Elections | The Kinder Institute for Urban Research

Who votes, who runs and why are central issues for the health of local democracies.

Latest Urban Edge Stories

Convicted felons on parole could vote if Texas bill passes. These are the potential voter demographics in Harris County

A proposed state bill would allow convicted felons serving their sentences to vote while on parole or probation.

jail prison bars

Urban Review: Why Uber and Lyft Are Hurting Transit, Maternal Depression and Economic Mobility and The Role of Public Testimony

This week, more bad news about Uber and Lyft's impact on transit, the link between maternal mental health and mobility, whether public testimony really changes policy and more.

Infant holding hand

Elections, Governance, Health, Transportation

What To Watch: Looking Ahead to the 86th Legislative Session

Thanks in part to the results of the recent election, lawmakers are underscoring this session as a time to focus on "bread and butter" issues.

Austin Capitol

Education, Elections, Governance, Hurricane Harvey

Latest Research

2018 Civic Health Index

Commissioned by Houston Endowment, this study examines the state of civic health in Greater Houston (the Houston MSA) to better understand civic attitudes and behaviors as well as political participation.

Report Cover for the Civic Health Index Report

Research: May 1, 2018

The State of Local Democracy in Houston and Harris County

This report looks at local elections in Houston and Harris County.

Image of Houston's City Hall

Report: Oct 3, 2017

Elections, Governance

Who Runs for Mayor in America?

This report looks at mayoral elections in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota and Virginia.

Canvassing

Report: May 24, 2017

Elections, Governance

Experts

Melissa Marschall

Kinder Fellow
Professor of Political Science
Director, Center for Local Elections in America Politics
Director, Social Policy Analysis Major, School of Social Sciences
Rice University

marschall@rice.edu

713-348-4132