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Austin is the capital of Texas, with the executive, legislative and judicial branches housed on and around the beautiful grounds of the Capitol Complex (the Capitol dome is the second largest in the United States, after the Capitol dome in Washington).

The State Legislature meets once every odd-numbered year for 140 days and for special sessions called by the governor.

County government is divided into precincts (Austin is in Travis County, which has four county precincts), and a commissioner has jurisdiction over each. A county judge presides over the Commissioners' Court.

The City of Austin has a council/manager form of government, with a mayor and six city council members elected at-large, serving three-year, staggered terms. The City Council meets every Thursday, and meetings are televised live on local access cable television, channel 6.

Voting
Texas residents are allowed to vote at age 18 and older. An individual must register at least 30 days prior to an election and be a resident of the state. Voter registration is valid for two years.

For further information on Voter Registration Departments for various counties, click here or contact:

  • Travis County: 512-473-9473
  • Williamson County: 512-869-4300
  • Hays County: 512-396-3232
  • Bastrop County: 512-321-4443
  • Caldwell County: 512-398-1804

Get in touch with your elected official:
Texas Governor Rick Perry
U.S. Senator John Cornyn
U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson
U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (Austin)
U.S. Representative Lamar Smith (partial Travis County)
U.S. Representative John Carter (Williamson County)

Austin City Council:
Mayor Will Wynn
Mayor Pro Tem Brewster McCracken
Council Member Lee Leffingwell
Council Member Mike Martinez
Council Member Randi Shade
Council Member Laura Morrison
Council Member Sheryl Cole