Texas General Election 2014 Overview

**Texas Voters Cast Ballots in Pivotal 2014 General Election**

**AUSTIN, TX** – Texans turned out to polling places across the state on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, to cast their ballots in a general election marked by high-profile statewide races and a contentious voter identification law. Polls were open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, concluding a lengthy election cycle that saw millions participate in early voting.

The election served as a significant test for the state’s Republican dominance, with Democrats hoping to make inroads in key contests. Voters weighed in on crucial races for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and other executive and judicial positions, as well as local contests and statewide constitutional amendments.

A central talking point leading up to and throughout Election Day was the state’s stringent voter identification requirement. Under Senate Bill 14 (SB 14), passed in 2011, voters were required to present one of seven forms of photo identification at the polls. These included a Texas driver’s license, an election identification certificate, a personal identification card, a handgun license, a U.S. military ID, a U.S. citizenship certificate, or a U.S. passport.

The law has been the subject of intense legal battles, with civil rights groups and the U.S. Department of Justice challenging its constitutionality, citing concerns about potential disenfranchisement of minority voters, the elderly, and students. While a federal judge had initially blocked the law in October 2014, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay, allowing SB 14 to remain in effect for this election. Voters who did not have an approved ID were still offered provisional ballots, pending a verification process. The Texas Secretary of State’s office provided detailed information on the requirements, available at www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voterid.shtml.

The gubernatorial race garnered national attention, pitting Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott against Democratic State Senator Wendy Davis. Abbott, a formidable fundraiser with deep ties in the state, aimed to succeed long-serving Governor Rick Perry. Davis, who rose to national prominence for her filibuster against abortion restrictions, sought to energize Democratic voters and challenge the state’s Republican stronghold.

Other hotly contested statewide races included the contest for Lieutenant Governor between Republican State Senator Dan Patrick and Democratic State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, and the Attorney General’s race featuring Republican State Senator Ken Paxton and Democratic legal counsel Sam Houston. These races are expected to shape the legislative agenda for the upcoming session.

Beyond the marquee races, Texans also decided on important local races, including county judges, commissioners, and various judicial positions. Voters also considered constitutional amendments, such as Proposition 1, which sought to dedicate a portion of oil and gas tax revenue from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to highway projects without increasing taxes, a measure supported by many for addressing critical infrastructure needs. More information on statewide propositions could be found through resources like the Texas Public Policy Foundation.

Election Day itself followed a robust early voting period, which concluded on Friday, October 31. State election officials encouraged voters to verify their polling locations, as Election Day voters are typically required to cast ballots in their assigned precincts. For those in areas like Montgomery County, county election officials frequently reminded residents to use their designated polling sites. Voters could confirm their registration and polling place through the state’s official voter portal, www.votetexas.gov.

Campaigning and electioneering were prohibited within 100 feet of polling place entrances, ensuring a smooth and respectful environment for voters. As polls closed at 7:00 PM, attention turned to the counting of ballots, with results expected to begin trickling in throughout the evening, defining the future political landscape of Texas.