“Counting Down to Critical Decisions: Spotlight on Voter Turnout for Upcoming Texas Elections”
As April has now come to a close, we must look ahead to the upcoming May 4th and May 28th elections, respectively.
The May 4th election is identified as the Joint General Special and Bond Elections. It will focus on bond elections for some school districts, for Trustee seats in two districts and to elect three representatives to the Bexar Appraisal District’s Board. These seats were created after legislation was passed, in November 2023. Additionally, the Alamo Community College District will hold a vote for Trustee, in District 6.
The May 28th Elections is identified as the Texas Primary Runoff Election. The position of County Commissioner Precinct 1 is a contest between the Incumbent and the challenger.
What fuels our focus, in this article, as in others from the past, is “Voter Turnout!” The following numbers are just a small portion of what continues to raise some concerns regarding the possible outcomes, in future elections, and the fate of democracy:
There are 1,246,635 registered voters, in Bexar County. In the March 5, 2024 primaries, 184, 652 total votes were cast, of which 93,456 were by early voting and 78,244 cast on election day and the remainder by mail – in ballots. The total voting amount equals 14% of registered persons!
Where are the remaining people who are registered to vote? Much has been discussed as to who doesn’t vote, why many people don’t vote and how do we get people to vote.
Just as much thought and concern for the lack of voter participation has led to many civic organizations increasing their Voter Registration, Education and Mobilization efforts, targeting various groups, especially those with low numbers in registrations.
These begin with young people – in the age range of 18 to 24 who hover around 3%.
Another target group is seniors who may have become discouraged with many changes, to voting laws and procedures that seem to make voting more difficult for them.
We applaud the League of Women Voters San Antonio, among many others, for their “Student – Led Voter Outreach Training” initiative, wherein they are offering to bring registration training to high school campuses. Other organizations are working towards bringing registration efforts to some college campuses, as well.
We, the People, must remain diligent and be committed to improving voter turnout, by making use of every tool, at our disposal, with the goal of preserving our democracy!
Future benefits of our efforts will certainly include a positive increase in the quality of life for generations to come. We seek to encourage more citizens, concerned with the same interests, to join these efforts for progress.
Don’t let them take your rights away.
Make A Difference and Vote!
[…] 14% of Registered Voters Vote in Bexar County, Something Must Change […]