March Matters: Why Texans Should Vote in the 2024 Primaries
Created with AI: An image showing people standing in line at early voting locations in Texas, holding their voter registration cards or IDs, ready to participate in the democratic process. The image has a patriotic theme, with red, white, and blue colors. The people are diverse in age, race, gender, and clothing, and look happy and hopeful. The background shows a clear sky and a flag waving in the wind.
While it may feel like the 2024 election cycle has been ongoing forever, the first round of voting is just now underway in Texas. Early voting for the primaries runs now through March 1 and primary Election Day is March 5.
In case you don’t remember (or didn’t learn) high school civics, the primary election is each political party’s nomination phase, while the general election is the actual vote for officeholders. As a basketball fan, I like to think of the primaries as the Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, and Final Four rolled into one. Then, the Championship Game with the final contestants is the General Election.
But you may be asking, why should I bother participating in the primaries? Isn’t voting at the big show in November enough? Well, at the IGC Institute, we have the top reasons you should act.
1. Your Vote Matters…No Really, It Does!
Ya’ll, your vote in the primaries carries significant weight. Primaries offer a unique opportunity for you to influence which candidates will represent a party in the General Election. Whether you’re a staunch Republican or Democrat, a moderate, or an independent, primaries give you the chance to vote for the person who shares your values and priorities.
And in Texas, we mostly have an open primary — meaning you’re free to choose either the Democratic or Republican ballot without having to register with that party in advance. This means you can choose to vote in the party you most closely associate with or pick the person you like the most in the “other” party so you have the option of a win-win outcome in November.
The caveat to our open primary system is that some counties or local races do things differently. In Burnet County, for example, voters physically stand in separate lines based on their party affiliation when voting. This differs from just noting upon check-in which party’s ballot you want.
2. Your Voting Record is Public
Did you know in Texas your voting record and which ballot (Democrat or Republican) you choose to use during the primary election is public information?
This transparent method strikes a balance — allowing for voter flexibility while still maintaining a level of party structure within the primary process; however, it also surprises many people who don’t know this information is public record.
Personally, I use a great tool called Reach to remind my friends who haven’t voted early to vote on election day. At first, they were a bit creeped out that I could see they hadn’t voted yet, but now they know I’m just using public information to help them exercise their right. Plus, if I want to avoid political debates at family dinner parties, I can see if my crazy uncle even voted! Nothing says “I’m done debating over dinner” than his poor voting record. To find out your voting record in Texas, use the County Office website.
Remember: participating in elections is essential for our democracy, and knowing your voting record empowers you to stay informed and engaged! 🇺🇸
3. Your Vote Influences Key Issues
With fewer people voting in primaries, your voice matters more on top issues. Even though two candidates are in the same political party, they could have very different points of view on the pressing matters in Texas, including immigration, school vouchers, reproductive healthcare, property taxes, the electric grid, our water supply and more!
This means choosing candidates in the primary is like picking between barbecue and Tex-Mex—both great, but oh-so-different. And here’s the kicker: by choosing the candidate who aligns closely with your beliefs, you’re not just casting a ballot. You’re shaping the future of your political party in our state.
4. You Can Help End Polarization….Seriously.
Low turnout in these preliminary contests is like a silent tremor—a quiet but seismic shift that reshapes our political landscape in Texas.
And man, is our turnout low.
In the 2022 primary, only about 18% of registered voters in Texas participated, with 55% voting early and 45% voting on Election Day.
Considering the total number of registered voters in Texas, which is currently around 17.9 million, the recent primary turnout represented a relatively small portion of the population.
When this happens and fewer citizens step into the voting booths, extreme views gain disproportionate influence. The scales tilt, and polarization thrives.
By casting your vote in the primary, you become a counterweight. You nudge the pendulum toward moderation and a more balanced discourse. Engaged voters ensure that the candidates who emerge represent a broader spectrum of perspectives.
Large numbers of informed and engaged voters ensure a more representative outcome and prevent extreme views from dominating. so, this March, let your voice be counted, reminding us that democracy thrives when we all participate.
Summary
Texans, your participation in the 2024 primaries matters. Whether you’re passionate about a specific candidate or simply want to shape the future of the Lone Star State, head to the polls in the next few weeks. Let’s make democracy thrive by ensuring all our voices are heard.