2021 Special Election

This week's election results show education issues foremost in the minds of many voters, and suggest many parents may be seeking a course correction after 18 months of disruptions.

The amendment emerged as a response to COVID-related bans on church services by large counties, including Harris County – it may be subject to lawsuits for violating the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

Republican John Lujan narrowly defeated Democrat Frank Ramirez in a special runoff Tuesday for Texas House District 118. Residents in the district had to vote twice in order to cast a ballot in the runoff and the general elections. That’s because Republican Gov. Greg Abbott did not announce the runoff date until the Monday before early voting, and it was too late to be included on the same ballot.

Voter turnout was low in Bexar County, and across Texas. But the folks who showed up to the polls had a specific amendment they fought for — or against.

Texans will be voting on eight constitutional amendments this election.

Voters face some challenges in order to participate in both the constitutional amendment election and the runoff. For the Democrat and Republican candidates, they’re having to first wage an education campaign to explain the unique political process to their voters.