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Natalia Contreras covers election administration and voting access for Votebeat in partnership with The Texas Tribune. She has covered a range of topics as a community journalist including local government, public safety, immigration and social issues. Natalia previously reported for the Austin American-Statesman, focusing on impacts of government policies on communities of color. Natalia previously worked at the Indianapolis Star, where she helped launch the first Spanish-language newsletter, and at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. She was born in Tampico, Tamaulipas in Mexico and grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. She is based in Corpus Christi.
State election officials say a revamped database all Texas counties can use would allow them to better monitor and clean up voter lists. An upgrade is due next year. Full Story
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An audit by the Texas Secretary of State’s Office found improved elections procedures, but the office is sending monitors because of past problems. Full Story
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Election Day is Nov. 5. Here is everything you need to know about casting a ballot in Texas. Full Story
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Conservative groups and individual activists have targeted tens of thousands of Texans over their eligibility. But state and federal protections are in place. Full Story
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Laura Pressley claims she found an “algorithmic pattern” that links voters to their ballots. But she won’t make it public. Full Story
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The burden will fall on local officials to determine which records they’re obligated to release or redact. Full Story
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The request comes as state and local officials undermined ballot secrecy in their bids for election transparency. Full Story
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More than 80% of the state’s registered voters can cast their ballot anywhere in the county on election day. Scrapping that option could lead to disenfranchisement, experts say. Full Story
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The emergency guidance from the secretary of state comes after Votebeat and The Texas Tribune confirmed the choices some voters make can later be identified through legally available records. Full Story
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Rules and practices meant to promote transparency also create vulnerabilities for voters, lawmakers were told. Full Story
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