There are a lot of opportunities for civic engagement this week. Early voting begins Tuesday, and you can tune in that night on air and online to a debate between candidates for U.S. Senate. We’re also hosting a Civic Farmer's Market on Thursday, where people can meet local candidates running in the March primaries.
Also happening this week: a discussion on bike lanes and a potential new passenger lounge at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
In The News This Week
Early Voting Starts Tuesday
Texans can head to the polls starting Tuesday to cast their votes in the primary elections.
Not sure where to go or what to bring? Here’s everything you need to know before you vote.
Not sure what’s on the ballot? Our voter guide outlines which candidates are on the ballot in Travis, Williamson, Hays, Burnet, Bastrop, Lee and Caldwell counties.
RELATED | 95% Of Eligible Voters Are Registered In Travis County. That's A Record.
Workshop Addresses Undercounting Of Asian Americans In Census
Austin’s Asian American population has grown rapidly over the years, but the group continues to be significantly undercounted in the census. An interactive workshop on the 2020 census taking place Tuesday addresses the issue. The workshop, titled “All Accounted For: Elevating Austin’s Asian American Community,” will be held at the Asian American Resource Center at 6:30 p.m.
Austin Bicycle Advisory Council To Discuss Vehicles Blocking Bike Lanes
The Austin Bicycle Advisory Council is expected to discuss a number of topics Tuesday, including the regulation of vehicles blocking bike lanes. The city announced last month it would take a more proactive approach to enforcement, eventually dedicating two officers per shift to address the issue.
Austin City Council To Consider Common-Use Passenger Lounge at ABIA
The Austin City Council on Thursday will consider whether to move ahead with plans to build a common-use passenger lounge at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. In a memo outlining the request, Aviation Department Executive Director Jacqueline Yaft pointed out that American, Delta and United all provide lounges for their customers at the airport.
The new lounge would be available to passengers for other airlines, including Southwest, which carries the largest percentage of travelers at the airport. The lounge would include public meeting rooms and food from local vendors. If the council approves, the city would begin negotiations with MAG US Lounge Management LLC, the Aviation Department’s preferred vendor.
Round Rock ISD To Vote On Boundary Changes
The school district has been looking to ease overcrowding at some of its schools by changing boundaries. The adjustments could impact attendance zones for Elsa England Elementary, Herrington Elementary, Caraway Elementary and Teravista Elementary.
The Board of Trustees held a workshop last week to talk about options and hear from the community. On Thursday, the board meets again to vote on the proposed changes. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Round Rock High School Lecture Hall, 300 Lake Creek Drive, Round Rock.
KUT Events Happening This Week
U.S. Senate Democratic Debate
Texas Standard, KUT, KVUE-TV and The Texas Tribune are hosting a debate with the candidates running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate on Tuesday.
Texas Standard's David Brown will host pre-debate coverage on KUT 90.5 starting at 6:20 p.m. The debate starts at 6:30. You can listen live on KUT 90.5 or watch a livestream of the debate at KUT.org.
Party For The People
KUT, Good Politics, MOVE Texas, USTomorrow and the Austin Monitor are hosting a night dedicated to learning about the people running in the primary elections.
We're inviting all local candidates running in primary races — from Travis County Commissioners Court to Congress — to come hang out. Each candidate will have a table for you to visit (think of it like a farmer's market ... but for democracy).
The event is Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Native in downtown Austin.
