Skip to page content
Power & PoliticsUnited States edition
Sections
Only your five-digit ZIP code is sent. We never ask for your address.
Independent · nonpartisan
Voting history · Texas

Texas

A dated list of changes to how Americans vote: district maps, polling places and drop boxes, voting laws and rules, and courts and election officials. Each entry says who did what and when, shows what became of it, and links to the page it rests on. Attempts that failed are listed as failed. Entries that rest on a news report name the outlet.

This is the state view: events recorded for Texas, then national events that apply here. See the national timeline.

Congressional districts in Texas

Choose a district to see the events tagged to it. A number after the district is how many events name it.

Kind of event
Decade

In Texas

1989

  1. Oct 27, 1989 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Cuero (DeWitt County): Districting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated October 27, 1989, to Cuero (DeWitt County). The list describes the change as "Districting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. May 8, 1989 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Refugio Independent School District (Refugio County)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated May 8, 1989, to Refugio Independent School District (Refugio County). The list describes the change as "Method of election from seven trustees elected at large (with numbered posts and plurality win) to five single-member districts and two at-large positions (plurality win), the districting plan, an implementation schedule which includes staggered terms for the two at-large seats, and the selection of two polling places." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Mar 20, 1989 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Baytown (Chambers and Harris Counties): Method of election (5-3-1)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated March 20, 1989, to Baytown (Chambers and Harris Counties). The list describes the change as "Method of election (5-3-1); districting plan; increase in number of councilmembers from seven to nine; provision that the three at-large members other than the mayor will be elected from numbered positions to staggered terms." The list links the objection letter.

    Counties: Chambers County, Harris County

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Feb 3, 1989 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in El Campo (Wharton County): Numbered positions and a majority-vote requirement for the at-large positions

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated February 3, 1989, to El Campo (Wharton County). The list describes the change as "Numbered positions and a majority-vote requirement for the at-large positions." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1988

  1. Sep 26, 1988 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Lynn County: Reduction in the number of justice of the peace and constable precincts from five to one

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated September 26, 1988, to Lynn County. The list describes the change as "Reduction in the number of justice of the peace and constable precincts from five to one." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Aug 12, 1988 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Jasper (Jasper County): Annexation

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated August 12, 1988, to Jasper (Jasper County). The list describes the change as "Ordinance No. 3-88-1--annexation." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 12-24-91 upon change in method of election." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Jun 14, 1988 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in San Patricio County

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated June 14, 1988, to San Patricio County. The list describes the change as "Reduction in the number of justice of the peace and constable precincts and the districting plan adopted for its implementation." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Apr 18, 1988 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Marshall Independent School District (Harrison County): Method of election

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated April 18, 1988, to Marshall Independent School District (Harrison County). The list describes the change as "Method of election; districting plan; majority-vote requirement for trustees elected from single-member districts; polling place consolidation." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Jan 22, 1988 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Hondo Independent School District (Frio and Medina Counties): Method of election

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated January 22, 1988, to Hondo Independent School District (Frio and Medina Counties). The list describes the change as "Method of election; districting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Counties: Frio County, Medina County

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1987

  1. Oct 2, 1987 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Crockett County

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated October 2, 1987, to Crockett County. The list describes the change as "Chapter 2, S.B. No. 88 (1987)--to the extent that it proposes to use the at-large system with numbered positions for electing the board of directors for the newly created Crockett County Hospital District." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Jun 22, 1987 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Marlin Independent School District (Falls County): Method of election

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated June 22, 1987, to Marlin Independent School District (Falls County). The list describes the change as "Method of election; numbered positions and staggered terms for two at-large seats; implementation schedule." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1986

  1. Oct 14, 1986 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Trinity Valley Community College District (Anderson, Henderson, Hunt, Kaufman and Van Zandt Counties): Redistricting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated October 14, 1986, to Trinity Valley Community College District (Anderson, Henderson, Hunt, Kaufman and Van Zandt Counties). The list describes the change as "Redistricting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Counties: Anderson County, Henderson County, Hunt County, Kaufman County, Van Zandt County

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Jul 18, 1986 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in El Campo (Wharton County): Two districting plans

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated July 18, 1986, to El Campo (Wharton County). The list describes the change as "Two districting plans." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Apr 10, 1986 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Plainview Independent School District (Hale County): Method of election and districting plan

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated April 10, 1986, to Plainview Independent School District (Hale County). The list describes the change as "Method of election and districting plan." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1985

  1. Nov 18, 1985 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Lynn County: Reduction in the number of justice of the peace and constable precincts from five to one

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated November 18, 1985, to Lynn County. The list describes the change as "Reduction in the number of justice of the peace and constable precincts from five to one." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Nov 8, 1985 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in El Campo (Wharton County)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated November 8, 1985, to El Campo (Wharton County). The list describes the change as "1975 imposition of numbered positions and a majority vote requirement, and the 1985 change to the election of four councilmembers by single-member districts and three at large with a new staggering method." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Jan 18, 1985 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Rusk Independent School District (Cherokee County): Numbered posts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated January 18, 1985, to Rusk Independent School District (Cherokee County). The list describes the change as "Numbered posts." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1983

  1. Dec 27, 1983 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Pewitt Consolidated Independent School District (Cass, Morris, and Titus Counties): Numbered posts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated December 27, 1983, to Pewitt Consolidated Independent School District (Cass, Morris, and Titus Counties). The list describes the change as "Numbered posts." The list links the objection letter.

    Counties: Cass County, Morris County, Titus County

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Oct 20, 1983 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Jefferson County (Beaumont and South Park Independent School Districts): Dissolution of the Beaumont Independent School District

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated October 20, 1983, to Jefferson County (Beaumont and South Park Independent School Districts). The list describes the change as "Dissolution of the Beaumont Independent School District; the creation of a common school district and its attachment to the South Park Independent School District." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Aug 19, 1983 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Stockdale Independent School District (Wilson County): Numbered posts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated August 19, 1983, to Stockdale Independent School District (Wilson County). The list describes the change as "Numbered posts." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1982

  1. Oct 14, 1982 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Pleasanton (Atascosa County): Numbered posts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated October 14, 1982, to Pleasanton (Atascosa County). The list describes the change as "Numbered posts." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Mar 15, 1982 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Angleton Independent School District (Brazoria County): Numbered posts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated March 15, 1982, to Angleton Independent School District (Brazoria County). The list describes the change as "Numbered posts; majority vote requirement." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Mar 12, 1982 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Port Arthur (Jefferson County): Consolidation of City of Port Arthur and Town of Griffing Park

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated March 12, 1982, to Port Arthur (Jefferson County). The list describes the change as "Consolidation of City of Port Arthur and Town of Griffing Park; method of election." The list adds the note "Consolidation precleared 3-21-83 upon change in method of election." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Feb 18, 1982 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Uvalde County: Redistricting

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated February 18, 1982, to Uvalde County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Jan 22, 1982 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Uvalde County: Redistricting

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated January 22, 1982, to Uvalde County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1981

  1. Mar 16, 1981 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Liberty Independent School District (Liberty County): Numbered posts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated March 16, 1981, to Liberty Independent School District (Liberty County). The list describes the change as "Numbered posts." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Feb 9, 1981 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District (Orange County): Numbered posts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated February 9, 1981, to West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District (Orange County). The list describes the change as "Numbered posts; majority vote requirement." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

1980

  1. Sep 3, 1980 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Victoria (Victoria County): Four annexations

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated September 3, 1980, to Victoria (Victoria County). The list describes the change as "Four annexations." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 3-13-81 upon change in electoral system." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  2. Aug 12, 1980 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Jim Wells County: Redistricting

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated August 12, 1980, to Jim Wells County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  3. Aug 8, 1980 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Cleveland Independent School District (Liberty County): Numbered posts

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated August 8, 1980, to Cleveland Independent School District (Liberty County). The list describes the change as "Numbered posts." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  4. Apr 16, 1980 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Corpus Christi Independent School District (Nueces County): Apportionment plan (four single-member districts, three at-large)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated April 16, 1980, to Corpus Christi Independent School District (Nueces County). The list describes the change as "Apportionment plan (four single-member districts, three at-large)." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  5. Apr 3, 1980 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Nacogdoches Independent School District (Nacogdoches County): Apportionment plan (five single-member districts, two at-large)

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated April 3, 1980, to Nacogdoches Independent School District (Nacogdoches County). The list describes the change as "Apportionment plan (five single-member districts, two at-large)." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  6. Mar 5, 1980 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Port Arthur (Jefferson County): Six annexations

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated March 5, 1980, to Port Arthur (Jefferson County). The list describes the change as "Six annexations." The list adds the note "Declaratory judgment denied in City of Port Arthur v. United States, 517 F. Supp. 987 (D.D.C. 1981), aff'd, 459 U.S. 159 (1982); objection to annexation Withdrawn 3-21-83 upon change in method of election." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  7. Feb 25, 1980 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Cochran County: Redistricting

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated February 25, 1980, to Cochran County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting; additional voting precincts; polling places." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  8. Feb 1, 1980 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Comal County: Redistricting

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated February 1, 1980, to Comal County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list adds the note "Withdrawn 9-22-80." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

  9. Feb 1, 1980 County Maps and lines Blocked by federal objection

    Justice Department objects under Section 5 to a change in Jim Wells County: Redistricting

    The Justice Department's list of Section 5 objections for Texas records an objection letter dated February 1, 1980, to Jim Wells County. The list describes the change as "Redistricting." The list links the objection letter.

    Source last checked Oct 24, 2026

Nationwide

Nothing here matches the filters you chose. Clear the filters.

How this timeline is built

Every entry rests on at least one source that was opened and read, and that source states the date and the fact. Courts, legislatures, election offices, the Justice Department, the Census Bureau, the Federal Register and Congress.gov come first. A news report is used only when no official page states the fact, and it is labeled with the outlet's name. Encyclopedias are not used as sources. History starts in 1965 with the Voting Rights Act. County names come from the Census Bureau's 2024 Gazetteer. Congressional district numbers are those in use for the 2026 election; an event is tagged to a district only when its source names that congressional district.

When a later event changes an earlier one, such as a law later struck down, both entries are listed and point to each other. This page does not predict outcomes or say which party a change helps. U.S. House maps for 2026 · How people voted in past elections, by county · Back to the 2026 voting center.