Election News

Governor messes with Texas' absentee ballots for presidential election

The governor of Texas has made it much harder to cast an absentee ballot.

Photo courtesy of The Heritage Society Museum

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has closed down locations across the state where absentee ballots could be accepted, making it harder for residents to vote early. On October 1, the governor ordered counties to stop accepting hand-delivered absentee ballots at more than one location per county.

Among the most profoundly affected: Highly populated counties like Harris County, which includes Houston and has more than 4.7 million residents.

Harris County previously had 11 locations where you could drop off ballots. Now there will be one, requiring some residents to drive more than an hour. Meanwhile, Dallas County had five drop-off locations prior to the order. Now: Just one, for a county with a population of more than 2.5 million people.

The drop-off sites were a plus for voters trying to avoid crowds on Election Day.

In Travis County, which had three before Abbott's order, the county's only location will be at 5501 Airport Blvd.

The new order will also make it difficult in rural counties like Brewster, the largest county in Texas, which covers 6,192 square miles, requiring ridiculously lengthy drives to deliver ballots.

Abbott said the new order is to ensure the security of the ballots, and repeated the disputed claim that this will help stop attempts at illegal voting.

In an interview with KVUE on October 1, Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir called the decision "extremely disappointing."

"I found it extremely disappointing this morning to get this late message from the governor that suddenly in-person hand delivery, which has been part of the law for years and years, is suddenly a problem for him," DeBeauvoir told KVUE. "It's a problem. And it means voters got targeted."

Voters can bring their completed ballots along with their state approved identification to 5501 Airport Blvd. This location is open from 8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday, until early voting begins. According to the Travis County Clerk's office, voters may only hand deliver their own carrier envelope, must present an acceptable form of ID, will be asked to sign a signature roster, and will then deposit their mail-in ballot into a ballot box. For questions, call 512-238-VOTE (8683) or read our guide to voting here.

On July 27, Abbott added six days of early absentee voting, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — an order that Texas Republicans are challenging in court.

politics

Keep On Giving

These 10 holiday markets in Austin make gift shopping way easier

Artist Calder Kamin Austin Creative Reuse holiday market

Photo courtesy of Austin Creative Reuse

Artist Calder Kamin participating in the Austin Creative Reuse holiday market, for reducing waste in gift-giving.

Sure, it's the thought that counts, but sometimes holiday shopping leaves Austinites with a bit more thinking than they're ready to do. Thankfully, this city is full of artists and people who really love small businesses, so it's also about to be full of holiday markets. In fact, a few have already gotten holiday sales underway.

Whether you're shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, a coworker gift swap, or any other occasion, these markets do a great job curating goods that will appeal to a wide range of people. Read the dates carefully — some of these options cater more to shoppers who plan ahead.

ATX Small Business Passport
November 6 to December 31 — multiple locations
The only item on this list that isn't a physical market, this "passport" offers an itinerary of great places to buy gifts and follows up with incentives. When shoppers make a purchase at a participating business between the above dates — including Letterpress Play, The Little Gay Shop, and Parker + Scott, who organized the initiative — they'll get a stamp. After five stamps, they'll get special offers and discounts from participating businesses in the new year.

Blue Genie Art Bazaar
November 15 to December 24 — 6100 Airport Blvd., Ste. C
This bazaar is one of Austin's most popular markets, and for good reason; it's a fun shopping experience, and the selection is diverse enough to cover many shoppers' entire lists. Arts and crafts, home goods, clothing and accessories, games, and more are on display now. Shoppers don't have to go in person or even browse at all thanks to a personal shopping service.

Punch Bowl Social's Ugly Christmas Sweater Shop
November 16 to December 24 — 11310 Domain Dr., Ste. 100 (The Domain location only)
As the name implies, this shop has a singular focus. Great for gag gifts, group commitments, or anyone with a fun sense of fashion, this market is inside a bowling alley and arcade, so folks who get bored of shopping have a strong incentive to get it done. Plus, the price range is pretty affordable: everything is $15-40.

The Junior League of Austin's A Christmas Affair 2024
November 20-24 — 900 Barton Springs Rd.
This huge market brings together more than 230 small and mid-sized businesses from across the country. It's also a longtime tradition, now in its 49th year. Purchases support the Junior League of Austin — a women's leadership organization — along with Kids In Cool Shoes (KICS), Coats for Kids (CFK), and Food In Tummies (FIT), plus more than 20 nonprofit partners. Shoppers must purchase tickets ($25) to enter.

German-Texan Christmas Market
November 30, December 4 & 7 — 507 E. 10th St.
One of the more niche markets, this one by the German-Texan Heritage Society goes for German authenticity, with decor and other goods imported from Erzgebirge. There will also be German Glühwein (hot spiced wine) and kids' activities and gifts from St. Nick. The first two dates listed above are for members only; the market on December 7 is the only one that's open to the public, although they'll need to purchase a ticket ($8) to enter.

Holiday Reuse Market
November 30, December 1, 7 & 8 — 2005 Wheless Lane in Austin
Environmentally conscious shoppers who object to holiday waste may find some relief via Austin Creative Reuse. The 5th annual Holiday Reuse Market offers "handmade goods, upcycled treasures, and vintage finds." More than 100 local artists are attending this year.

The Front Market
November 23-24 — 500 E. 12th St.
More than 175 vendors are gathering for this semi-annual market. The organization putting it together, Future Front Texas, centers women and LGBTQ+ creatives, so expect the goods on offer to reflect feminine and queer themes. There will be clothes, accessories, vintage goods, ceramics, glass, skincare, and lots more. The website breaks down the full lineup by day, in case shoppers are looking for something specific. Shoppers will need a ticket, but they're free.

The Market at Zach!
November 23 and December 14 — 202 S. Lamar Blvd.
Zach Theatre, a performing arts space in Austin, is trying something new with its inaugural Market at Zach, which will bring together "over a dozen curated artists and makers." Although this is a smaller selection than some others on the list, it'll be interesting to see what a prestigious arts organization decides is gift-worthy, and a bar, carolers, and a petting zoo add a little excitement.

Community First! Village of Lights
December 6 & 7 — parking and shuttle at 9100 Decker Lake Rd.
Community First! Village is a place for people to live while recovering from chronic homelessness, and its residents are always working on projects to connect and keep the community running. They'll be selling handmade goods alongside food vendors Crepe Crazy, Four Brothers, Stony’s Pizza, and ATX Fire. There will also be holiday movie screenings, s'mores, an electric mini-train, inflatable axe throwing, and more activities. Tickets are free, but donations are also accepted.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
December 14-23 — 900 Barton Springs Rd.
This iconic market is a holiday tradition in Austin, combining fine arts and live music for a shopping experience that's enriching even if you don't buy much. Shoppers should note that the selection is very arts-heavy, with lots of paintings, prints, sculptures, and other visual works. Still, there are some home goods, skincare, games, and other small offerings. Tickets ($12) are required to enter, and season passes ($60) cater to repeat visitors.

gifts holidays shopping fashion home goods market