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Some Texas counties that recently migrated from vendor Votec to the state’s TEAM system report registration delays (≈ 17 000 pending in Harris County mid-October). Travis County Elections confirmed on October 17 that all registrations are current and no processing delays exist. Eligible voters statewide can still cast provisional ballots if records have not posted.

Key Data Points

Why It Matters
Ensures Austinites can vote confidently knowing local registrations are current even as other counties face delays.

Direct Austin Impact
For Austin residents, this means you’re clear to vote as scheduled—but if you registered after Oct 11 or recently moved, verify status and bring photo ID to vote provisionally if needed.

Engage: Check Registration or Polling Place ✅ | Early Voting Locations ✅

Filed October 15 with the City Clerk ✅, the Austin Firefighters Association is collecting signatures to require a minimum of four firefighters per truck. Per City Charter § 2-2-12 ✅, petitioners have 180 days — until April 13, 2026 — to gather 19 544 valid signatures (5 % of registered voters).

Why It Matters
A charter amendment would make the staffing requirement permanent and reversible only by another referendum, limiting City Council’s budget flexibility during financial constraints.

Direct Austin Impact
Could lock staffing levels into law for decades, affecting future public-safety funding.

Sources & Compliance: City Charter ✅ | City Clerk ✅ | Statesman ⚠️ (summary only, ToS linked)

Manor ISD voters will decide on $385 million across three bond propositions (A–C) with no tax rate increase (Manor Bond 2025 ✅). Taylor ISD voters will consider a $147 million bond (Prop A) and a VATRE (Prop B) that slightly lowers the combined rate if both pass (Taylor Bond ✅).

Why It Matters
These bond decisions affect property tax bills for district residents and signal regional growth patterns tied to industrial projects like Samsung’s Taylor plant.

Direct Austin Impact
Expanding schools and infrastructure in these suburbs affects housing demand and traffic flows into Austin.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas meets Thursday, Oct 23, 9:30 a.m. Agenda items include Projects 55445 (ERCOT Market Implementation Report), 56012 (Retail Pricing Disclosures), and 54729 (Weatherization Compliance). Agenda PDF ✅

Why It Matters
PUCT decisions on pricing and grid standards directly influence Austin Energy rates and reliability.

Direct Austin Impact
Potential ripple effects on future rate cases and energy cost pass-throughs.

The CapMetro Board convenes Monday, Oct 20, 12 p.m. in the Rosa Parks Boardroom to review service adjustments and Project Connect funding. Agenda ✅ | Public Comment Portal ✅

Why It Matters
Service plan changes and funding decisions impact bus routes, rail construction timelines, and daily commuter options.

Direct Austin Impact
Determines how soon Project Connect corridors advance and how service shifts affect riders across the city.

20 000 — Approximate number of valid Austin voter signatures required for the firefighters’ charter petition to reach the May 2026 ballot (≈ 2.3 % of registered voters). Petitioners have until April 13, 2026 to gather signatures. City Charter § 2-2-12 ✅

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