charitable organizations.
8 - The Donor Class: . . . a group of individuals or organizations that contribute significant amounts of money to political campaigns or causes. These donors often wield influence over political decision-making processes due to their financial contributions, which can fund advertising, lobbying efforts, and other activities that promote their interests or preferred policies.
Lectures:
- U.S. Election Code.
- Texas Election Code.
- Is Voting a Right Guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution?
- Information, Disinformation, and Misinformation.
- Suffrage.
- Political Parties and Party Systems.
- Political Eras / Party Systems of the United States.
- Campaign Finance.
- Types of voter suppression.
Terminology
Elections
- elections
- regular elections
- voting
- adverse selection
- moral hazard
- institutions
- election rules
- suffrage
- participation rates
- who votes
- voter turnout
- nonvoters
- the franchise
- voter registration
- the ballot
- the secret ballot
- indirect democracy
- electoral districts
- single members districts
- electoral college
- majority rule
- minority rights
- redistricting
- fairness
- bias
- plurality
- proportional representation
- two party system
- winner take all
- direct democracy
- referendum
- initiative
- recall
- party loyalty
- issue voting
- prospective voting
- retrospective voting
- spatial issues
- valence issues
- median voter theorem
- candidate characteristics
- campaigns
- campaign finance
- FECA
- media
- winning
- PACs
- Super PACs
- primaries
- general elections
- at large
- closed primary
- disenfranchisement
- early voting
- 15th Amendment
- get out the vote
- incumbents
- microtargeting
- motor voter law
- name recognition
- negative campaigning
- open primary
- PACs
- Super PACs
- political efficacy
- political socialization
- poll tax
- primary election
- public opinion polling
- partisan election
- non-partisan election
- register
- runoff election
- single-member districts
- special election
- split ticket voting
- straight ticket voting
- Voting Rights Act
In addition to the mechanics of he electoral process, this involves questions involving who gets to participate, who runs elections, who is allowed to run for office, and how they campaign for office.
These can be divided into the following topics:
1 - Suffrage
2 - Elections
3 - Voting
4 - Voter Suppression
5 - Candidates
6 - Campaigns
7 - Campaign Consultants
7 - Campaign Finance
8 - The Donor Class
These can be defined as follows:
1 - Suffrage: "Suffrage, political franchise, or simply franchise is the right to vote in public, political elections and referendums (although the term is sometimes used for any right to vote)."
2 - Elections: the formal process of selecting a person for public office or of accepting or rejecting a political proposition by voting.
3 - Voting: a method by which a group, such as a meeting or an electorate, convenes together for the purpose of making a collective decision or expressing an opinion usually following discussions, debates or election campaigns.
4 - Voter Suppression: any legal or extralegal measure or strategy whose purpose or practical effect is to reduce voting, or registering to vote, by members of a targeted racial group, political party, or religious community.
5 - Candidate: A candidate is someone who is being considered for a position, for example someone who is running in an election or applying for a job.
6 - Campaign: an organized effort which seeks to influence the decision making progress within a specific group. In democracies, political campaigns often refer to electoral campaigns, by which representatives are chosen or referendums are decided.
7 - Campaign Consultants:
8 - Campaign Finance: . . . the funds raised to promote candidates, political parties, or policy initiatives and referendums. Donors and recipients include individuals, corporations, political parties, and charitable organizations.
8 - The Donor Class: . . . a group of individuals or organizations that contribute significant amounts of money to political campaigns or causes. These donors often wield influence over political decision-making processes due to their financial contributions, which can fund advertising, lobbying efforts, and other activities that promote their interests or preferred policies.
Lectures:
- U.S. Election Code.
- Texas Election Code.
- Is Voting a Right Guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution?
- Information, Disinformation, and Misinformation.
- Suffrage.
- Political Parties and Party Systems.
- Political Eras / Party Systems of the United States.
- Campaign Finance.
- Types of voter suppression.
Terminology
Elections
- elections
- regular elections
- voting
- adverse selection
- moral hazard
- institutions
- election rules
- suffrage
- participation rates
- who votes
- voter turnout
- nonvoters
- the franchise
- voter registration
- the ballot
- the secret ballot
- indirect democracy
- electoral districts
- single members districts
- electoral college
- majority rule
- minority rights
- redistricting
- fairness
- bias
- plurality
- proportional representation
- two party system
- winner take all
- direct democracy
- referendum
- initiative
- recall
- party loyalty
- issue voting
- prospective voting
- retrospective voting
- spatial issues
- valence issues
- median voter theorem
- candidate characteristics
- campaigns
- campaign finance
- FECA
- media
- winning
- PACs
- Super PACs
- primaries
- general elections
- at large
- closed primary
- disenfranchisement
- early voting
- 15th Amendment
- get out the vote
- incumbents
- microtargeting
- motor voter law
- name recognition
- negative campaigning
- open primary
- PACs
- Super PACs
- political efficacy
- political socialization
- poll tax
- primary election
- public opinion polling
- partisan election
- non-partisan election
- register
- runoff election
- single-member districts
- special election
- split ticket voting
- straight ticket voting
- Voting Rights Act
GOVT 2306
Assemblies
Parties in the Early Congress
Washington's warnings
Advantages of political parties
Expansion of suffrage
Democrats and the development of Texas
Rise of Republicanism
- business regulation
- civil rights
State parties
Local parties
Terminology
GOVT 2305: WTP - Chapter 8: Campaigns and Elections
advanced or early voting
blanket or wide-open primary
casework
closed primary
credit claiming
cross-filing
direct primary
disclosure
equal protection clause
general election
grandfather clause
incumbent
independent candidate
literacy test
majority election
Motor Voter Act
open primary
party-line voting
party primary
plurality election
poll tax
position taking
preference primary
primary election
private financing
public financing
roll off
runoff election
second-order elections
suffrage
voter turnout
Voting Rights Act of 1965
white primary
GOVT 2306: LSP - Chapter 9: Political Parties
allocation
chronic minority
conventions (caucuses)
county chair
county or senatorial district convention
electoral competition model
executive committee
grassroots organization
party machines
party platform
patronage
permanent party organizations
plank
political party
precinct chair
responsible party model
runoff primary
state party chair
straight-ticket voting
temporary party organizations
__________
Fall 2022
- What are parties and interest groups?
- Contract allowing the formation of the Virginia Company
- Elite politics
- Interests highlighted in Federalist #10
- Territorial Expansion
- Free rider problem
- Tragedy of the commons
- Public and private interests
- Federalists and Democrat - Republicans
- Party eras
- Contemporary politics
- The Powell Memo
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Getting ready for the primary elections in Texas
Each party in Texas is gearing up for the March 1st primary election. Texas will be a part of a slate of states - including many southern states - that are attempting to collect their strength in order to influence the result of each race. Remember that these are party elections. A good number of internal party issues are settled in these elections. Currently the two major parties in the state are making preliminary decisions about how the primary elections will be conducted and what issues may or may not be on each party's ballot.
I won't ask nuanced question about these elections, but both 2305 and 2306 students should have a general familiarity with the concept of primary elections - and who runs them. Remember that states are given the responsibility of running elections in the United States. There really is no such thing as a national election in the US - national campaigns yes, elections no. The national government can oversee elections in order to determine if they are run in compliance with the equal protection clause, but little else.
Here are a few recent stories:
- Texas to have more prominent role in 2016 GOP presidential race.
- Texas GOP Votes Down Secession Proposal.
- Texas Democrats Approve 6 Ballot Referenda For Public Vote.
- Texas’ primary ballot begins to take shape.
For a broader look at the efforts of the presidential candidates to get on the ballots click on the following:
- The 2016 ballot wars begin: Each failure to appear on a ballot undermines a candidate’s credibility as a national figure.
I won't ask nuanced question about these elections, but both 2305 and 2306 students should have a general familiarity with the concept of primary elections - and who runs them. Remember that states are given the responsibility of running elections in the United States. There really is no such thing as a national election in the US - national campaigns yes, elections no. The national government can oversee elections in order to determine if they are run in compliance with the equal protection clause, but little else.
Here are a few recent stories:
- Texas to have more prominent role in 2016 GOP presidential race.
- Texas GOP Votes Down Secession Proposal.
- Texas Democrats Approve 6 Ballot Referenda For Public Vote.
- Texas’ primary ballot begins to take shape.
For a broader look at the efforts of the presidential candidates to get on the ballots click on the following:
- The 2016 ballot wars begin: Each failure to appear on a ballot undermines a candidate’s credibility as a national figure.
Voting doesn’t begin for another two months but some presidential candidates have already failed their first big ballot test – actually getting on the ballot in all 50 states.
The business of getting a candidate’s name on the ballot is a costly and complex endeavor, a major drain of money and manpower that threatens to weed out the most underfunded campaigns and strain the others in what remains a historically unwieldy Republican field. Some states require thousands of signatures to qualify; others charge tens of thousands of dollars. Nationally, the price tag for ballot access can soar well past $1 million – more money than some campaigns have left in the bank.
“Right about now is the time when some desperation will set in,” said Ben Ginsberg, a veteran Republican political attorney who served as national counsel for Mitt Romney but is unaligned in 2016.
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Dear ChatGPT: How competitive are elections in the United States? in Texas?
How competitive are elections in the United States? in Texas?
The competitiveness of elections in the United States varies significantly depending on the level of government (federal, state, local) and geographic region. Here's a breakdown:
1. Federal Elections (President, Senate, House)
- Presidential Elections: Generally competitive, with major parties (Democrats and Republicans) closely contesting swing states. However, the Electoral College can make the race feel less competitive in states that consistently vote for one party.
- Senate Elections: Moderately competitive, but many seats are considered “safe” for one party due to state partisanship. Competitive races usually happen in battleground states.
- House Elections: Less competitive overall. Due to gerrymandering and demographic sorting, many House districts are designed to favor one party, making the general election a foregone conclusion in many places. Only about 10–15% of seats are considered truly competitive in most cycles.
2. State and Local Elections
- Governors and State Legislatures: Competitiveness depends on the state. Some states (like Wisconsin, Arizona, and Georgia) see intense competition; others are dominated by one party.
- Local Elections: Often less competitive due to low voter turnout, incumbent advantages, and lack of major party influence in some areas (especially in nonpartisan races).
3. Factors That Affect Competitiveness
- Incumbency: Incumbents are reelected at high rates, especially in Congress.
- Gerrymandering: Drawing of electoral district lines to favor one party reduces competitiveness.
- Campaign Finance: Well-funded candidates often deter challengers.
- Primary Elections: Can be more competitive than general elections, especially in one-party districts.
4. Indicators of Competitiveness
- Margin of Victory: Smaller margins indicate higher competitiveness.
- Number of Contested Races: Some districts have no challenger at all.
- Voter Turnout: Competitive races often drive higher turnout.
Conclusion: U.S. elections are structurally competitive in design, but actual competitiveness is often reduced by factors like gerrymandering, incumbency, and political polarization. Some races are hotly contested, especially at the national level and in swing areas, while many others are not.
How competitive are elections in Texas?
Elections in Texas tend to be low‑competition overall, though a few regions and races are becoming more competitive. Here's a breakdown across levels:
State Legislature
According to Ballotpedia, in 2024 Texas had a legislative competitiveness index of 36.9, ranking 17th
60% of seats were contested by both parties.
41% of incumbents faced primary challenges.
About 10% of races were open seats.
Even though competition has increased slightly since 2022 most districts remain safe for the dominant party.
U.S. House & Gerrymandering
Congressional races in Texas are especially uncompetitive, heavily shaped by aggressive GOP gerrymandering:
Only 3 truly competitive districts remain in the 2024 map ballotpedia.org+11democracydocket.com+11brennancenter.org+11reformaustin.org+1medium.com+1.
Republican-controlled redistricting created a “firewall”: 21 out of 25 GOP-held seats were Trump+, 15‑point or more brennancenter.org+2brennancenter.org+2tpr.org+2.
AP estimates gerrymandering awarded the GOP +4 extra U.S. House seats in the latest cycle—+5 specifically in Texas .
Despite Democrats often securing ~46–48% of statewide vote, they hold just 13 of 38 U.S. House seats
Statewide & Federal Races
- Presidential elections: In 2024, Trump won TX by ~13.7%, his strongest in the state since 2012 a clear GOP advantage.
- Gubernatorial races: Gov. Abbott won reelection in 2022 by ~10.9%, nearly 14-point wins in many rural counties reformaustin.org+6medium.com+6tpr.org+6en.wikipedia.org.
- Senate primaries: The GOP Senate primary is unusually competitive, with internal division between Cornyn and Paxton, and possibly a third candidate wsj.com+2statesman.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2. Historically, though, general elections remain solidly Republican.
Local Trends & Demographics
Rapid suburban growth—areas like Fort Bend County—are shifting toward Democrats en.wikipedia.org.
Local races (e.g., San Antonio mayor) have seen partisan influence, illustrating changing dynamics at the municipal level .
Democrats are investing heavily in infrastructure and local candidate recruitment (e.g., Beto O’Rourke’s town halls; Soros-funded "Blue Texas") wsj.com, hoping to build competitiveness over time.
Bottom Line
- Statewide and congressional races: GOP-dominated and largely uncompetitive due to gerrymandering and structural advantages.
- Legislative and local races: Slightly more competitive, particularly in suburbs and open-seat contests.
- Primaries: Growing in competitiveness, especially within the GOP.
- Future outlook: Changing demographics and Democratic investments may bring more competitive races in suburbs and some down-ballot offices—but the core structure remains Boston-heavy GOP.
Texas is trending toward a more competitive landscape—but for now, on most levels, elections are still characterized by low competition and party-line certainty, especially under current maps.
The competitiveness of elections in the United States varies significantly depending on the level of government (federal, state, local) and geographic region. Here's a breakdown:
1. Federal Elections (President, Senate, House)
- Presidential Elections: Generally competitive, with major parties (Democrats and Republicans) closely contesting swing states. However, the Electoral College can make the race feel less competitive in states that consistently vote for one party.
- Senate Elections: Moderately competitive, but many seats are considered “safe” for one party due to state partisanship. Competitive races usually happen in battleground states.
- House Elections: Less competitive overall. Due to gerrymandering and demographic sorting, many House districts are designed to favor one party, making the general election a foregone conclusion in many places. Only about 10–15% of seats are considered truly competitive in most cycles.
2. State and Local Elections
- Governors and State Legislatures: Competitiveness depends on the state. Some states (like Wisconsin, Arizona, and Georgia) see intense competition; others are dominated by one party.
- Local Elections: Often less competitive due to low voter turnout, incumbent advantages, and lack of major party influence in some areas (especially in nonpartisan races).
3. Factors That Affect Competitiveness
- Incumbency: Incumbents are reelected at high rates, especially in Congress.
- Gerrymandering: Drawing of electoral district lines to favor one party reduces competitiveness.
- Campaign Finance: Well-funded candidates often deter challengers.
- Primary Elections: Can be more competitive than general elections, especially in one-party districts.
4. Indicators of Competitiveness
- Margin of Victory: Smaller margins indicate higher competitiveness.
- Number of Contested Races: Some districts have no challenger at all.
- Voter Turnout: Competitive races often drive higher turnout.
Conclusion: U.S. elections are structurally competitive in design, but actual competitiveness is often reduced by factors like gerrymandering, incumbency, and political polarization. Some races are hotly contested, especially at the national level and in swing areas, while many others are not.
How competitive are elections in Texas?
Elections in Texas tend to be low‑competition overall, though a few regions and races are becoming more competitive. Here's a breakdown across levels:
State Legislature
According to Ballotpedia, in 2024 Texas had a legislative competitiveness index of 36.9, ranking 17th
60% of seats were contested by both parties.
41% of incumbents faced primary challenges.
About 10% of races were open seats.
Even though competition has increased slightly since 2022 most districts remain safe for the dominant party.
U.S. House & Gerrymandering
Congressional races in Texas are especially uncompetitive, heavily shaped by aggressive GOP gerrymandering:
Only 3 truly competitive districts remain in the 2024 map ballotpedia.org+11democracydocket.com+11brennancenter.org+11reformaustin.org+1medium.com+1.
Republican-controlled redistricting created a “firewall”: 21 out of 25 GOP-held seats were Trump+, 15‑point or more brennancenter.org+2brennancenter.org+2tpr.org+2.
AP estimates gerrymandering awarded the GOP +4 extra U.S. House seats in the latest cycle—+5 specifically in Texas .
Despite Democrats often securing ~46–48% of statewide vote, they hold just 13 of 38 U.S. House seats
Statewide & Federal Races
- Presidential elections: In 2024, Trump won TX by ~13.7%, his strongest in the state since 2012 a clear GOP advantage.
- Gubernatorial races: Gov. Abbott won reelection in 2022 by ~10.9%, nearly 14-point wins in many rural counties reformaustin.org+6medium.com+6tpr.org+6en.wikipedia.org.
- Senate primaries: The GOP Senate primary is unusually competitive, with internal division between Cornyn and Paxton, and possibly a third candidate wsj.com+2statesman.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2. Historically, though, general elections remain solidly Republican.
Local Trends & Demographics
Rapid suburban growth—areas like Fort Bend County—are shifting toward Democrats en.wikipedia.org.
Local races (e.g., San Antonio mayor) have seen partisan influence, illustrating changing dynamics at the municipal level .
Democrats are investing heavily in infrastructure and local candidate recruitment (e.g., Beto O’Rourke’s town halls; Soros-funded "Blue Texas") wsj.com, hoping to build competitiveness over time.
Bottom Line
- Statewide and congressional races: GOP-dominated and largely uncompetitive due to gerrymandering and structural advantages.
- Legislative and local races: Slightly more competitive, particularly in suburbs and open-seat contests.
- Primaries: Growing in competitiveness, especially within the GOP.
- Future outlook: Changing demographics and Democratic investments may bring more competitive races in suburbs and some down-ballot offices—but the core structure remains Boston-heavy GOP.
Texas is trending toward a more competitive landscape—but for now, on most levels, elections are still characterized by low competition and party-line certainty, especially under current maps.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The Republican Party establishment tries to undermine Tea Party candidates in state primaries
For our upcoming look at elections, especially primary elections since they are on their way very soon.
The national Republican Party is convinced that its inability to win back the Senate in 2010 or 2012 - and possible the presidency in 2012 - was due to extremist candidates winning primary elections, but then losing the general elections. Extremism works when a small group of like minded voters dominate the election, as happens in primary elections, but not when moderates show up, as happens in general elections.
The party is trying to defeat candidates it judges to be extreme at the primary level by throwing money behind moderates who prioritize fiscal and economic issues over social and moral ones.
The danger for the party is that if they alienate the Tea Party, they could lose their support. They wont be voting for Democrats, but they might just sit the election out. Even if they do decide to vote, they may not supply the energy necessary for victory.
It'll be a tough needle to thread.
Here's detail in the NYT:
The national Republican Party is convinced that its inability to win back the Senate in 2010 or 2012 - and possible the presidency in 2012 - was due to extremist candidates winning primary elections, but then losing the general elections. Extremism works when a small group of like minded voters dominate the election, as happens in primary elections, but not when moderates show up, as happens in general elections.
The party is trying to defeat candidates it judges to be extreme at the primary level by throwing money behind moderates who prioritize fiscal and economic issues over social and moral ones.
The danger for the party is that if they alienate the Tea Party, they could lose their support. They wont be voting for Democrats, but they might just sit the election out. Even if they do decide to vote, they may not supply the energy necessary for victory.
It'll be a tough needle to thread.
Here's detail in the NYT:
The Republican Party establishment, chastened by the realization that a string of unpredictable and unseasoned candidates cost them seats in Congress two elections in a row, is trying to head off potential political hazards wherever it can this year.
In House and Senate races across the country, many of the traditional and influential centers of power within the party are taking sides in primaries, overwhelming challengers on the right with television ads and, in some cases, retaliating against those who are helping the insurgents. In Mr. Black’s case, one by one, powerful Republicans started backing his rival, Barbara J. Comstock, a member of the State House of Delegates. First Mitt Romney endorsed her. Then came Citizens United and the president of Americans for Prosperity, the group financed by the wealthy Koch brothers.
A few day after he announced his candidacy, Mr. Black dropped out. “It was pretty evident that she had all the machinery,” he said in an interview.
One of the biggest challenges for Republican leaders in the 2014 midterm elections will be how to hang on to the Tea Party support that has been so instrumental to the party’s growth, while winning back voters alienated by hard-right candidates. These conflicting goals were evident last week as Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio shelved plans to tackle immigration reform in the House, bowing to pressure from conservatives.
“We’re not picking a fight with the basis for the Tea Party,” said Scott Reed, the senior political strategist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who noted that most Republicans were sympathetic to the free-market, small-government philosophy that inspired the movement. “But some have hijacked the Tea Party model and taken it to an extreme level.”
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Texas Election Code
A lot of what we will discuss about elections in Texas will be based on this section.
Looking through the titles provides a great overview of the subject matter.
- Click here for the link.
TITLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
TITLE 2. VOTER QUALIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION
TITLE 3. ELECTION OFFICERS AND OBSERVERS
TITLE 4. TIME AND PLACE OF ELECTIONS
TITLE 5. ELECTION SUPPLIES
TITLE 6. CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
TITLE 7. EARLY VOTING
TITLE 8. VOTING SYSTEMS
TITLE 9. CANDIDATES
TITLE 10. POLITICAL PARTIES
TITLE 11. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
TITLE 12. ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCY IN OFFICE
TITLE 13. RECOUNTS
TITLE 14. ELECTION CONTESTS
TITLE 16. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
TITLE 17. LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS
__________
With more detail:
Recall that the Texas Constitution authorizes elections on
TITLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 2. VOTE REQUIRED FOR ELECTION TO OFFICE
- CHAPTER 3. ORDERING ELECTION
- CHAPTER 4. NOTICE OF ELECTION
TITLE 2. VOTER QUALIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 11. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTING
- CHAPTER 12. VOTER REGISTRAR
- CHAPTER 13. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION; INITIAL REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 14. RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 15. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 16. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 17. JUDICIAL REVIEW
- CHAPTER 18. PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING REGISTERED VOTERS
- CHAPTER 19. FINANCING VOTER REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 20. VOTER REGISTRATION AGENCIES
TITLE 3. ELECTION OFFICERS AND OBSERVERS
- CHAPTER 31. OFFICERS TO ADMINISTER ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 32. ELECTION JUDGES AND CLERKS
- CHAPTER 33. WATCHERS
- CHAPTER 34. STATE INSPECTORS
TITLE 4. TIME AND PLACE OF ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 41. ELECTION DATES AND HOURS FOR VOTING
- CHAPTER 42. ELECTION PRECINCTS
- CHAPTER 43. POLLING PLACES
TITLE 5. ELECTION SUPPLIES
- CHAPTER 51. ELECTION SUPPLIES
- CHAPTER 52. BALLOT FORM, CONTENT, AND PREPARATION
TITLE 6. CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 61. CONDUCT OF VOTING GENERALLY
- CHAPTER 62. PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS
- CHAPTER 63. ACCEPTING VOTER
- CHAPTER 64. VOTING PROCEDURES
- CHAPTER 65. COUNTING VOTES AND PREPARING RETURNS
- CHAPTER 66. DISPOSITION OF RECORDS AND SUPPLIES AFTER ELECTION
- CHAPTER 67. CANVASSING ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 68. TABULATION OF UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF CERTAIN RACES BY SECRETARY OF STATE
TITLE 7. EARLY VOTING
SUBTITLE A. EARLY VOTING
CHAPTER 81. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 82. ELIGIBILITY FOR EARLY VOTING
CHAPTER 83. OFFICER CONDUCTING EARLY VOTING
CHAPTER 84. APPLICATION FOR BALLOT
CHAPTER 85. CONDUCT OF VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE
CHAPTER 86. CONDUCT OF VOTING BY MAIL
CHAPTER 87. PROCESSING EARLY VOTING RESULTS
SUBTITLE B. SPECIAL FORMS OF EARLY VOTING
CHAPTER 101. VOTING BY RESIDENT FEDERAL POSTCARD APPLICANT
CHAPTER 102. LATE VOTING BY DISABLED VOTER
CHAPTER 103. LATE VOTING BECAUSE OF DEATH IN IMMEDIATE FAMILY
CHAPTER 104. VOTING ON ELECTION DAY BY DISABLED VOTER FROM VOTING SYSTEM PRECINCT
CHAPTER 105. VOTING BY MILITARY PERSONNEL OR OTHER PERSONS OVERSEAS CHAPTER 106. VOTING ON ELECTION DAY BY PERSON ON SPACE FLIGHT
SUBTITLE C. RESTRICTED BALLOT
CHAPTER 111. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 112. VOTING LIMITED BALLOT AFTER CHANGING COUNTY OF RESIDENCE CHAPTER 113. VOTING PRESIDENTIAL BALLOT BY FORMER RESIDENT
CHAPTER 114. VOTING FEDERAL BALLOT BY OVERSEAS CITIZEN
TITLE 8. VOTING SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 121. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 122. STATE SUPERVISION OVER VOTING SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 123. ADOPTION AND ACQUISITION OF VOTING SYSTEM
CHAPTER 124. VOTING SYSTEM BALLOT
CHAPTER 125. CONDUCT OF VOTING WITH VOTING SYSTEM
CHAPTER 127. PROCESSING ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM RESULT
CHAPTER 128. COMPUTERIZED VOTING SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 129. DIRECT RECORDING ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES
TITLE 9. CANDIDATES
CHAPTER 141. CANDIDACY FOR PUBLIC OFFICE GENERALLY
CHAPTER 142. INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE IN GENERAL ELECTION FOR STATE AND COUNTY OFFICERS
CHAPTER 143. CANDIDATE FOR CITY OFFICE
CHAPTER 144. CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OTHER THAN COUNTY OR CITY
CHAPTER 145. WITHDRAWAL, DEATH AND INELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATE
CHAPTER 146. WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
TITLE 10. POLITICAL PARTIES
SUBTITLE A. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 161. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 162. REGULATING PARTICIPATION IN PARTY AFFAIRS
CHAPTER 163. PARTY RULES
SUBTITLE B. PARTIES NOMINATING BY PRIMARY ELECTION
CHAPTER 171. ORGANIZATION
CHAPTER 172. PRIMARY ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 173. PRIMARY ELECTION FINANCING
CHAPTER 174. CONVENTIONS
SUBTITLE C. PARTIES NOMINATING BY CONVENTION
CHAPTER 181. PARTY WITH STATE ORGANIZATION
CHAPTER 182. PARTY WITHOUT STATE ORGANIZATION
TITLE 11. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 191. SELECTION OF DELEGATES TO NATIONAL NOMINATING CONVENTION CHAPTER 192. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS AND CANDIDATES
TITLE 12. ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCY IN OFFICE
CHAPTER 201. DETERMINATION OF AND ELECTION TO FILL VACANCY
CHAPTER 202. VACANCY IN OFFICE OF STATE OR COUNTY GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 203. VACANCY IN LEGISLATURE CHAPTER 204. VACANCY IN CONGRESS
TITLE 13. RECOUNTS
CHAPTER 211. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 212. REQUESTING RECOUNT
CHAPTER 213. CONDUCT OF RECOUNT
CHAPTER 214. COUNTING PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 215. COSTS OF RECOUNT
CHAPTER 216. AUTOMATIC RECOUNT
TITLE 14. ELECTION CONTESTS
SUBTITLE A. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 221. GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBTITLE B. CONTESTS IN DISTRICT COURT
CHAPTER 231. CONTEST IN DISTRICT COURT GENERALLY
CHAPTER 232. CONTESTS FOR OFFICE
CHAPTER 233. CONTEST ON MEASURE
SUBTITLE C. CONTESTS IN OTHER TRIBUNALS
CHAPTER 241. CONTEST FOR STATE SENATOR OR REPRESENTATIVE
CHAPTER 242. CONTEST FOR CONSTITUTIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE
CHAPTER 243. CONTEST FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS
SUBTITLE D. OTHER ELECTION LAWSUITS
CHAPTER 247. LAWSUIT ALLEGING IMPROPER ELECTION ACTIVITIES
TITLE 15. REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS
CHAPTER 251. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 252. CAMPAIGN TREASURER
CHAPTER 253. RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES
CHAPTER 254. POLITICAL REPORTING
CHAPTER 255. REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
CHAPTER 257. POLITICAL PARTIES
CHAPTER 258. FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
CHAPTER 259. POLITICAL SIGNS
TITLE 16. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 271. JOINT ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 272. BILINGUAL REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 273. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND OTHER ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS
CHAPTER 274. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
CHAPTER 275. ELECTION FOR OFFICERS OF CITY WITH 200,000 POPULATION
CHAPTER 276. MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES AND OTHER PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 277. PETITION PRESCRIBED BY LAW OUTSIDE CODE
CHAPTER 278. VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE FOR JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 279. CYBERSECURITY OF ELECTION SYSTEMS
TITLE 17. LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 501. LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS ON SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Looking through the titles provides a great overview of the subject matter.
- Click here for the link.
TITLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
TITLE 2. VOTER QUALIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION
TITLE 3. ELECTION OFFICERS AND OBSERVERS
TITLE 4. TIME AND PLACE OF ELECTIONS
TITLE 5. ELECTION SUPPLIES
TITLE 6. CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
TITLE 7. EARLY VOTING
TITLE 8. VOTING SYSTEMS
TITLE 9. CANDIDATES
TITLE 10. POLITICAL PARTIES
TITLE 11. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
TITLE 12. ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCY IN OFFICE
TITLE 13. RECOUNTS
TITLE 14. ELECTION CONTESTS
TITLE 16. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
TITLE 17. LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS
__________
With more detail:
Recall that the Texas Constitution authorizes elections on
TITLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 2. VOTE REQUIRED FOR ELECTION TO OFFICE
- CHAPTER 3. ORDERING ELECTION
- CHAPTER 4. NOTICE OF ELECTION
TITLE 2. VOTER QUALIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 11. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTING
- CHAPTER 12. VOTER REGISTRAR
- CHAPTER 13. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION; INITIAL REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 14. RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 15. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 16. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 17. JUDICIAL REVIEW
- CHAPTER 18. PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING REGISTERED VOTERS
- CHAPTER 19. FINANCING VOTER REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 20. VOTER REGISTRATION AGENCIES
TITLE 3. ELECTION OFFICERS AND OBSERVERS
- CHAPTER 31. OFFICERS TO ADMINISTER ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 32. ELECTION JUDGES AND CLERKS
- CHAPTER 33. WATCHERS
- CHAPTER 34. STATE INSPECTORS
TITLE 4. TIME AND PLACE OF ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 41. ELECTION DATES AND HOURS FOR VOTING
- CHAPTER 42. ELECTION PRECINCTS
- CHAPTER 43. POLLING PLACES
TITLE 5. ELECTION SUPPLIES
- CHAPTER 51. ELECTION SUPPLIES
- CHAPTER 52. BALLOT FORM, CONTENT, AND PREPARATION
TITLE 6. CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 61. CONDUCT OF VOTING GENERALLY
- CHAPTER 62. PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS
- CHAPTER 63. ACCEPTING VOTER
- CHAPTER 64. VOTING PROCEDURES
- CHAPTER 65. COUNTING VOTES AND PREPARING RETURNS
- CHAPTER 66. DISPOSITION OF RECORDS AND SUPPLIES AFTER ELECTION
- CHAPTER 67. CANVASSING ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 68. TABULATION OF UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF CERTAIN RACES BY SECRETARY OF STATE
TITLE 7. EARLY VOTING
SUBTITLE A. EARLY VOTING
CHAPTER 81. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 82. ELIGIBILITY FOR EARLY VOTING
CHAPTER 83. OFFICER CONDUCTING EARLY VOTING
CHAPTER 84. APPLICATION FOR BALLOT
CHAPTER 85. CONDUCT OF VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE
CHAPTER 86. CONDUCT OF VOTING BY MAIL
CHAPTER 87. PROCESSING EARLY VOTING RESULTS
SUBTITLE B. SPECIAL FORMS OF EARLY VOTING
CHAPTER 101. VOTING BY RESIDENT FEDERAL POSTCARD APPLICANT
CHAPTER 102. LATE VOTING BY DISABLED VOTER
CHAPTER 103. LATE VOTING BECAUSE OF DEATH IN IMMEDIATE FAMILY
CHAPTER 104. VOTING ON ELECTION DAY BY DISABLED VOTER FROM VOTING SYSTEM PRECINCT
CHAPTER 105. VOTING BY MILITARY PERSONNEL OR OTHER PERSONS OVERSEAS CHAPTER 106. VOTING ON ELECTION DAY BY PERSON ON SPACE FLIGHT
SUBTITLE C. RESTRICTED BALLOT
CHAPTER 111. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 112. VOTING LIMITED BALLOT AFTER CHANGING COUNTY OF RESIDENCE CHAPTER 113. VOTING PRESIDENTIAL BALLOT BY FORMER RESIDENT
CHAPTER 114. VOTING FEDERAL BALLOT BY OVERSEAS CITIZEN
TITLE 8. VOTING SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 121. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 122. STATE SUPERVISION OVER VOTING SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 123. ADOPTION AND ACQUISITION OF VOTING SYSTEM
CHAPTER 124. VOTING SYSTEM BALLOT
CHAPTER 125. CONDUCT OF VOTING WITH VOTING SYSTEM
CHAPTER 127. PROCESSING ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM RESULT
CHAPTER 128. COMPUTERIZED VOTING SYSTEMS
CHAPTER 129. DIRECT RECORDING ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES
TITLE 9. CANDIDATES
CHAPTER 141. CANDIDACY FOR PUBLIC OFFICE GENERALLY
CHAPTER 142. INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE IN GENERAL ELECTION FOR STATE AND COUNTY OFFICERS
CHAPTER 143. CANDIDATE FOR CITY OFFICE
CHAPTER 144. CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OTHER THAN COUNTY OR CITY
CHAPTER 145. WITHDRAWAL, DEATH AND INELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATE
CHAPTER 146. WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
TITLE 10. POLITICAL PARTIES
SUBTITLE A. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 161. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 162. REGULATING PARTICIPATION IN PARTY AFFAIRS
CHAPTER 163. PARTY RULES
SUBTITLE B. PARTIES NOMINATING BY PRIMARY ELECTION
CHAPTER 171. ORGANIZATION
CHAPTER 172. PRIMARY ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 173. PRIMARY ELECTION FINANCING
CHAPTER 174. CONVENTIONS
SUBTITLE C. PARTIES NOMINATING BY CONVENTION
CHAPTER 181. PARTY WITH STATE ORGANIZATION
CHAPTER 182. PARTY WITHOUT STATE ORGANIZATION
TITLE 11. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 191. SELECTION OF DELEGATES TO NATIONAL NOMINATING CONVENTION CHAPTER 192. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS AND CANDIDATES
TITLE 12. ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCY IN OFFICE
CHAPTER 201. DETERMINATION OF AND ELECTION TO FILL VACANCY
CHAPTER 202. VACANCY IN OFFICE OF STATE OR COUNTY GOVERNMENT
CHAPTER 203. VACANCY IN LEGISLATURE CHAPTER 204. VACANCY IN CONGRESS
TITLE 13. RECOUNTS
CHAPTER 211. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 212. REQUESTING RECOUNT
CHAPTER 213. CONDUCT OF RECOUNT
CHAPTER 214. COUNTING PROCEDURES
CHAPTER 215. COSTS OF RECOUNT
CHAPTER 216. AUTOMATIC RECOUNT
TITLE 14. ELECTION CONTESTS
SUBTITLE A. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 221. GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBTITLE B. CONTESTS IN DISTRICT COURT
CHAPTER 231. CONTEST IN DISTRICT COURT GENERALLY
CHAPTER 232. CONTESTS FOR OFFICE
CHAPTER 233. CONTEST ON MEASURE
SUBTITLE C. CONTESTS IN OTHER TRIBUNALS
CHAPTER 241. CONTEST FOR STATE SENATOR OR REPRESENTATIVE
CHAPTER 242. CONTEST FOR CONSTITUTIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE
CHAPTER 243. CONTEST FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS
SUBTITLE D. OTHER ELECTION LAWSUITS
CHAPTER 247. LAWSUIT ALLEGING IMPROPER ELECTION ACTIVITIES
TITLE 15. REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS
CHAPTER 251. GENERAL PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 252. CAMPAIGN TREASURER
CHAPTER 253. RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES
CHAPTER 254. POLITICAL REPORTING
CHAPTER 255. REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
CHAPTER 257. POLITICAL PARTIES
CHAPTER 258. FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
CHAPTER 259. POLITICAL SIGNS
TITLE 16. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 271. JOINT ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 272. BILINGUAL REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 273. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND OTHER ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS
CHAPTER 274. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
CHAPTER 275. ELECTION FOR OFFICERS OF CITY WITH 200,000 POPULATION
CHAPTER 276. MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES AND OTHER PROVISIONS
CHAPTER 277. PETITION PRESCRIBED BY LAW OUTSIDE CODE
CHAPTER 278. VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE FOR JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 279. CYBERSECURITY OF ELECTION SYSTEMS
TITLE 17. LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 501. LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS ON SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Thursday, March 5, 2026
From Ballotpedia: What to know about states that don't use primary elections to nominate candidates
- Click here.
Generally, political parties use primary elections to determine their nominees in advance of a general election. In some cases, however, political parties can — or must — nominate candidates for the general election without conducting a primary.
In Indiana, Michigan, and South Dakota, state law requires parties to nominate candidates for certain statewide offices, such as lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and attorney general, at a state party convention.
The following are the state party convention dates in Indiana, Michigan, and South Dakota, as well as the offices up for nomination at each convention:
Indiana (lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor, and attorney general):
Democratic convention: June 6, 2026, in Indianapolis
Republican convention: June 19-20, 2026, in Fort Wayne
Michigan (lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, Supreme Court, the boards of Michigan State University, Wayne State University, the University of Michigan, and the state Board of Education):
Democratic convention: April 19, 2026, in Detroit
Republican convention: March 28, 2026, in an unknown location
South Dakota (lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer, commissioner of school and public lands, and public utilities commissioner):
Democratic convention: June 6, 2026 in Sioux Falls
Republican convention: June 27, 2026, in Rapid City
In Alabama, South Carolina, and Virginia, major political parties may nominate candidates for any statewide office without holding a primary. In Alabama, the party must provide advance notice to the state that it will be foregoing a primary election, while in South Carolina, a party must submit the question of nominating candidates via convention to voters. Neither major party has taken these steps for 2026.
In Virginia, the situation is a bit different. Under state law, party authorities "have the right to determine the method by which a party nomination ... shall be made." Before 2024, some parties nominated candidates for statewide or congressional elections at a caucus or convention.
However, effective January 2024, the law states that a method of nomination "shall not be selected if such method will have the practical effect of excluding participation in the nominating process by qualified voters who are otherwise eligible to participate" but cannot attend meetings due to being active duty military, temporarily living outside of the U.S., being a student, having a disability, or experiencing a contagious disease.
According to Virginia Mercury's Markus Schmidt, "The law effectively forces parties to nominate candidates through state-run primary elections rather than their own party-run contests." The 2024 changes do not apply to special elections.
Sunday, January 14, 2024
From 270 to Win: 2024 Presidential Election Calendar
- 2024 Presidential Election Calendar.
- 2024 Statewide Primary Calendar.
- What is a primary election?
The United States is one of a handful of countries to select candidates through popular vote in a primary election system; most other countries rely on party leaders or paid up party members to select candidates, as was previously the case in the U.S. In modern politics, primary elections have been described as a vehicle for taking decision-making from political insiders to the voters, though political science research indicates that the formal party organizations retain significant influence over nomination outcomes. The selection of candidates for federal, state, and local general elections takes place in primary elections organized by the public administration for the general voting public to participate in for the purpose of nominating the respective parties' official candidates; state voters start the electoral process for governors and legislators through the primary process, as well as for many local officials from city councilors to county commissioners. The candidate who moves from the primary to be successful in the general election takes public office.
- What is a presidential primary election?
Each of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and territories of the United States holds either primary elections or caucuses to help nominate individual candidates for president of the United States. This process is designed to choose the candidates that will represent their political parties in the general election.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Where we are right now in GOVT 2305 - 3/4/13
This week we look at civil rights and elections.
This allows us to begin to transition from the principles and institutions established in the original constitution and begin to look at how the document has changed since it was ratified. Civil rights and elections have been impacted by the addition of significant constitutional amendments, all of which have expanded the ability of the national government to place limits on how the states can treat their citizens. This transition began soon after the end of the Civil War. Suddenly, equality - as a principle - makes an appearance in the Constitution. Some observers suggest that this change marks a revolution in the nature of the Constitution.
Hopefully we'll come to terms with this shift and its continued ramifications.
For past blog stories relevant to civil rights, click on this label: civil rights.
Here are the study guide questions from the wiki page on civil rights:
There are many labels that link to past stories about elections, but the simplest way to access them is to simply click on "elections." Other labels take you to stories on more specific topics, so surf around if you feel inclined.
And here are study guide questions from the wiki page on elections.
This allows us to begin to transition from the principles and institutions established in the original constitution and begin to look at how the document has changed since it was ratified. Civil rights and elections have been impacted by the addition of significant constitutional amendments, all of which have expanded the ability of the national government to place limits on how the states can treat their citizens. This transition began soon after the end of the Civil War. Suddenly, equality - as a principle - makes an appearance in the Constitution. Some observers suggest that this change marks a revolution in the nature of the Constitution.
Hopefully we'll come to terms with this shift and its continued ramifications.
For past blog stories relevant to civil rights, click on this label: civil rights.
Here are the study guide questions from the wiki page on civil rights:
- What is a civil right?The section on elections allows us to look at a variety of issues associated with elections in the US, as well as its history. We've already looked at elections in previous sections when we discussed democracy, republicanism and the separated powers. So we should have some familiarity with the issue. Here we can go a bit more deeply into the nature of elections in the US and how they condition the political and governing process in the nation.
- What groups were initially successful in becoming equal members of the political community?
- Describe the Dred Scott decision and how the Fourteenth Amendment reacted to it.
- Fully explain the impact of the Equal Protection Clause.
- Plessy v. Ferguson has been argued to have negated the intent of the Fourteenth Amendment. How?
- Describe the steps between Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education. What is the current status of Brown?
- What was the impact of the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts?
- What is the difference between Strict Scrutiny, Intermediate Scrutiny and the Rational Basis test?
- What controversies exist surrounding the use of race, gender, age, physical disabilities, and sexual orientation as ways to distinguish between individuals?
- What lingering disputes exist concerning affirmative action?
There are many labels that link to past stories about elections, but the simplest way to access them is to simply click on "elections." Other labels take you to stories on more specific topics, so surf around if you feel inclined.
And here are study guide questions from the wiki page on elections.
- What is an election and what do they do? What types of decisions are made through elections in the US?
- Do all governing systems have elections? If so, why?
- What are the significant aspects of democratic elections?
- What is the difference between a direct and indirect election? Be able to define them and distinguish one from the other.
- What did Madison say about the problems of direct elections?
- What electoral schemes does the US Constitution establish? Why? Why not elect people to office the same way?
- Be familar with the unique aspects of House, Senate and Presidential elections in the US.
- Be familiar with the electoral college.
- What impact did the 17th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act have on elections in the US?
- Also be familar with the purpose underlying the appointment process for the federal courts? Why is it designed the way it is? What does this tell us about what impact the general population is meant to have on the operations of the government.
- What is a winner take all election and what impact do they have on the electoral process?
- What makes governing systems with proportional representation different from the American systems?
- What is an initiative, referendum and recall election?
- What does the US Constitution say about suffrage? What roles are states allowed to play in the electoral process?
- What does the US Constitution say about districts and how they should be drawn? Why was Baker v Carr argued to be a significant Supreme Court case?
- What does the US Constitution state about who can and cannot vote?
- Be familar with the differences between general and primary elections. Be able to explain how candidates for the presidency have been selected over time and the factors that have led to ocasional changes.
- What do we know about voter turnout in the US? Who votes and why?
- What is gerrymandering? What impact is it ellaged to have on the governing process?
- What role does the Texas Government play in the electoral process?
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
County Results for 2012 Texas Primary
Below you'll find links to the Elections Divisions of area County Clerks offices. They are responsible for running state and national elections, including primaries. They also run elections in single purpose governments like Independent School Districts. Cities are responsible for conducting their own elections, though sometimes they contract with the county to have them carry it out.
For Brazoria County:
- Democratic Primary (3,331 votes cast)
- Republican Primary (22,834 votes cast)
- Total Turnout - 26,830 - 7.88%
For Fort Bend County:
- Democratic Primary (9,871 votes cast)
- Republican Primary (36,749 votes cast)
- Total Turnout - 47,627 - ?%
For Galveston County:
- Democratic Primary
- Republican Primary
- Total Turnout -
(website down as of this posting)
For Harris County:
- Democratic Primary (71,360 votes cast)
- Republican Primary (160,752 votes cast)
- Total Turnout - 238,545 - 12.54%
For further information on the specific job descriptions of the Elections Division in each county click on Travis County's website here. The Texas Secretary of State's website also has information about how elections are to be conducted in the state, including this comprehensive page detailing the laws and procedures pertaining to County Clerks. Enjoy.
For Brazoria County:
- Democratic Primary (3,331 votes cast)
- Republican Primary (22,834 votes cast)
- Total Turnout - 26,830 - 7.88%
For Fort Bend County:
- Democratic Primary (9,871 votes cast)
- Republican Primary (36,749 votes cast)
- Total Turnout - 47,627 - ?%
For Galveston County:
- Democratic Primary
- Republican Primary
- Total Turnout -
(website down as of this posting)
For Harris County:
- Democratic Primary (71,360 votes cast)
- Republican Primary (160,752 votes cast)
- Total Turnout - 238,545 - 12.54%
For further information on the specific job descriptions of the Elections Division in each county click on Travis County's website here. The Texas Secretary of State's website also has information about how elections are to be conducted in the state, including this comprehensive page detailing the laws and procedures pertaining to County Clerks. Enjoy.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
From the Texas Tribune: Congressmen Want Investigation of Houston Poll Miscues
For our look at how counties manage - or perhaps mismanage - elections. The article also touches on a controversial topic: Does Texas really want higher voter participation?
- Click here for the article.
In case you are curious, here is the formula:
- Click here for the article.
Two Houston congressmen are asking the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether unequal distribution of voting machines and polling locations in Harris County disenfranchised minority voters during the March 1 primary election.In a letter dated March 15, U.S. Reps. Al Green and Gene Green, both Houston Democrats, blamed insufficient voting machines and polling locations for “excessively long lines” in predominantly Hispanic and black precincts in Harris County. Citing local news reports, the congressmen indicated that long lines “deterred” minority voters from “exercising their right to vote that day.”
“The failure to distribute sufficient voting machines in predominantly Hispanic and African-American precincts in Harris County, in comparison to the resources made available in more affluent, predominantly Anglo precincts in the county, had a discriminatory impact on our constituents’ ability to participate in the political process,” the congressmen wrote.
Though Texas ranks among the bottom for voter turnout rates in the country, voter turnout surged in Texas for the March 1 election with more than 4.2 million ballots cast in the primary election — up from about 2 million in 2012.
In Harris County, the state’s largest county, the number of voters casting ballots increased from 240,466 in the 2012 primary to 557,048 this year.
The increased turnout — fueled by a heated Republican presidential race — left election officials scrambling to deliver additional voting machines to polling locations with long lines on election day. Still, some voters in Houston did not cast their votes until after 9:30 p.m. — hours after polls closed. Others reportedly abandoned their place in line without voting after waiting for hours.
The distribution of polling locations in primary elections is a responsibility of each county’s political party, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office, which oversees elections and voting. Using a formula based on previous voter turnout, county parties are charged with estimating voter turnout and determining the number of voting machines and polling locations needed.
In case you are curious, here is the formula:
The formula for estimating turnout for the primary elections is:
A x (B + C) = D
Where:
A = the percentage of voter turnout for the office that received the most votes in the most recent comparable party primary election (percentage is the sum of all votes cast for the office that received the most votes in the most recent comparable party primary election divided by the number of registered voters).
B = the number of registered voters as of October preceding the primary.
C = 25% of the number resulting when you multiply A x B.
D = Preliminary Estimated Turnout.
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Texas Election Code
For our look at elections:
- Click here for the full thing.
TITLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 2. VOTE REQUIRED FOR ELECTION TO OFFICE
- CHAPTER 3. ORDERING ELECTION
- CHAPTER 4. NOTICE OF ELECTION
TITLE 2. VOTER QUALIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 11. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTING
- CHAPTER 12. VOTER REGISTRAR
- CHAPTER 13. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION; INITIAL REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 14. RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 15. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 16. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 17. JUDICIAL REVIEW
- CHAPTER 18. PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING REGISTERED VOTERS
- CHAPTER 19. FINANCING VOTER REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 20. VOTER REGISTRATION AGENCIES
TITLE 3. ELECTION OFFICERS AND OBSERVERS
- CHAPTER 31. OFFICERS TO ADMINISTER ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 32. ELECTION JUDGES AND CLERKS
- CHAPTER 33. WATCHERS
- CHAPTER 34. STATE INSPECTORS
TITLE 4. TIME AND PLACE OF ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 41. ELECTION DATES AND HOURS FOR VOTING
- CHAPTER 42. ELECTION PRECINCTS
- CHAPTER 43. POLLING PLACES
TITLE 5. ELECTION SUPPLIES
- CHAPTER 51. ELECTION SUPPLIES
- CHAPTER 52. BALLOT FORM, CONTENT, AND PREPARATION
TITLE 6. CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
- Click here for the full thing.
TITLE 1. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 2. VOTE REQUIRED FOR ELECTION TO OFFICE
- CHAPTER 3. ORDERING ELECTION
- CHAPTER 4. NOTICE OF ELECTION
TITLE 2. VOTER QUALIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 11. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTING
- CHAPTER 12. VOTER REGISTRAR
- CHAPTER 13. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION; INITIAL REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 14. RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 15. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 16. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 17. JUDICIAL REVIEW
- CHAPTER 18. PROCEDURES FOR IDENTIFYING REGISTERED VOTERS
- CHAPTER 19. FINANCING VOTER REGISTRATION
- CHAPTER 20. VOTER REGISTRATION AGENCIES
TITLE 3. ELECTION OFFICERS AND OBSERVERS
- CHAPTER 31. OFFICERS TO ADMINISTER ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 32. ELECTION JUDGES AND CLERKS
- CHAPTER 33. WATCHERS
- CHAPTER 34. STATE INSPECTORS
TITLE 4. TIME AND PLACE OF ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 41. ELECTION DATES AND HOURS FOR VOTING
- CHAPTER 42. ELECTION PRECINCTS
- CHAPTER 43. POLLING PLACES
TITLE 5. ELECTION SUPPLIES
- CHAPTER 51. ELECTION SUPPLIES
- CHAPTER 52. BALLOT FORM, CONTENT, AND PREPARATION
TITLE 6. CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 61. CONDUCT OF VOTING GENERALLY
- CHAPTER 62. PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS
- CHAPTER 63. ACCEPTING VOTER
- CHAPTER 64. VOTING PROCEDURES
- CHAPTER 65. COUNTING VOTES AND PREPARING RETURNS
- CHAPTER 66. DISPOSITION OF RECORDS AND SUPPLIES AFTER ELECTION
- CHAPTER 67. CANVASSING ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 68. TABULATION OF UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF CERTAIN RACES BY SECRETARY OF STATE
TITLE 7. EARLY VOTING
- SUBTITLE A. EARLY VOTING
- - CHAPTER 81. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- - CHAPTER 82. ELIGIBILITY FOR EARLY VOTING
- - CHAPTER 83. OFFICER CONDUCTING EARLY VOTING
- - CHAPTER 84. APPLICATION FOR BALLOT
- - CHAPTER 85. CONDUCT OF VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE
- - CHAPTER 86. CONDUCT OF VOTING BY MAIL
- - CHAPTER 87. PROCESSING EARLY VOTING RESULTS
- SUBTITLE B. SPECIAL FORMS OF EARLY VOTING
- - CHAPTER 101. VOTING BY RESIDENT FEDERAL POSTCARD APPLICANT
- - CHAPTER 102. LATE VOTING BY DISABLED VOTER
- - CHAPTER 103. LATE VOTING BECAUSE OF DEATH IN IMMEDIATE FAMILY
- - CHAPTER 104. VOTING ON ELECTION DAY BY DISABLED VOTER FROM VOTING SYSTEM PRECINCT
- - CHAPTER 105. VOTING BY MILITARY PERSONNEL OR OTHER PERSONS OVERSEAS
- - CHAPTER 106. VOTING ON ELECTION DAY BY PERSON ON SPACE FLIGHT
- SUBTITLE C. RESTRICTED BALLOT
- - CHAPTER 111. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- - CHAPTER 112. VOTING LIMITED BALLOT AFTER CHANGING COUNTY OF RESIDENCE
- - CHAPTER 113. VOTING PRESIDENTIAL BALLOT BY FORMER RESIDENT
- - CHAPTER 114. VOTING FEDERAL BALLOT BY OVERSEAS CITIZEN
TITLE 8. VOTING SYSTEMS
- CHAPTER 121. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 122. STATE SUPERVISION OVER VOTING SYSTEMS
- CHAPTER 123. ADOPTION AND ACQUISITION OF VOTING SYSTEM
- CHAPTER 124. VOTING SYSTEM BALLOT
- CHAPTER 125. CONDUCT OF VOTING WITH VOTING SYSTEM
- CHAPTER 127. PROCESSING ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM RESULTS
- CHAPTER 128. COMPUTERIZED VOTING SYSTEMS
- CHAPTER 129. DIRECT RECORDING ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES
TITLE 9. CANDIDATES
- CHAPTER 141. CANDIDACY FOR PUBLIC OFFICE GENERALLY
- CHAPTER 142. INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE IN GENERAL ELECTION FOR STATE AND COUNTY OFFICERS
- CHAPTER 143. CANDIDATE FOR CITY OFFICE
- CHAPTER 144. CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OTHER THAN COUNTY OR CITY
- CHAPTER 145. WITHDRAWAL, DEATH AND INELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATE
- CHAPTER 146. WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
TITLE 10. POLITICAL PARTIES
- SUBTITLE A. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
- - CHAPTER 161. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- - CHAPTER 162. REGULATING PARTICIPATION IN PARTY AFFAIRS
- - CHAPTER 163. PARTY RULES
- SUBTITLE B. PARTIES NOMINATING BY PRIMARY ELECTION
- - CHAPTER 171. ORGANIZATION
- - CHAPTER 172. PRIMARY ELECTIONS
- - CHAPTER 173. PRIMARY ELECTION FINANCING
- - CHAPTER 174. CONVENTIONS
- SUBTITLE C. PARTIES NOMINATING BY CONVENTION
- - CHAPTER 181. PARTY WITH STATE ORGANIZATION
- - CHAPTER 182. PARTY WITHOUT STATE ORGANIZATION
- CHAPTER 62. PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS
- CHAPTER 63. ACCEPTING VOTER
- CHAPTER 64. VOTING PROCEDURES
- CHAPTER 65. COUNTING VOTES AND PREPARING RETURNS
- CHAPTER 66. DISPOSITION OF RECORDS AND SUPPLIES AFTER ELECTION
- CHAPTER 67. CANVASSING ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 68. TABULATION OF UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF CERTAIN RACES BY SECRETARY OF STATE
TITLE 7. EARLY VOTING
- SUBTITLE A. EARLY VOTING
- - CHAPTER 81. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- - CHAPTER 82. ELIGIBILITY FOR EARLY VOTING
- - CHAPTER 83. OFFICER CONDUCTING EARLY VOTING
- - CHAPTER 84. APPLICATION FOR BALLOT
- - CHAPTER 85. CONDUCT OF VOTING BY PERSONAL APPEARANCE
- - CHAPTER 86. CONDUCT OF VOTING BY MAIL
- - CHAPTER 87. PROCESSING EARLY VOTING RESULTS
- SUBTITLE B. SPECIAL FORMS OF EARLY VOTING
- - CHAPTER 101. VOTING BY RESIDENT FEDERAL POSTCARD APPLICANT
- - CHAPTER 102. LATE VOTING BY DISABLED VOTER
- - CHAPTER 103. LATE VOTING BECAUSE OF DEATH IN IMMEDIATE FAMILY
- - CHAPTER 104. VOTING ON ELECTION DAY BY DISABLED VOTER FROM VOTING SYSTEM PRECINCT
- - CHAPTER 105. VOTING BY MILITARY PERSONNEL OR OTHER PERSONS OVERSEAS
- - CHAPTER 106. VOTING ON ELECTION DAY BY PERSON ON SPACE FLIGHT
- SUBTITLE C. RESTRICTED BALLOT
- - CHAPTER 111. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- - CHAPTER 112. VOTING LIMITED BALLOT AFTER CHANGING COUNTY OF RESIDENCE
- - CHAPTER 113. VOTING PRESIDENTIAL BALLOT BY FORMER RESIDENT
- - CHAPTER 114. VOTING FEDERAL BALLOT BY OVERSEAS CITIZEN
TITLE 8. VOTING SYSTEMS
- CHAPTER 121. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 122. STATE SUPERVISION OVER VOTING SYSTEMS
- CHAPTER 123. ADOPTION AND ACQUISITION OF VOTING SYSTEM
- CHAPTER 124. VOTING SYSTEM BALLOT
- CHAPTER 125. CONDUCT OF VOTING WITH VOTING SYSTEM
- CHAPTER 127. PROCESSING ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEM RESULTS
- CHAPTER 128. COMPUTERIZED VOTING SYSTEMS
- CHAPTER 129. DIRECT RECORDING ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES
TITLE 9. CANDIDATES
- CHAPTER 141. CANDIDACY FOR PUBLIC OFFICE GENERALLY
- CHAPTER 142. INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE IN GENERAL ELECTION FOR STATE AND COUNTY OFFICERS
- CHAPTER 143. CANDIDATE FOR CITY OFFICE
- CHAPTER 144. CANDIDATE FOR OFFICE OF POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OTHER THAN COUNTY OR CITY
- CHAPTER 145. WITHDRAWAL, DEATH AND INELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATE
- CHAPTER 146. WRITE-IN CANDIDATE
TITLE 10. POLITICAL PARTIES
- SUBTITLE A. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
- - CHAPTER 161. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- - CHAPTER 162. REGULATING PARTICIPATION IN PARTY AFFAIRS
- - CHAPTER 163. PARTY RULES
- SUBTITLE B. PARTIES NOMINATING BY PRIMARY ELECTION
- - CHAPTER 171. ORGANIZATION
- - CHAPTER 172. PRIMARY ELECTIONS
- - CHAPTER 173. PRIMARY ELECTION FINANCING
- - CHAPTER 174. CONVENTIONS
- SUBTITLE C. PARTIES NOMINATING BY CONVENTION
- - CHAPTER 181. PARTY WITH STATE ORGANIZATION
- - CHAPTER 182. PARTY WITHOUT STATE ORGANIZATION
TITLE 11. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 191. SELECTION OF DELEGATES TO NATIONAL NOMINATING CONVENTION
- CHAPTER 192. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS AND CANDIDATES
- CHAPTER 191. SELECTION OF DELEGATES TO NATIONAL NOMINATING CONVENTION
- CHAPTER 192. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS AND CANDIDATES
TITLE 12. ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCY IN OFFICE
- CHAPTER 201. DETERMINATION OF AND ELECTION TO FILL VACANCY
- CHAPTER 202. VACANCY IN OFFICE OF STATE OR COUNTY GOVERNMENT
- CHAPTER 203. VACANCY IN LEGISLATURE
- CHAPTER 204. VACANCY IN CONGRESS
TITLE 13. RECOUNTS
- CHAPTER 211. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 212. REQUESTING RECOUNT
- CHAPTER 213. CONDUCT OF RECOUNT
- CHAPTER 214. COUNTING PROCEDURES
- CHAPTER 215. COSTS OF RECOUNT
- CHAPTER 216. AUTOMATIC RECOUNT
TITLE 14. ELECTION CONTESTS
- CHAPTER 202. VACANCY IN OFFICE OF STATE OR COUNTY GOVERNMENT
- CHAPTER 203. VACANCY IN LEGISLATURE
- CHAPTER 204. VACANCY IN CONGRESS
TITLE 13. RECOUNTS
- CHAPTER 211. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 212. REQUESTING RECOUNT
- CHAPTER 213. CONDUCT OF RECOUNT
- CHAPTER 214. COUNTING PROCEDURES
- CHAPTER 215. COSTS OF RECOUNT
- CHAPTER 216. AUTOMATIC RECOUNT
TITLE 14. ELECTION CONTESTS
- SUBTITLE A. INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
- - CHAPTER 221. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- SUBTITLE B. CONTESTS IN DISTRICT COURT
- - CHAPTER 231. CONTEST IN DISTRICT COURT GENERALLY
- - CHAPTER 232. CONTESTS FOR OFFICE
- - CHAPTER 233. CONTEST ON MEASURE
- SUBTITLE C. CONTESTS IN OTHER TRIBUNALS
- - CHAPTER 241. CONTEST FOR STATE SENATOR OR REPRESENTATIVE
- - CHAPTER 242. CONTEST FOR CONSTITUTIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE
- - CHAPTER 243. CONTEST FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS
- SUBTITLE D. OTHER ELECTION LAWSUITS
- - CHAPTER 247. LAWSUIT ALLEGING IMPROPER ELECTION ACTIVITIES
TITLE 15. REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS
- CHAPTER 251. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 252. CAMPAIGN TREASURER
- CHAPTER 253. RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES
- CHAPTER 254. POLITICAL REPORTING
- CHAPTER 255. REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
- CHAPTER 257. POLITICAL PARTIES
- CHAPTER 258. FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
- CHAPTER 259. POLITICAL SIGNS
TITLE 16. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 271. JOINT ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 272. BILINGUAL REQUIREMENTS
- CHAPTER 273. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND OTHER ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS
- CHAPTER 274. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
- CHAPTER 275. ELECTION FOR OFFICERS OF CITY WITH 200,000 POPULATION
- CHAPTER 276. MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES AND OTHER PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 277. PETITION PRESCRIBED BY LAW OUTSIDE CODE
- CHAPTER 278. VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE FOR JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 279. CYBERSECURITY OF ELECTION SYSTEMS
TITLE 17. LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 501. LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS ON SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
- - CHAPTER 221. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- SUBTITLE B. CONTESTS IN DISTRICT COURT
- - CHAPTER 231. CONTEST IN DISTRICT COURT GENERALLY
- - CHAPTER 232. CONTESTS FOR OFFICE
- - CHAPTER 233. CONTEST ON MEASURE
- SUBTITLE C. CONTESTS IN OTHER TRIBUNALS
- - CHAPTER 241. CONTEST FOR STATE SENATOR OR REPRESENTATIVE
- - CHAPTER 242. CONTEST FOR CONSTITUTIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE
- - CHAPTER 243. CONTEST FOR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS
- SUBTITLE D. OTHER ELECTION LAWSUITS
- - CHAPTER 247. LAWSUIT ALLEGING IMPROPER ELECTION ACTIVITIES
TITLE 15. REGULATING POLITICAL FUNDS AND CAMPAIGNS
- CHAPTER 251. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 252. CAMPAIGN TREASURER
- CHAPTER 253. RESTRICTIONS ON CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURES
- CHAPTER 254. POLITICAL REPORTING
- CHAPTER 255. REGULATING POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND CAMPAIGN COMMUNICATIONS
- CHAPTER 257. POLITICAL PARTIES
- CHAPTER 258. FAIR CAMPAIGN PRACTICES
- CHAPTER 259. POLITICAL SIGNS
TITLE 16. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 271. JOINT ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 272. BILINGUAL REQUIREMENTS
- CHAPTER 273. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND OTHER ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS
- CHAPTER 274. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
- CHAPTER 275. ELECTION FOR OFFICERS OF CITY WITH 200,000 POPULATION
- CHAPTER 276. MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES AND OTHER PROVISIONS
- CHAPTER 277. PETITION PRESCRIBED BY LAW OUTSIDE CODE
- CHAPTER 278. VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE FOR JUDICIAL ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 279. CYBERSECURITY OF ELECTION SYSTEMS
TITLE 17. LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS
- CHAPTER 501. LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS ON SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
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