Redistricting News:

IMPORTANT DATES: (Provided by TexasCandidates.com)

January 9, 2012- The U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments to determine if the 3-judge federal court in San Antonio acted properly in redrawing Texas House, Senate, and Congressional maps.  The State of Texas is asking the court to let the state use the maps passed by the legislature as interim maps because of tight election deadlines. 

January 12, 2012– The 3-Judge federal court panel in San Antonio will conduct another hearing regarding the dates and procedures for the Texas Elections. 

January 17–26, 2012– A (different) 3-Judge federal court panel in Washington D.C. will conduct a trial on whether the legislatively-drawn maps violate the Voting Rights Act.   

February 1, 2012 - Filing period to close at 6:00 p.m.

February 3, 2012 - Closing arguments

March 19-30 - Early Voting for Texas Primary Election

April 3, 2012 - Texas Primary Election 

May 29-June 1 - Early Voting for Texas Run-off Elections

June 5, 2012 - Texas Run-off Elections

*Candidate Filing Period– The initial candidate filing period was held from November 28 – December 19, 2011, but the filing period will be re-opened allowing candidates to amend, withdraw, or file new application for the ballot once legislative and congressional maps are settled.   
 
*Timing of Primary Election- In order to maintain the new Primary date and candidate filing deadline, the maps would need to be in place a few days before the end of January (around January 28^th) because of the lead time needed for military and overseas ballots.  If the maps are not finalized by then, the schedule will have to be delayed again.