Top Texas Republicans have long groused about having to live in liberal-leaning Austin. After Election Day, they may not have to.
A ballot initiative before voters Nov. 3 would modify the Texas Constitution to exclude statewide officeholders from requirements they live in the capitol.
Political observers say that while state capital residency requirements are common for statewide politicians across America, Texas' referendum to scrap such a mandate is unique.
The National Conference of State Legislatures says no such vote has been held nationwide in at least a decade.
It wouldn't apply to the governor or lieutenant governor. But the agriculture and land commissioners, the comptroller, attorney general and railroad commissioners could abandon Austin.
Though all those officeholders are Republicans, they say they have no plans to move.
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