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As Elon Musk looks on, Trump says he's giving DOGE even more power; Officials monitor latest AR bird flu outbreak; NV lawmaker proposes new date for Indigenous Peoples Day; NM lawmaker says journalists of all stripes need protection; Closure of EPA branch would harm VA environment.

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A court weighs the right of New York City noncitizens to vote in local elections, Vice President Vance suggests courts can't overrule a president, and states increasingly challenge the validity of student IDs at the ballot box.

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Medical debt, which tops $90 billion has an outsized impact on rural communities, a new photography book shares the story of 5,000 schools built for Black students between 1912 and 1937, and anti-hunger advocates champion SNAP.

Early voting kicks off in TX

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Monday, October 21, 2024   

Early voting kicks off in Texas today, and when voters cast their ballots, they'll vote for more than just the president.

They'll also pick members of the state legislature and members of Congress.

Brian Sasser is the chief communications officer for the nonprofit Episcopal Health Foundation, which works to address the non-medical aspects of health. He said people should consider a lawmaker's voting record when going to the polls.

"Voting shapes policies," said Sasser, "from healthcare access, food security, housing, all the other things - non-medical things - outside the doctor's office, that impact your health."

Early voting runs through Nov. 1. Election Day is Nov. 5.

A recent Episcopal Health Foundation survey found that 68% of Texans say the state isn't doing enough to ensure low-income adults can get the healthcare they need.

Almost 60% say the state isn't doing enough to help children.

Sasser said local and state lawmakers make many decisions that impact your overall health.

"You can also look at how they approach sidewalks in your community, how do they approach giving more people access to food vouchers," said Sasser. "It's more than just one single issue within health. Voting is part of being a member of the community and policies that are affected by voting affect your health."

The last day to apply for a ballot by mail in Texas is Friday, Oct. 25.




Disclosure: Episcopal Health Foundation contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues, Mental Health, Philanthropy, Poverty Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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