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

Latest Urban Edge Stories

There are less than six months until the 2019 City of Houston elections

On November 5, the City of Houston will hold elections to choose a mayor, controller, and 16 council members to serve four-year terms from January 2020 to January 2024.

Image of Houston's City Hall
Feature Story
: May 21, 2019
Elections, Governance

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
News Story
: Apr 15, 2019
Elections

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
News Story
: Feb 8, 2019
Elections, Governance, Health, Transportation

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
Elections

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

Head shot of Melissa Marschall

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
713-348-4132
Profile