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Date: 4/13/2026
Subject: 🗳️The Weekly VOTER, April 13, 2026 - LWV of the Austin Area
From: LWV of the Austin Area




April 13, 2026


The Weekly VOTER masthead

Welcome to LWVAA's Weekly VOTER 
 
The Weekly VOTER is here to make sure everyone stays in the know about opportunities to empower voters and defend democracy in our community. Like what you see? Please share with your friends! 
 

Empowering Voters

Local Election May 2, 2026
Three ways to support democracy this week
  1.  🗳️ Early voting starts next week. Help your community make a plan to vote by sharing our Upcoming Elections web page. Share the Voters Guide and VOTE411 for the May 2 Local Election.
  2.  🌎 Take action to support the earth. Attend an event, vote, volunteer, plant a tree. The earth needs our support.
  3. 🎒🚌 Learn about how legislation at the state capitol impacts local public schools.

Find an Event

League & community events this week
April 15:
 💰 City of Austin Budget: Where does Austin’s money actually go? The City of Austin is opening the doors on its budget, and you’re invited in. Join a community conversation with Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax at Northwest YMCA. Can't make it? Learn more here, and watch a fun video by The Austin Common: What happens at an Austin City Budget meeting?
April 15, 16, 21:
⚡ Austin Energy: What does Austin’s energy future look like? Cleaner? More reliable? More affordable? Austin Energy wants to hear from you. This month, they’re hosting opportunities to break down the 2035 energy plan and gather input from residents across the city. Pull up, learn something new, and speak on what matters to your community. Learn more here
Apr 18:
🏞️ Travis County Parks Foundation -  For the Love of Parks 2026 Held at Richard Moya Park, this free event features live music, outdoor play, family activities, and food trucks to celebrate county parks.
🌱 Keep Austin Beautiful Day - Join others committed to community service throughout the Greater Austin Area in honor of Earth Month. We work together to remove litter and restore our beloved green spaces and waterways. 
🥳 HOLA & the League of Women Voters - ¡HOLA! Get Out the Vote Community Rally. This family-friendly, community-centered Get Out the Vote gathering is designed to celebrate civic engagement, provide voter education resources, and help the community feel confident and informed ahead of upcoming elections.
❤️‍🩹 Apr 20:
Texas Gun Sense - Lunch & Learn with Dr. Brian H. Williams Dr. Williams, a trauma surgeon, U.S. Air Force veteran, and author of The Bodies Keep Coming, will share a brief reading from his book, followed by a moderated audience Q&A on gun violence, public health, and what it will take to build safer communities.
 

🗳️The League of Women Voters U.S. recently spoke out about reports of federal overreach and made one thing clear: the president does not control election administration. And when that system is tested, there are people and institutions, like LWV, ready to respond and defend it.
 
 

Registering Voters
To volunteer contact - voterservices@lwvaustin.org

Democracy in the News

🗳️ Legislation to improve primary elections
Austin American Statesman: Rep. John Bucy announces legislation allowing county parties to facilitate their primary elections independently. Lawmaker proposing fix after primary voting confusion in Williamson, Dallas counties by Claire Osburn 

🎒🚌 Legislation at the Texas capitol impacts local public schools

  • Decisions made by elected officials in the Texas state government impact your everyday life.
  • Taxes are paid by voters like you.
  • Laws are written that impact public safety, health and education and the environment.
See the impact:
 
The Austin Chronicle: AISD to Close Historic School Campus in 2028 by Sammie Seamon

Advocacy

Speak up on issues that matter!
Local Actions

💰 Austin City Budget: Each year, the City prepares a budget that balances community priorities, operational needs, legal mandates, and available revenue. Share your thoughts with city leaders here.

💰 Austin Housing Rental Fee Transparency: Landlords with five or more rental units will be required to give applicants a complete list of fees when they apply for a unit. Read the draft ordinance and provide feedback here.
 
Find more opportunities to provide feedback on issues important to your community at the link below.
Keep up with National LWV Actions!
Go to LWV.org to empower voters and defend democracy nationally.
 

Mark Your Calendar!

🌼 Make your plans to join us at the Friends and Family Spring Festival on April 25!

1:00 p.m. - Girls Performance & Advocacy
1:30 p.m. - Zell Miller III
2:00 p.m. - Suzanna Choffel
3:00 p.m. - Lou Priest Trio


And throughout the afternoon? Yoga. Lawn games. Poems. Kona Ice. It’s a build-your-own perfect Saturday kind of situation.


Highlighted League & community events   
Apr 24: 
🌱 American Sustainable Business Network - The 2026 midterms represent a critical “climate moment,” where the focus must shift from policy development to protecting the democratic institutions that enable climate progress. Zoom in to learn more: Why the 2026 Midterms Are the Most Important Climate Action Opportunity of the Decade
The Trail Conservancy - Earth Day Cleanup
Apr 25: 🫏 Eeyores Birthday Party supports and donates to non-profits in Central Texas 
May 1-2: 🎶 KUT Festival at UT Austin - Celebrate the Austin community with live music, insightful speakers, and much more.

Upcoming Election

🗳️ Texas Primary Runoff Election:

Monday, April 27 - Last day to register to vote
Friday, May 15
- Application for a ballot by mail must be received by County
Monday, May 18 - Friday, May 22
- Early voting
Tuesday, May 26
- Last day ballot by mail must be received by County
Tuesday, May 26
- Election Day


If you've read this far, it must be worth it.
Share the LWVAA Weekly VOTER with your friends!
 

Just one more thing.

Look who is running for mayor in the Paws to the Polls: the Great Austin Pet Election coming this summer! Stay tuned next week to see who Franklin is running against.

Give to Support the League of Women Voters of the Austin Area

The League shall not support or oppose any political party or candidates. It may take action on governmental measures and policies in the public interest after significant study and consensus is reached.

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Email: lwvaustin@lwvaustin.org
Phone: 512-451-6710
LWV Austin Area
3908 Avenue B
Austin, TX 78751

The League of Women Voters Austin Area is proud to be a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots civic organization neither supporting nor opposing candidates or political parties, but always working on vital issues of concern to members and the public.

The League of Women Voters Austin Area is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and tax exempt organization.
Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable under the law. Tax identification number:
81-3447172