This story is part of our Annual Community Guide, which takes a look at some of the biggest stories to watch in Cy-Fair and Harris County in 2019. Stay tuned throughout Wednesday, Jan. 23, as we countdown to the No. 1 story to watch this year.

What we reported

On Nov. 6, Democrats won control of Harris County Commissioners Court and other key county positions. Notably County Judge Ed Emmett was defeated by Democratic challenger Lina Hidalgo, County Clerk Stan Stanart was defeated by Diane Trautman, and all races for Harris County criminal courts at law were won by Democratic candidates.

The latest

Newly elected officials in Harris County took office Jan. 1. Democratic officials that assumed positions previously held by Republicans include Hidalgo as well as 23 county court judges. Commissioners Court will tackle issues such as an ongoing lawsuit over the fairness of county bail bond practices. At a Jan. 8 Commissioners Court meeting, Trautman also introduced a proposal to begin using Election Day voting centers countywide as early as May. The proposal would allow all Harris County voters to vote at the polling place of their choice on Election Day, instead of each voter having to go to the polling place aligned with their precincts.