Free and fair elections are a basic tenet of any true democracy. Can we get an “amen” from both sides of the political spectrum? Absolutely. But neither side believes the other's being honest.

With just six days to go before the midterms, that mutual distrust is a serious problem playing out in a big way in Harris County, Texas' most populous. State and local Republicans are dispatching election monitors to oversee how votes are being handled. And Harris County leaders, concerned about voter intimidation, have asked the U.S. Justice Department to intervene with federal observers – to monitor the monitors, you might say.

What this might lead to come Tuesday is a serious concern for anyone who cares about election integrity. Since former President Donald Trump's false claims of election fraud in 2020, much of the political conversation has centered on "the truth" – but as important as it is, two years later, there's little evidence that either side is persuading the other. Is there a way out of this Gordian knot without severing the fibers of democracy itself?

In a powerful series on political disinformation by the Texas Newsroom, the Texas Standard’s Michael Marks connects the dots in a vital way, showing how the issue of trust may be more fundamental than is often acknowledged. His reporting offers tangible steps we can take in everyday communication to bridge the gaps that threaten to undermine truth and the democratic traditions so gravely threatened. Also in this week's newsletter, we explore how Texas voting laws stack up compared to other states.

On a lighter note, Texas music legend Robert Earl Keen talks about the "Road (that) Goes on Forever" and his decision to take an off ramp (at least when it comes to the stage). And speaking of forever, you should check out Laura Rice's conversation about a film based on the life of a Galveston mortician that elegizes life, death, and the many eccentricities along the way.

Make sure you stop by texasstandard.orgto keep up with developments as we head toward special coverage on Election Day – and until then, we'll see you online and on the radio.

What do you think? Let us know: reach out through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or send an email here.

- David Brown

What do you do when someone brings up fake news? Look for opportunities to break down barriers first

Trust, not correcting the record, is the key to eliminating disinformation, says this expert: “Don’t talk about politics. Talk about her grandson. Talk about her granddaughter.”

People voting at kiosks, shot through a window with a distorting effect

How Texas voting laws compare to other states

Some call Texas voting laws too strict, closing off much of the electorate from participating. Others believe the state’s laws are too loose, opening elections up for fraud. So how do voting laws in Texas compare to other places?

‘Texas is just in me’: Americana legend Robert Earl Keen reflects on retiring from touring after 41 years

“I didn’t want to get to the point where it was way too hard to stop. I wanted to stop when I was still feeling it and being excited about it.”

A Galveston mortician shares his life and perspective on death in a new film

The documentary “Song of the Cicada” is showing at the Lone Star Film Festival.

The Texas blackout played a big role this election year, but will it move voters? (KUT Austin)
Houston appellate judge struggles to vote by mail while stuck out of state (Houston Public Media)
Republicans have historically embraced small-town Texas. Now, Democrats are catching up. (Texas Tech Public Media)
Wanna see Taylor Swift in concert? North Texas Swifties get to fill AT&T Cowboys Stadium — twice (KERA News)

A faded postcard of an open road with a Texas Standard sticker, It reads: Tour the 254! A trek through Texas' 254 counties.

The Talk of Texas is running down the state’s entire 254 counties – Anderson to Zavala – with points of interest pulled from the Texas Standard archives.

Is there a can't-miss attraction in your area? Drop us a line and let us know.

Callahan County

Founded: 1877

County seat: Baird

Population: 13,708

Wrangling with the Rangers: Situated in the rolling plains of Central Texas, Callahan County is named for Texas Ranger James Callahan. As we learned in 2020, Callahan and his legacy are being reexamined, along with the broader history and actions of the Texas Rangers. Doug Swanson, author of “Cult of Glory: The Bold and Brutal History of the Texas Rangers,” said Callahan was mythologized for chasing Native Americans out of Texas – but as part of a mission to recover runaway slaves. “His mission was nefarious, and it was a complete failure,” Swanson said. “But none of that makes its way into the initial legend.”

All aboard: County seat Baird is named for Matthew Baird, director of the Texas and Pacific Railway. Our commentator W.F. Strong emphasized the importance of the railway in the region’s development; earlier this year, he wrote how neighboring Abilene, just 20 miles away, was created the building of the Texas and Pacific Railway line, and “cattlemen and developers working in concert.”

One last thing: Speaking of the railroad, take a listen to this Texas Standard piece from back in 2015, concerning one “Uncle T” and his chili that filled the stomach of many a railroad worker.