| |  | | April 21, 2026 Much like the pollen in Central Texas, there's a lot coming up at CTD! Below, find a run down of what you need to know for the upcoming primary runoff election (May 18-26), plus save the date for Cinema Touching Disability (Sept. 5th, tickets on sale now), and more! | | | | | | | Reminders for the Primary Runoff Election We went to the polls and mailed in our ballots in March for the primaries, but we're not done! Quite a few March races did not end with a clear winner, so those races are headed into a runoff. Runoff Election Day takes place May 26. We've included some key dates and info below to help you get ready. And as always, we recommend you check your voter registration status before you make your voting plan. Runoff Election Dates Monday, April 27: Last day to register to vote
Friday, May 15: Deadline for county to receive your Application for Ballot by Mail
Monday, May 18 - Friday, 22: Early Voting
Tuesday, May 26: Runoff Election Day and last day for Ballot by Mail to be received by the county What's on the ballot? Your ballot will contain a handful of statewide races and may have some local races as well. Use your address to find out what will be on your ballot with the Texas Tribune's guide to the Primary Runoffs. Changes in the law As a reminder, the last Texas Legislature made few changes to the law for voters with disabilities. Here's the rundown: Curbside Voting - Requires anyone using curbside voting to sign a form swearing under penalty of perjury that they are unable to enter the polling place without personal assistance or a likelihood of injuring their health.
- Requires election officials to ask anyone providing transportation to a user of curbside voting whether they have done so for multiple voters. The transportation provider will need to sign a form, with their name and address, stating that they are assisting a voter.
- The Secretary of State's office has created a video to explain the changes in procedures for curbside voters and those assisting them (about 17 minutes).
Application for Ballot by Mail (“ABBM”) - Election officials are directed to call and email voters to notify them of errors before their application or ballot is processed, and it allows voters to correct the errors by mail or in person.
- Instructions on a vote-by-mail application to be printed in larger type.
- Available in various languages, “appropriate to the demographic composition of this state.”
Postmark rule change (federal) People voting by mail should be aware that USPS may no longer postmark ballots for the same day if you are more than 50 miles from a regional hub. Do not wait until the last minute to cast your mail-in ballot to avoid issues related to the updates in postmarking protocols. Here are a couple videos to explain further: For more details about all the changes to Texas election law, view the Secretary of State's video on 2025 legislative updates (1 hour). Problems at the polls? If you have an issue with curbside or any problem at the polls, call an election protection hotline: Still have questions? Let us know! | | | | Banking Basics with Cadence Bank | | On March 26, CTD and Cadence Bank teamed up for an informal presentation of Banking Basics. We covered topics like automatic bill pay, electronic banking, and recent changes to medical debt reporting on credit scores. Access the recording (passcode: 9s^5vcvJ). Interested in other banking or financial topics? Let us know! | | | | | | Tickets on sale now for Cinema Touching Disability! | | Saturday, September 5th, Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival is back for 2026, at The Austin Central Library. This beautiful public space, familiar to many in the Austin area, will be repurposed after hours for a vibrant celebration of disability representation! Details are still in the works. Subscribe to our CTDFF newsletter to get the latest program updates! Tickets are on a sliding scale, starting at $5. If cost is a barrier, please contact us about comped tickets. | | | | | | | | Raise Your Voice! is back! | | | | Our advocacy calls have launched for 2026! Join our advocacy team and self-advocates from around the state 4th Tuesdays of the month on Zoom. Topics each month to be announced. Our next call is April 28th at 2 pm CT/ 1 pm MT. Free, CC provided. Recording and meeting notes will be provided to all who register. Learn more! | | | | | | | | Capitol Care CDS Did you know? CTD operates Capitol Care CDS, a program that allows Medicaid STAR+PLUS and STAR Kids recipients to hire and manage the people who will provide their attendant services. If you, a loved one, or a friend have attendant care needs, Capitol Care CDS may be the answer! | | | | | | Coming up at CTD & in the community! | |  | Only Lazy Americans E-bike Screening, Tuesday April 28 If you're in North Texas, join Dr. Gregory F. Maassen, as he e-bikes from Palm Beach, Florida to Los Angeles to raise awareness of peripheral neuropathy! Panel discussion with Dr. Maassen and filmmakers following the film. Free! LEARN MORE + REGISTER | | |  | Lion & Pirate virtual open mic, Sunday May 3 Join CTD and Art Spark Texas on Zoom for our next inclusive open mic! Open to artists of any level, presenting work in any genre: music, spoken word, improv, skits, storytelling, dance, poems, prose... Anything you can perform! Free! LEARN MORE + RSVP | | |  | Disaster Resilience Survey open through May 31 Disability Rights Texas seeks responses to their annual survey on the information and services that Texans need to be prepared for the next disaster and emergency situation they face. Available in English, Spanish, and ASL. TAKE THE SURVEY | | | | | | | | Thank you to our 2026 Raise Your Voice sponsors! | |  | | | | | | | Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser. If you have received this message in error, our apologies! Update your preferences or unsubscribe below. | | | | | | | | | |
