Government

Just in case you’ve waited until now to cast a ballot, we offer up this reminder of what you’ll need when you head to the polls.

About 3 million people live in rural parts of the state, and this year they’ve gotten more visits from Democratic candidates.

About a third of Texas’ 254 counties are moving away from that and to the vote center model, which was piloted in Lubbock County.

Lubbock County voters will be some of the first in the state to use a new paper-based ballot system.

Early voting starts Oct. 24 and continues through Nov. 4 ahead of Election Day on Nov. 8.

The Lubbock City Council will soon approve its annual billion-dollar budget. It includes signs of continued growth for the city, but also caveats for inflation and economic uncertainty. On top of that, the city is pursuing a road bond to pay for needed work throughout town. Will a re-worked package pass voter approval this time?

Lubbock is trying to get people more involved in local government. There is another engagement challenge that needs attention: actually getting people to vote in local elections.

Texas had 3,866 water boil notices in 2021, the most in the last decade. Aging water systems threaten water supply and quality — and for many small towns across the state, they won’t be cheap to repair.

Texas Republican Party leaders want the state to adopt laws that would shorten the early voting period and no longer allow mail-in voting for anyone 65 and up.