Your Vote Counts

                 

Guest Author, Dr. Janice Newsum

Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar

Local Politics

Nearly 158.4 million votes were cast in the 2020 presidential election, or put another way 6 in 10 voting age, eligible voters participated in the federal election. Despite the biggest increase in voter participation in four decades, America ranks 24th out of 35 developed countries in election participation according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (Desilver, 2021). The adage that all politics are local is a reference to the plethora of municipal elections that happen in the years between federal elections. 

Special runoff elections for Texas House Districts 10 and 118 were held in September 2021 and on November 2, 2021 there will be a Constitutional Amendment Special Election. Early voting in Harris County for the November 2 election began on October 18, 2021 and will continue through October 29, 2021. For further information on each of the 8 amendments visit https://lwvtexas.org/. Additional information on upcoming Texas elections can be found at https://www.vote411.org/texas.  

In addition to the 8 Texas Constitutional Amendments, elections in other counties include:

MONTGOMERY COUNTY:  

• 8 Texas Constitutional Amendments 

• Cleveland ISD Bond

• New Caney ISD Trustee Election 

• Tomball ISD Bond Election 

• City of Patton Village Mayor and Council Member  

• City of Splendora, Mayor and Council Member 

• City of Woodbranch Village, Mayor and Council Member 

• The Woodlands Township General Election and Special Election

• Montgomery County Water Control  

• East Plantation Utility District Bond Election

• Montgomery County Municipal Utility District 8, 95 and 201 Bond  

• River Plantation Municipal Utility District Special Election 

• Woodland Utility District #1  

• Roman Forest Public Utility #4, Plum Cree District #1A 

• For Sample ballots go to https://elections.mctx.org/ 

BRAZORIA COUNTY: 

• 8 Texas Constitutional Amendments 

• Pearland ISD, Proposition A  

• Brazoria Municipal Utility District 44 Propositions A, B,C,D,E,F,G,H. 

• For Sample ballots go to https://www.brazoriacountyclerktx.gov/departments/elections 

FORT BEND COUNTY: 

• 8 Texas Constitutional Amendments 

• Missouri City General Election Council Member 

• Missouri City Propositions  

• Bonds and Maintenance Tax Elections Some District A-J 

• Meadows Place Proposition  

• For Sample ballots go to https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-services/elections-voter-registration 

HARRIS COUNTY:  

• 8 Texas Constitutional Amendments 

• For Sample ballots go to https://www.harrisvotes.com/?lang=en-US 

Desilver, D. (2021). Turnout soared in 2020 as nearly two-thirds of eligible U.S. voters cast ballots for president. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/01/28/turnout-soared-in-2020-as-nearly-two-thirds-of-eligible-u-s-voters-cast-ballots-for-president/. 

Accessory Dwelling Units

John Biggers "Shotgun"

                                                        

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller living unit that is placed on the same lot as a single family home. While historically prevalent, these dwellings fell out of favor as subdivisions proliferated throughout the country.  The additional dwelling is considered part of the original property, and cannot be sold separately. With affordable housing inventory decreasing across the country, some cities are relaxing restrictions on units and even encouraging construction of garage apartments, mother-in-law flats, tiny cottages, etc.

As taxes and other expenses increase, homeowners can add to their incomes to offset some of these costs, especially in high property tax cities such as Houston.

As cities relax restrictions on ADU construction, it is very important that dwellings meet building codes and are permitted through the regular city process.  Also, some subdivisions and HOAs have additional restrictions that must be followed.  So be sure to check with the city and your HOA before starting construction.

There are other advantages of  ADUs besides the financial benefits. One important benefit is maintaining the character and aesthetic of the neighborhood.  Sometimes older homes are replaced with large or unconventional homes that completely change the look and feel of the community.  And certainly, adding a space for a family member or caretaker on the property may allow older residents to age in place in their homes.

The City of Houston has been offering virtual workshops to inform residents about permit and building requirements. The third workshop will be offered on Tuesday, October 26 at 6 p.m.  If you missed the first two workshops, you can find them on YouTube.