The May 27th primary run-off election will be the third statewide election since the new photo identification law was implemented. Early voting runs from May 19th through May 23rd. The voter ID law, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2011, requires voters to show a photo identification before casting a ballot. There are seven forms of photo identification valid at the polls: a Texas driver license, election identification certificate, concealed handgun license, Texas personal identification card, U.S. passport, U.S. citizenship certificate with photo or U.S. military identification card. If a voter does not have a photo ID with them at their polling place, the voter will be allowed to cast a provisional ballot. A voter who submits a provisional ballot has to report to their county’s elections office within six days with identification to confirm their vote.
You may notice something new on your next visit to the Texas Capitol or surrounding state offices. The Texas Department of Public Safety has added a new mounted patrol unit that includes three donated horse – Trooper, Ranger and Agent – and four trained state troopers. The mounted patrol will serve the area that makes up the Capitol Complex.
Only in Austin: If you take the West Fifth Street exit off Mopac, get ready to catch a glimpse of the infamous El Arroyo sign. The Mexican restaurant has been posting funny slogans, catchy quotes and notes on various subjects for over 25 years. The sign even has its own Twitter page, @ElArroyoSign. Here’s one for all you mothers out there – Happy Mother’s Day!
