Texas

Texas’ elected Supreme Court: What to know before voting for justices

Published

2 years ago

October 22, 2022

Texas’ elected Supreme Court: What to know before voting for justices

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Texas is one among solely eight states that maintain partisan elections for his or her supreme courts. However seven out of the 9 members on the Texas Supreme Courtroom had been first appointed by a state governor — that means simply two present members began on the courtroom after being elected.

An appointed choose has to run once more as soon as the time period of the place they assumed is over, however they virtually all the time win.

“They run because the incumbent Republican member. And guess what, it’s labored like magic on this mainly Republican state,” stated Ron Beal, a professor emeritus at Baylor Legislation Faculty.

Voting FAQ: 2022 midterms

How do I do know if I am registered to vote?

The deadline to register to vote within the 2022 main election was Oct. 11. Verify in the event you’re registered to vote right here.
When can I vote early?

Early voting runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4. Voters can forged ballots at any polling location within the county the place they’re registered to vote throughout early voting. Election day is Nov. 8.
How do I do know if I qualify to vote by mail?

This selection is pretty restricted in Texas. You’re allowed to vote by mail provided that: You can be 65 or older by Election Day, you’ll not be in your county for your entire span of voting, together with early voting, you cite a illness or incapacity that forestalls you from voting in particular person while not having private help or with out the probability of injuring your well being, you’re anticipated to provide start inside three weeks earlier than or after Election Day or you might be confined in jail however in any other case eligible (i.e., not convicted of a felony).
Are polling areas the identical on election day as they’re throughout early voting?

Not all the time. You’ll need to verify for open polling areas along with your native elections workplace earlier than you head out to vote. Moreover, you’ll be able to verify along with your county elections workplace whether or not election day voting is restricted to areas in your designated precinct or in the event you can forged a poll at any polling place.
How can I discover which polling locations are close to me?

County election places of work are alleged to submit on their web sites data on polling areas for Election Day and through the early-voting interval by Oct. 18. The secretary of state’s web site may also have data on polling areas nearer to the beginning of voting. Nonetheless, polling areas could change, so you should definitely verify your county’s election web site earlier than going to vote.
What type of ID do I have to carry to vote?

You’ll want one among seven sorts of legitimate picture ID to vote in Texas: A state driver’s license, a Texas election identification certificates, a Texas private identification card, a Texas license to hold a handgun, a U.S. navy ID card with a private picture, a U.S. citizenship certificates with a private picture or a U.S. passport. Voters can nonetheless forged votes with out these IDs in the event that they signal a kind swearing that they’ve a “cheap obstacle” from acquiring a correct picture ID or use a provisional poll. Discover extra particulars right here.
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The Texas basic election is simply weeks away, on Nov. 8. Texas voters can have the chance to decide on whether or not to reelect or substitute three justices who had been initially appointed to their seats.

Most voters don’t know quite a bit concerning the judges up for election, so they have an inclination to vote alongside celebration strains, Beal stated. The Texas Supreme Courtroom has not had a Democratic choose because the Nineties.

The Texas Supreme Courtroom is the courtroom of final resort for all civil instances. Any noncriminal case tried within the state may be appealed till it reaches the Texas Supreme Courtroom; a choice made there’s last.

Texas is one among simply two states which have two sorts of courts of final resort. Whereas the Texas Supreme Courtroom offers with civil instances, the Courtroom of Legal Appeals is the ultimate place for prison instances.

“The docket, that means the variety of instances, could be so enormous that nothing would get out in a well timed trend from the Supreme Courtroom, and that’s the reason they created the Courtroom of Legal Appeals,” Beal stated.

Impression

The Texas Supreme Courtroom has the facility to make sweeping choices that interpret the state’s structure, impacting the lives of Texans throughout the state. This performed out prominently through the pandemic when the courtroom lifted the ban on evictions and debt collections, prolonged lease aid applications and routinely overturned native masks mandates.

The courtroom has been an integral mechanism in maintaining legal guidelines in place that limit abortion entry in Texas. Most just lately, the Texas Supreme Courtroom dominated that the state may implement a 1925 abortion ban following the reversal of Roe v. Wade. The ruling makes abortion suppliers liable to lawsuits and monetary penalties in the event that they proceed to carry out the process. The courtroom additionally ended the battle to dam Senate Invoice 8, which successfully bans abortions in Texas after about six weeks right into a being pregnant, when it ended a sequence of authorized challenges prompted by abortion suppliers.

What you’ll be able to anticipate from our elections protection

How we clarify voting

We clarify the voting course of with election-specific voter guides to assist Texans study what’s on the poll and how you can vote. We interview voters, election directors and election legislation specialists in order that we are able to clarify the method, boundaries to participation and what occurs after the vote is over and the counting begins. Learn extra right here.
How readers inform our work

As a substitute of letting solely politicians set the agenda, we discuss to voters and scrutinize polling knowledge to grasp atypical Texans’ prime considerations. Our readers’ questions and wishes assist inform our priorities. We need to hear from readers: What do you higher need to perceive concerning the election course of in Texas? If native, state or congressional elected officers had been to efficiently deal with one situation proper now, what would you need it to be? What’s at stake for you this election cycle? If we’re lacking one thing, that is your likelihood to inform us.
How we maintain officers accountable

We don’t merely recount what politicians say, however deal with what they do (or fail to do) for the Texans they characterize. We purpose to offer historic, authorized and different kinds of context so readers can perceive and interact with a difficulty. Reporting on efforts that make voting and fascinating in our democracy more durable is a pillar of our accountability work. Learn extra right here.
How we select what races to cowl

We aren’t in a position to intently cowl all 150 races within the Texas Home, 31 within the Texas Senate or 38 for the Texas delegation within the subsequent U.S. Home. We have to select what races we cowl intently through the use of our greatest judgment of what’s most noteworthy. We take into consideration elements like energy, fairness, curiosity and competitiveness so as to decide what warrants extra assets and a spotlight. Learn extra right here.
How we cowl misinformation

In reporting on falsehoods and exaggerations, we clearly clarify why it’s unfaithful and the way it could hurt Texans. Generally, we select to not write about misinformation as a result of that may assist amplify it. We’re extra prone to debunk falsehoods when they’re unfold by elected officers or used as a justification for coverage choices. Learn extra right here.
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Individuals don’t select all their judges in elections. Justices for the U.S. Supreme Courtroom, for instance, are appointed by presidents, not elected by voters. The U.S. Supreme Courtroom has just lately confronted criticism that its rulings will not be consultant of the desires of the American individuals.

“This is a chance that we’ve got for direct participation in democracy that we don’t have on the federal degree,” stated John Murphy, a legislation professor at Texas A&M College. “People who find themselves within the form of the legislation and the way forward for the legislation and the interpretation of the legislation ought to, by all means, vote within the basic elections for judges at any degree, however particularly within the Supreme Courtroom of Texas.”

Who’s on the poll this 12 months?

There are three seats up for election this 12 months. Judicial campaigns are totally different from different sorts of campaigns. Candidates are likely to marketing campaign on their expertise and endorsements, and so they keep away from outlining how they’ll rule in instances as a result of the state’s judicial code of conduct forbids candidates from making these sorts of pledges.

One of the simplest ways to gauge what a choose will do is to take a look at the values of who appointed and endorsed them, stated Beal, the previous Baylor legislation professor.

Place 3

Debra Lehrmann is the Republican incumbent up for election in Place 3. She was appointed to the place by former Gov. Rick Perry in 2010 and has since been reelected twice. She is endorsed by Abbott, Texas Alliance for Life and the Texas Civil Justice League political motion committee.

Erin Nowell is the Democrat difficult Lehrmann. She serves on the fifth District Courtroom of Appeals. She is endorsed by the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, the Texas AFL-CIO and the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Lecturers.

Place 5

Rebeca Huddle is the Republican incumbent and was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott in 2020. That is her first time working for reelection. She is endorsed by Abbott, Texas Alliance for Life and the Texas Civil Justice League PAC.

Amanda Reichek is the Democrat working in opposition to Huddle. She serves on the fifth District Courtroom of Appeals. She is endorsed by the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus, the Texas AFL-CIO and the Texas AFT.

Place 9

Evan Younger is the latest appointee to the Texas Supreme Courtroom after Abbott put him up for the place in November 2021. That is his first time working for reelection. He beforehand clerked for Justice Antonin Scalia of the U.S. Supreme Courtroom. He’s endorsed by Abbott, Texas Alliance for Life and the Texas Civil Justice League PAC.

The Democrat difficult Younger is Julia Maldonado. She is the Harris County presiding household courtroom choose. She is endorsed by the Texas AFL-CIO and Texas AFT.

Disclosure: Texas A&M College, Texas AFT and the Texas Civil Justice League have been monetary supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan information group that’s funded partly by donations from members, foundations and company sponsors. Monetary supporters play no position within the Tribune’s journalism. Discover a full record of them right here.

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Texas

Gov. Abbott updates ongoing response to severe winter weather in Texas

Published

38 minutes ago

January 8, 2025

Press Room

Gov. Abbott updates ongoing response to severe winter weather in Texas

AUSTIN – Texas Governor Greg Abbott will be briefed Wednesday morning on the latest in the severe winter weather that will affect a large area of the state. He will then hold a news conference in Austin around 10:30 a.m. to announce any updates.

The Governor will be joined by Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Texas Department of Transportation Deputy Executive Director Brian Barth, Electric Reliability Council of Texas CEO Pablo Vegas, Public Utility Commission Chair Thomas Gleeson, and other state officials and emergency management personnel.

Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app

Winter Storm Warning

What we know:

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for parts of North Central and Northeast Texas from 6 a.m. Thursday until Noon on Friday.

The National Weather Service expects heavy mixed precipitation with a transition to all snow on Thursday evening. Total snow accumulations will be between 2 and 4 inches. The NWS says isolated snowfall amounts could top 8 inches within more intense bands of snow.

Another aspect of a warning is what this weather will impact. Travel could be very difficult for the Thursday morning and evening commutes.

RELATED STORY: Dallas weather: Winter storm watch upgraded to warning, when to expect snow tomorrow

State Emergency Response Resources

Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to increase the readiness level of the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) to Level II (Escalated Response) ahead of winter weather expected to impact the state, with the greatest impacts beginning Wednesday through the weekend.

What they’re saying:

“With below-freezing temperatures beginning to impact large portions of the state, Texas is increasing the readiness level of the State Operations Center to ensure resources are swiftly deployed to communities,” said Governor Abbott. “As the State of Texas mobilizes the emergency response resources Texans need to stay safe and warm, I urge everyone to remain weather-aware, regularly monitor road conditions before traveling, and heed guidance from state and local officials. I thank all the first responders and emergency management personnel for their efforts to help Texas communities brace for winter weather.”

Winter Storm Watch

The National Weather Service has also issued a Winter Storm Watch which remains in effect from now through Friday night.

What they’re saying:

Heavy mixed precipitation is possible with a transition to snow expected late Thursday. Total snow and sleet accumulations of up to two inches and ice accumulations of around one tenth of an inch are possible.

Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Thursday morning and evening commutes.

Dig deeper:

Texans can locate winter weather safety tips by visiting TexasReady.gov, find warming centers opened and operated by local officials at tdem.texas.gov/warm, and check road conditions at DriveTexas.org.

The Source: Information in this article is from the Texas Governor’s Office and the National Weather Service.

Severe WeatherGreg Abbott

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Texas

Texas A&M vs Oklahoma: Preview, prediction, how to watch men’s basketball game

Published

9 hours ago

January 8, 2025

Press Room

Texas A&M vs Oklahoma: Preview, prediction, how to watch men’s basketball game

For the first time since December of 2017, Texas A&M basketball is ranked inside the top 10 in national polls.

The Aggies manhandled the rival Texas Longhorns on Saturday and surged up the rankings. They sit ninth in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and 10th in the AP Poll, released Sunday.

Despite national recognition, the Aggies know they have a lot of work to do if they’re going to stay there, and the next challenge will be daunting. Wednesday night, the Aggies travel to Norman to take on the No. 16 Oklahoma Sooners (13-1, 0-1) in their first SEC road test of the year.

WATCH MULTIPLE TEXAS A&M GAMES HERE

No. 9 Texas A&M (12-2, 1-0) won eight games in a row and will put the streak to the test against a good Sooners team looking to bounce back from a 107-79 loss to the No. 5 Alabama Crimson Tide.

Now, the Aggies are fully entrenched in a grueling conference schedule. Can Texas A&M continue their winning ways Wednesday on the road against Oklahoma? Here’s what you need to know for the matchup:

Texas A&M vs Oklahoma time

Day: Wednesday

Start time: 8 p.m.

Location: Lloyd Noble Center in Norman.

How to watch Texas A&M vs Oklahoma

TV channel: SEC Network

Livestream: Fubo, ESPN+, SEC+

Aggies capitalizing on ‘mature group’

Texas A&M entered the season returning 78% of last year’s total production. That familiarity in Buzz Williams’ sixth season has allowed the Aggies to flourish early this year. With experience a clear advantage for A&M, the team’s maturity has allowed them to get off to the start they’ve had.

“We have a very mature group. We have a group that has really good character, and that’s important. When we’re together, our ideas have to be based on the truth,” Williams said on his weekly radio show Monday.

A&M’s starting five against Texas (Wade Taylor, Zhuric Phelps, Hayden Hefner, Solomon Thomas, Henry Coleman III) have combined to play 460 games for the program, and that familiarity has helped the Aggies play well together when it matters most.

“The margins are just so thin. You always have to figure out a way to get better,” Williams said Monday. “We’re thankful for Saturday. There’s very little margin over the next nine weeks.”

Texas A&M vs. Oklahoma prediction

Twenty-point wins will be hard to come by in the SEC this season, and the Aggies know it. Wednesday against the Sooners will provide A&M with another measuring stick game, a test they’ve continued to pass. I expect it will be much closer than the Longhorns game was, with Texas A&M finding a way to grind out a one-possession road win over Oklahoma, 77-74.

Reach Texas A&M Beat Reporter Tony Catalina via email at ACatalina@gannett.com. Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Get access to all of our best content with this tremendous offer.

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Texas suicide-prevention hotlines buckle as mental health crisis increases

Published

17 hours ago

January 7, 2025

Press Room

Texas suicide-prevention hotlines buckle as mental health crisis increases

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Two years ago, when the suicide prevention hotline launched, it was called a “game-changer.”

However, 988 systems in Texas are now beginning to buckle under the weight of a multi-million dollar budget deficit.

The Texas Tribune’s mental health reporter, Stephen Simpson, joined Eyewitness News to break down what caused this deficit and the impact on health care across the state.

Most of the money comes from a federal grant but was never meant to support the system long-term.

“This was just to get the 988 systems up and running until the state stepped in to take over the funding,” Simpson said.

The state of Texas has not dedicated any funds to the suicide prevention hotline.

Texas only has five centers dedicated to answering calls for help, compared to Florida, which has 13. As a result, 20% of calls from Texans in crisis in Texas are answered by out-of-state counselors.

“The more you’re transferred out of state, the more likely you are going to drop the call. Currently, Texas has the 5th highest number of dropped calls in the nation. Without the number of crisis counselors, the text and chat features we have here don’t really work,” Simpson said.

Texas has one of the highest numbers of calls into 988 centers across the country, mental health resources are low, and the suicide rate is climbing. The suicide rate in Texas jumped 37% from 2000 to 2022.

Senator José Menéndez, D-San Antonio, has filed a bill to create a state trust fund for the upcoming legislative session, which begins Jan. 14.

The 911 call centers are funded similarly. A surcharge on cellphone bills would support the 988 trust fund. Other states use money from Medicaid expansion to fund their 988 centers.

For updates on this story, follow Briana Conner on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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