Voting in Texas

I often feel small. I see a lot of room for improvement in these United States, but I don’t know what one little person can do to change it. There are whole systems that need to be broken down and rebuilt for equal access and priorities that need funding. There are so many changes needed that I feel overwhelmed and unsure of what I can do to help. That’s where voting comes in.

A well-researched vote can affect change, especially in local elections. Powerful politicians get experience and name recognition by running for smaller local positions and running higher over time. Plus, local city council members establish the city budget and allocate funds. County attorneys decide which crimes to prosecute. Senators and House representatives at the state and national level make laws. It’s important to vote in primaries and research local candidates to be bigger than yourself. Primaries are important because these days, people will just vote one party straight down the ticket no matter who the candidates are. Primaries is your chance to pick those people to represent your party.

So you’re convinced! First check to make sure you are registered to vote and read about the candidates. Check out vote411.org or lwv.org . Type in your address to see the candidates running in your district and voting dates and locations near you. This resource is so easy to use. You can find all the information you need in one place. I usually spend some time reading up on candidates, making a list on paper (in Texas you can’t look at your phone in the voting booth) and making a plan of when and where I will vote.

Be active and make a difference! Encourage your friends and family to vote! Post on social media! Have conversations and make positive changes in your community! Are you registered to vote?

Covid-19 Notes: While voting in the primary runoff in July 2020, everyone was required to wear a mask and social distance. I was offered hand sanitizer at the door and an adorable mini finger glove for safe voting. Next, I moved to another desk where I placed my ID in front of an iPad and the person scanned the barcode on the back of my license. They verified my name and address and printed my ballot. I carried my ballot to the poll and made my selections. It printed, I submitted it to the counter, grabbed my sticker and left. The process was very smooth. It look about 3 minutes and there were very few people inside. I felt safe, so I hope they can encourage the same social distancing in November when the lines will inevitably be longer.