Natalia Contreras

Natalia Contreras

Reporter, Votebeat Texas

Natalia Contreras has covered a range of topics as a community journalist including local government, public safety, immigration, and social issues. Natalia comes to Votebeat from the Austin American-Statesman, where her reporting focused on impacts of government policies on communities of color. Natalia previously reported for the Indianapolis Star, where she helped launch the first Spanish-language newsletter, and at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Natalia was born in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas.

State law calls for a game of chance, which leaves a lot of imperfect options. What’s next, rock-paper-scissors?

Proposals to allow online registration and broaden photo ID options may have a chance to advance.

Under Sen. Paul Bettencourt’s bill, some individuals could submit requests for explanations of ‘election irregularities’ and potentially bring them to the Texas Secretary of State.

One bill emerges ahead of the new legislative session, while a pair of lawsuits focus attention on the issue.

Only a few problems were reported across the state; millions cast ballots early.

By state law, Election Day totals must be submitted to the state within 24 hours after polls close. Hitting that deadline requires careful but quick work.