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Lamar Consolidated ISD voters split on multimillion-dollar bonds
Read full article: Lamar Consolidated ISD voters split on multimillion-dollar bondsROSENBERG, Texas – Of the important decisions voters from Lamar Consolidated ISD had to ponder Tuesday, perhaps the biggest came down to the bottom line. On the ballot were four propositions -- two related to education, infrastructure, and technology for district students -- two others related to athletics. But Props B & C -- asking for more than $125 million for a second stadium and two new practice swimming pools -- a fail. More than 50% of voters like Scott Hartzell voted no. I’m a former athlete myself in high school and college so I support atheltics,” Hartzell said.
9 photos that prove Election Day 2020 was different than any other in recent years
Read full article: 9 photos that prove Election Day 2020 was different than any other in recent yearsThere’s no doubt that Election Day this year was one for the books. After record-setting early voting, people still showed up in droves on Election Day to cast their ballot. Below are 10 photos -- all from Getty Images -- that give an indication of how different this Election Day looked. (2020 Getty Images)Protesters march through the streets around Black Lives Matter Plaza on Nov. 3 in Washington DC. (2020 Getty Images)Did you feel things were different this year?
These celebrities are proudly showing off their ‘I Voted’ stickers
Read full article: These celebrities are proudly showing off their ‘I Voted’ stickersCelebrities -- they’re just like us. Well, not really, but they definitely vote, and they definitely post selfies on Election Day with their “I Voted” sticker. Here are a few celebs who have let social media know they are exercising their constitutional right to have their voice heard. Laura DernSnoop DoggJessica AlbaNatalie PortmanJennifer LopezCharlize TheronBlake Lively and Ryan ReynoldsDemi LovatoDrew BarrymoreLizzoMariah CareyKerry WashingtonAshlee Simpson RossReese WitherspoonHalle BerryNick JonasSelena GomezBrittany SnowJimmy FallonJoe Jonas
Ask 2: How will NBC call the races?
Read full article: Ask 2: How will NBC call the races?Answer: First and foremost, NBC News will not call a race until the Decision Desk is at least 99.5 percent confident of the winner. On Election Night, the Decision Desk will make the following calls, according to NBC News:Too Early To Call: This characterization covers two scenarios. Projected Winner: NBC News has made a projection that a candidate will win the race. According to NBC, vote count analysts ensure accuracy by inspecting results and looking for irregularities or inconsistencies with past voting behavior. Once the Decision Desk is at least 99.5 percent confident in a projection, NBC News will call the race.
Gallery: Here’s what Election Day looks like across America
Read full article: Gallery: Here’s what Election Day looks like across AmericaVoters wait to cast their votes on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in Minneapolis. On this day, millions of Americans will cast their votes, deciding who will become the next president of the United States. For many Americans, 2020 marks a first in their own personal history books as they head to the polls for the first time. Election Day guide: Everything you need to know before heading to the polls Nov. 3While Election Day may look a bit different this year due to the pandemic, Americans are still hitting the polls and casting their ballots, especially during a time of uncertainty. Check out the gallery above to see what Election Day looked like across the country.
Here’s what voting looks like across the nation today
Read full article: Here’s what voting looks like across the nation todayHere’s what voting across the nation looks like today -- one of the most historic election days in recent history. (2020 Getty Images)Would-be voters learn they are not registered at their precinct at the O.P. (2020 Getty Images)Voters cast their ballot at The Orpheum Theater on Nov. 3 in Madison, Wisconsin. (2020 Getty Images)Voters stand in ballot boxes at the Kentucky Exposition Center on Nov. 3 in Louisville, Kentucky. (2020 Getty Images)
5 things for Houstonians to know for Tuesday, Nov. 3
Read full article: 5 things for Houstonians to know for Tuesday, Nov. 3Here are things to know for Tuesday, Nov. 3:1. Election Day guide: Everything you need to know before heading to the polls Nov. 3The Harris County Clerk has set up a “frequently asked questions” section on HarrisVotes.com where you can get lots of answers to common voting questions. Instead of 10 drive-thru locations, the Toyota Center will be the only drive-thru voting center available in Harris County on Election Day because of the new order. Here are some Election Day freebies, discounts and deals to look out forBesides deciding on the next president, voting has some other perks. You may want to take advantage of some of those Election Day deals Tuesday.
This is Texas' rule on selfies at polling stations
Read full article: This is Texas' rule on selfies at polling stationsWe understand documenting that you’ve voted is important to a lot of people — especially when you get that “I Voted” sticker. You should be proud of yourself for casting your vote, but know that there are strict rules in some places when it comes to taking pictures at polling places. Here in Texas, we have some of the stricter restrictions concerning photos while voting, according to the Texas Secretary of State website. And if you’re thinking of going old school and taking an actual camera, the same restrictions apply there. When in doubt, just wait until you’re back in your car to snap that “I Voted” sticker selfie.
Texas Republicans, Democrats make last push to get voters to polls
Read full article: Texas Republicans, Democrats make last push to get voters to pollsHOUSTON – It’s a tale of two parties and a last-minute push to get voters out to the polls. It was set the direction of our country for years to come we need to get out and vote,” Rep. Sylvia Garcia said. On Sunday, President Donald Trump supporters put on a big display with a parade that stretched across the 610 Loop. While they impede traffic and ruin Texans' Sunday’s, the Joe Biden campaign and theTexas Democratic Party are calling and texting undecided voters, canvassing, and meeting voters where they are. “The polls early this morning came out and showed that some of the swing states New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania.
Voters: Harris County setting example on what making voting accessible to everyone should look like
Read full article: Voters: Harris County setting example on what making voting accessible to everyone should look likeHOUSTON – Friday is the last day of early voting in Harris County. As of midnight, the county clerk tweeted that 1.3 million people in Harris County had cast their ballots early. Eight locations in Harris County will be open 24 hours, including at the Victory Worship Center in North Harris County, where the county clerk shared a video of people waiting in line at midnight. #HarrisVotes pic.twitter.com/xuGnZet1ou — Harris County Clerk (@HarrisVotes) October 30, 2020NRG Arena is also a 24-hour polling location, where there was a drive-in concert Thursday night. All polling locations in Harris County were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday.
Is there a racial divide when it comes to length of the voting lines?
Read full article: Is there a racial divide when it comes to length of the voting lines?Is there a racial divide when it comes to voting wait times at precincts? In 2016, white voters waited an average of 10 minutes, according to a survey of voters conducted by the Bipartisan Policy Center and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In comparison, Black voters waited an average of 16 minutes and Latino voters were in line an average of 13 minutes, according to the survey. During the 2018 election, Black voters waited an average of 11.5 minutes, Latino voters an average of 11.7 minutes and white voters an average of 8.8 minutes, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center. In precincts with 90% or more non-white voters, the average wait time was 32.4 minutes and the median was 13.3 minutes.
6 days until the election: Will we know who won on election night?
Read full article: 6 days until the election: Will we know who won on election night?That is going to produce results coming in at very different times -- perhaps days or even weeks after Election Day. Processing early ballotsIn some places, election officials can begin processing ballots weeks before Election Day. So on Nov. 3, Election Day, officials will have to run an in-person election while also working through the unprecedented number of mail-in votes. Republicans, including Trump's campaign, have been filing lawsuits to stop election officials from counting ballots that are delivered after Election Day. Also, Pennsylvania doesn’t allow early processing of mail-in ballots, further complicating matters.
5 times in which a U.S. president was elected, but lost the popular vote
Read full article: 5 times in which a U.S. president was elected, but lost the popular voteSince the Electoral College was established as the means of electing a president, it hasn’t been often when a president won the election without winning the popular vote. Despite the fact that Jackson had more electoral votes and won the popular vote, the House voted Adams as President. Cleveland ended up winning the popular vote by more than 90,000 votes, but Harrison won the electoral vote, 233-168. That gave Bush a 271-266 win in the electoral vote, even though Gore won the popular vote by roughly 500,000 more votes. But the electoral vote was a completely different matter, with Trump earning 304 votes to Clinton’s 227.
LIVE: See the most up-to-date tweets from Trump and Biden right here
Read full article: LIVE: See the most up-to-date tweets from Trump and Biden right hereWe don’t need to tell you that 2020 has been an epic election year. If you’ve kept an eye on social media to stay up to date on all the election happenings, you’ve likely been watching the feeds of President Donald Trump and Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden. They both address issues, as well as, at times, take jabs at one another. Regardless, it’s one of the best ways to stay up to date on what’s happening with both nominees. If you want to keep an eye on the latest tweets from both Trump and Biden, we’ve got them for you right here.
Take our quiz to rate your feelings on the final presidential debate
Read full article: Take our quiz to rate your feelings on the final presidential debateWith less than two weeks before one of the biggest Election Days in history, Republican incumbent nominee, President Donald Trump, and Democratic nominee and former vice president Joe Biden met at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, for the second and final presidential debate. The debate, which appeared to be a little more constructive than the last, was moderated by Kristen Welker of NBC News. What did you think of responses and ideas presented by Biden and Trump? Let us know your reaction by clicking on an emoji below each statement that was made.
Ask 2: If I reside and am registered to vote in Harris County, can I vote in another county?
Read full article: Ask 2: If I reside and am registered to vote in Harris County, can I vote in another county?As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: If I reside and am registered to vote in Harris County, can I vote in another county? Answer: According to VoteTexas.Gov, registered and eligible voters may vote at any early voting location located in the county of residence. To find polling places in your county, log in on to the Texas Electionet Administration System online then click “11/03/2020--2020 NOVEMBER 3RD GENERAL ELECTION” on the right under the Upcoming Elections window. By doing so, you will be provided with a list of all election day and early voting polling places within your county and their hours of operation.
Ask 2: I live in Harris County. Do I have to go to NRG Stadium to drop off my ballot?
Read full article: Ask 2: I live in Harris County. Do I have to go to NRG Stadium to drop off my ballot?Question: I live in Harris County. Do I have to go to NRG Stadium to submit my ballot? Greg Abbott’s order limiting drop-off locations to one per county, Harris County residents may only drop off their mail-in ballots at NRG Park. [RELATED: Court reinstates Texas limit on ballot drop-off locations]The exact drop-off location is Harris County Election Headquarters at NRG Arena – Hall D.To help Harris County voters get their counted, Lyft has teamed up with the ‘More Than A Vote’ Coalition to offer free rides, up to $15, to NRG Stadium. [RELATED: Lyft to offer free rides to NRG to drop off mail-in ballots]Ballots can also be mailed to the return address provided with appropriate postage affixed.
Ask 2: If drive-thru voting is found to be illegal, will those votes still be counted?
Read full article: Ask 2: If drive-thru voting is found to be illegal, will those votes still be counted?As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: If drive-thru voting is found to be illegal, will those votes still be counted? Answer: According to the lawsuit presented by the Republican Party of Texas, all votes will be cast and counted until drive-thru voting potentially comes to a halt. [RELATED: Texas GOP files suit to stop drive-thru voting in Harris County]“Unless stopped, each of these instances of illegal voting will cast a cloud over the results of the General Election, as illegal votes will be cast and counted in direct violation of the Texas Election Code,” the lawsuit states. According to Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins, drive-thru voting which is available to all county residents who want to vote from their vehicle is separate from curbside voting which is reserved for voters with disabilities, including illness.
Electoral College vs. the popular vote: Why either can outweigh the other on any given election year
Read full article: Electoral College vs. the popular vote: Why either can outweigh the other on any given election yearHave you ever wondered why is it that one candidate can win the popular vote but another wins the electoral vote, and thus, the presidency? Four candidates in history have won a majority of the popular vote only to be denied the presidency by the Electoral College. That includes Hillary Clinton, who had the largest popular vote margin of any losing presidential candidate in U.S. history. Graphic shows scenario in which a presidential candidate can win the popular vote but lose the election. It would take a constitutional amendment to abolish the Electoral College -- an unlikely move because of how difficult it is to pass and ratify constitutional changes.
New battlegrounds emerge as voting patterns shift in some parts of Texas
Read full article: New battlegrounds emerge as voting patterns shift in some parts of TexasTexas' large population growth over the last decade is driving some of the change in voting patterns. “We have see the suburban vote become very important.”According to data from the Texas Secretary of State, from 2008 to 2018, Texas went “red” in every senate and presidential election. But in the 2018 senate race, republican incumbent Ted Cruz’s winning margin over his democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke was just three percentage points. During the last presidential and senate elections, Harris and Fort Bend voted Democrat. Two of the largest school districts, Fort bend and Katy, each report more than 90 languages are represented in their schools.
Ask 2: How much postage is needed to send my mail-in ballot?
Read full article: Ask 2: How much postage is needed to send my mail-in ballot?Question: How much postage is needed to send my mail-in ballot? According to the USPS, completed ballots are classified as First-Class Mail and require proper postage to help ensure timely processing and delivery. Voters are responsible for affixing the appropriate postage on their return ballot envelope. According to Texas Tribune, postage for mail-in ballots will vary by the county due to differences in the ballot style and size. The First-Class Mail postage rate for a standard-sized, rectangular envelope starts at $0.55.
Ask 2: Are voters banned from wearing clothing with political slogans at the polls?
Read full article: Ask 2: Are voters banned from wearing clothing with political slogans at the polls?As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: Are voters banned from wearing clothing with political slogans at the polls or t-shirts with the “Black Lives Matter" message? Under Texas law, the conduct of voting by personal appearance upholds an electioneering ban at polling places. The law states "a person may not electioneer for or against any candidate, measure, political party” within 100 feet of a voting site during early voting or on Election Day. An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor, according to the State of Texas election code.
‘Why am I here?’ 5 especially memorable lines from election debates of the past
Read full article: ‘Why am I here?’ 5 especially memorable lines from election debates of the pastIn the 1992 presidential election, independent candidate Ross Perot had what at the time was deemed an unusual selection for his running mate, retired Navy Admiral James Stockdale. Bush, who served as Reagan’s vice president, easily won the 1988 presidential election over Michael Dukakis. “I served with Jack Kennedy, I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy,” Bentsen said.
Ready to vote but need a ride? This company says it’s stepping in to help
Read full article: Ready to vote but need a ride? This company says it’s stepping in to helpAnd just like every election year, it’s of the utmost importance that citizens cast their ballot in this year’s election. If you’ve registered but are already concerned about how you will make it to a polling station, the ride-sharing company Uber wants to step in and lend a hand. As Election Day approaches, and as part of its “Get Out the Vote” campaign, the company aims to help people find their polling location, as well as offer discounted rides to and from the poll during early voting. “As we look ahead to this year’s election, we are committed to doing our part to make sure every citizen has access to vote,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said. Uber officials said as Election Day nears, people will begin to have access to important information in the app.
Love binge-watching? Here’s how you can get paid to watch documentaries
Read full article: Love binge-watching? Here’s how you can get paid to watch documentariesHOUSTON – If you’ve been binge-watching on Netflix and you want to make some cash off your new hobby, you might be up for this challenge. If you can stream 24 hours of documentaries about great and terrible leaders in time for the 2020 election, you could win $2,020. If chosen, streaming service Magellan TV will set you up with all of the documentaries. The winner will also get a one-year membership to Magellan TV and two memberships for three months that you can share with friends and family. Magellan TV is a new documentary streaming service that claims to house more historical documentaries than anywhere online.
Ask 2: When will ballots be sent to those who applied to vote by mail for the November election?
Read full article: Ask 2: When will ballots be sent to those who applied to vote by mail for the November election?Question: When will ballots be sent to those who applied to vote by mail for the November election? Answer: Ballots will be mailed to domestic voters who have submitted their application beginning in mid-September. Voters who submit an application after mid-September will have their ballot mailed to them within seven days of their application being received. Harris County Clerk’s Office urges voters to take this into consideration when sending Vote by Mail application or ballot in order for the documents to be processed and counted. Ballot by mail applications must be received by the Harris County Clerk’s Office no later than Friday, October 23.
Ask 2: I am over 65 years old and have voted by mail in previous elections. Will I automatically receive a ballot or need I reapply?
Read full article: Ask 2: I am over 65 years old and have voted by mail in previous elections. Will I automatically receive a ballot or need I reapply?Question: I am over 65 years old and have voted by mail in previous elections. Will I automatically receive a ballot or need I reapply? Answer: Voters who are 65 years of age or older can apply for an annual ballot, meaning their Vote by Mail option will be registered for the entire calendar year. Voters who opt for this option will need to reapply each calendar year for an annual Vote by Mail ballot. Ballot by mail applications must be received by the Harris County Clerk’s Office no later than Friday, October 23.
A look at the gender gap when it comes to voting in presidential elections
Read full article: A look at the gender gap when it comes to voting in presidential electionsWomen wearing masks pose behind a voter registration table in Union Square as the city continues Phase 4 of re-opening following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on August 09, 2020 in New York City. Photo by Alexi RosenfeldAug. 18 marked the 100-year anniversary of the 19th Amendment being ratified, which changed elections forever. The 19th Amendment prohibits the state and federal government from denying the right of citizens to vote based on sex -- meaning, women became eligible to vote after previous years of discrimination at the polls. Since 1980, more women have voted in each presidential election than men, according to Statista. So, how much of a gap has there been between women and men voters in each presidential election of the century?
Ask 2: Do you have to wear a mask to vote in Texas?
Read full article: Ask 2: Do you have to wear a mask to vote in Texas?As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. The question: Do you have to wear a mask to vote? Gregg Abbotts statewide face-covering mandate excludes Texas voters from having to wear a mask when at the polls. Early July, Abbott said he wouldnt want to deny somebody the ability to go vote simply because they dont have a mask, according to a report by The Texas Tribune. Still not registered to vote?
Ask 2: I am 69 years old and stayed out of politics for 50 years. Can I still register to vote?
Read full article: Ask 2: I am 69 years old and stayed out of politics for 50 years. Can I still register to vote?As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. The question: I am 69 years old and stayed out of politics for 50 years. The answer: Yes, you can still register to vote. There is still time to register to vote for the 2020 Election. According to VoteTexas.gov, The deadline to submit your voter application is October 5, about 30 days before Election Day.
Ask 2: What will prevent my mail-in or in-person vote from being counted?
Read full article: Ask 2: What will prevent my mail-in or in-person vote from being counted?As part of our Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: What will prevent my mail-in or in-person vote from being counted? Heres what you need to know to ensure your vote is counted whether youre voting by mail or in-person. Mail-in ballots can also be hand-delivered by the voter on the day of the election. Early voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 13, and election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
How to spot fake news as political season gets into full swing
Read full article: How to spot fake news as political season gets into full swingPolitical season is already in full swing, and it’s going to stay that way through November. Some information is fake, but it’s not always easy to spot. Creator Mark Zuckerberg has long insisted that “fake news” isn’t a serious problem on Facebook. “A lot of people share without actually reading the thing that they’re sharing," Bell said. You see the things that your friends share," Bell said.