The Senior Spotlight for October 4, 2025

Digital Expansion Meets Rural Roots: The Growing Impact of Data Centers and Mining Farms in Texas

Across the wide-open landscapes of rural Texas, a new kind of infrastructure is quietly reshaping the horizon—not windmills or oil rigs, but data centers and cryptocurrency mining farms. These facilities, which power everything from artificial intelligence to blockchain transactions, are increasingly finding homes in small towns and remote counties, drawn by affordable land, access to energy, and local governments eager for economic development.

Texas now ranks second nationally in the number of data centers, with over 390 facilities statewide. While many are concentrated in urban hubs like Dallas and Houston, a growing number are being built in rural regions such as the Panhandle, West Texas, and parts of Central Texas. For some communities, the arrival of these high-tech operations brings promise: new jobs, tax revenue, and a chance to diversify local economies.

However, the expansion is not without concern. Residents in areas like Carson County and Granbury have raised questions about noise pollution, water usage, and strain on local infrastructure. In Granbury, a Bitcoin mining facility has drawn attention for exceeding noise ordinances, with some locals reporting health symptoms they believe are linked to the constant hum of machinery.

Water usage is another flashpoint. Data centers—especially those supporting AI—require significant cooling, often relying on water-intensive systems. In drought-prone areas of West Texas, where water is already a limited resource, some residents worry that the long-term sustainability of their communities could be compromised.

From an energy standpoint, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) reports that large-scale computing facilities are driving some of the fastest growth in electricity demand statewide. In 2025, these operations are expected to consume nearly 10% of the state’s total electricity load, prompting ERCOT to implement new approval protocols and voluntary curtailment agreements to maintain grid stability.

Despite the challenges, local officials and developers continue to tout the benefits. Some towns have seen infrastructure upgrades, improved broadband access, and increased interest from tech companies. Others remain cautious, urging transparency and regulation to ensure that growth aligns with community values and environmental realities.

As Texas continues to explore its expanding digital landscape, the tension between technological progress and community preservation remains a key focus. For many rural areas, the conversation is shifting from what these new facilities offer to how they might reshape local life. That very theme took center stage today in our discussion with members of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature. Gary Gerstenhaber, Dr. Linda Timmerman, and Alan Mathis each shared thoughtful insights on the evolving impact of data infrastructure across the state.

Older Americans Embrace Technology, But Gaps Remain in Digital Preparedness

A recent national survey conducted by AARP reveals that Americans age 50 and older are increasingly integrating technology into their daily lives—both at home and on the go. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of respondents say that digital tools help make aging easier, with many using technology to manage finances, maintain social connections, and support health and wellness.

The survey highlights a growing comfort with smart devices, health-tracking apps, and online services among older adults. From telemedicine to digital banking, technology is playing a larger role in helping individuals remain independent and engaged.

Yet, despite this upward trend, many older Americans remain cautious. Concerns about data privacy, lack of tailored support, and unfamiliarity with digital systems continue to pose barriers. Notably, two-thirds of respondents say they have not saved critical documents digitally—often due to uncertainty about how to begin or concerns about security.

To address these gaps, Tom Kamber, Executive Director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, is promoting a five-day digital housekeeping challenge. The initiative is designed to help older adults organize essential documents, safeguard personal information, and ensure that trusted individuals have access when needed.

In a recent conversation, Kamber shared insights on the importance of digital preparedness:

Many older adults are beginning to digitize medical records, financial documents, and emergency contacts—but progress is uneven.
Digital housekeeping can prevent fraud, reduce stress during emergencies, and make it easier to manage health and legal affairs.
Kamber recommends starting with password management, backing up key files, and reviewing privacy settings on commonly used platforms.
Interested individuals can sign up for the five-day challenge through the OATS website or via AARP’s Senior Planet platform, which offers free resources and step-by-step guidance.

Voter Registration Deadline Approaches in Texas Ahead of November Elections

Texans have until Monday, October 6, 2025, to register to vote in the upcoming November 4 election, which includes 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution as well as local races and ballot measures across counties.

With early voting set to begin on October 20 and run through October 31, now is the time for residents to confirm their registration status, update their information if needed, and ensure they’re ready to cast their vote.

How to Check Your Voter Registration Status

Texans can verify their registration status online through the Texas Secretary of State’s “Am I Registered?” tool. You’ll need one of the following:

Your Texas driver’s license number and date of birth
Your first and last name, date of birth, and county of residence
Your Voter Unique Identifier (VUID), found on your voter registration certificate

This tool also allows voters to find polling locations, check voting precincts, and confirm eligibility.

How to Register

Texas does not currently offer full online voter registration. However, residents can:

Download and print a voter registration application from VoteTexas.gov
Mail the completed form to their county’s voter registrar
Register in person at their county’s tax office or during a driver’s license renewal at the Texas Department of Public Safety

To be eligible, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be a resident of the county where you’re registering
Be at least 18 years old on Election Day
Not be a convicted felon (unless your sentence, probation, or parole is complete)
Not be declared mentally incapacitated by a court

Voting by Mail

Applications for mail-in ballots must be received (not just postmarked) by Friday, October 24. Voters eligible to vote by mail include:

Individuals 65 or older
Those with a disability
Voters absent from their county during the election period
Expectant mothers within three weeks of Election Day
Eligible voters confined in jail

Ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on November 4 to be counted.

What’s on the Ballot?

In addition to statewide constitutional amendments, voters will weigh in on local issues such as school board elections, tax rate proposals, and city council seats. In some counties, propositions related to venue taxes and infrastructure projects are also on the ballot.

With registration deadlines fast approaching, Texans are encouraged to act now to ensure their voices are heard in this important election cycle.

2025 Texas Constitutional Amendments Overview

Proposition	Topic	Summary
Prop 1	Technical Education Funding	Creates two state funds to support infrastructure and workforce education at Texas State Technical College System.
Prop 2	Capital Gains Tax Ban	Prohibits the state from imposing a tax on realized or unrealized capital gains.
Prop 3	Bail Reform	Denies bail for individuals accused of certain violent or sexual felony offenses.
Prop 4	Water Infrastructure	Allocates $1 billion in sales tax revenue annually to fund water projects across Texas.
Prop 5	Animal Feed Tax Exemption	Allows future legislation to exempt animal feed sold at retail from sales tax.
Prop 6	Parks and Wildlife Funding	Establishes a fund to support state parks and wildlife conservation efforts.
Prop 7	Broadband Expansion	Creates a fund to expand broadband access in underserved areas.
Prop 8	Energy Efficiency	Establishes a fund to support energy efficiency upgrades in public buildings.
Prop 9	Teacher Retirement System	Authorizes cost-of-living adjustments for retired teachers.
Prop 10	Homestead Exemption (Fire Damage)	Provides temporary property tax exemptions for homes damaged or destroyed by fire.
Prop 11	Homestead Exemption (Elderly/Disabled)	Increases the exemption from $10,000 to $60,000 for elderly or disabled homeowners.
Prop 12	Judicial Conduct	Changes the structure and oversight of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.
Prop 13	Homestead Exemption (General)	Raises the general homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000.
Prop 14	Dementia Research	Establishes the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute with $3 billion in funding.
Prop 15	Parental Rights	Codifies the right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their children.
Prop 16	Citizenship Voting Requirement	Clarifies that only U.S. citizens may vote in Texas elections.
Prop 17	Border Infrastructure Tax Exemption	Allows property tax exemptions for construction of border security infrastructure in counties bordering Mexico.

These amendments were passed by a two-thirds majority in the Texas Legislature and now require voter approval to become law. For official ballot language and sample ballots, visit VoteTexas.gov.

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