Omar Bennett
Texas has a history of lower voter turnout than the national average, but there are still many avenues for political participation in the state, from elections to grassroots activism. Texas is an open primary state, meaning that registered voters can participate in any party primary but only in one party's primary in each election. Texas also allows for independent candidates, who are candidates in nonpartisan elections or candidates in partisan elections who are not the nominee of a political party. Texas holds general elections for particular political offices, which generally include the nominees of political parties selected in primary elections. Additionally, Texas has Constitutional Amendment Elections, usually in November after a session of the Texas Legislature, where voters can consider changes to the state's constitution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | Texas has a large and diverse population, with a history of European, Latin American, and Asian immigration. |
| Voter Turnout | Lower than most other American states and the national average; can be as low as 10% for amendments not included on a ballot for a presidential or statewide election. |
| Political Participation | Includes elections, grassroots activism, interest groups, lobbyists, and political socialization. |
| Political Culture | Individualistic, traditionalistic, or communitarian worldviews influence political participation and views. |
| Election Types | General elections, primary elections, and nonpartisan or partisan elections with independent candidates. |
| Political Vacancies | Procedures vary by city type and term length; vacancies are filled according to city charters or the Texas Constitution. |
| Ballot Security | Indelible markers are required for voters to mark their ballots, and specific individuals handle ballot boxes, depending on the election type. |
| Voting Requirements | Voters must swear or affirm that they have not offered any money, gifts, or employment in exchange for votes. |
| Legislative Process | The Texas Constitution outlines the legislative department's structure and procedures, including voting requirements and the authority of the Texas Water Development Board. |
| Constitutional Amendments | Most amendments are approved by voters, but low turnout may not reflect the views of most Texans. |
| Constitutional Rights | The Texas Constitution guarantees freedom of worship and prohibits cruel and unusual punishments. |
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What You'll Learn
Texas voter turnout
Texas has one of the youngest populations in the country, with a median age of 35. Young voters typically lean towards the Democrats. However, Texas voter turnout fell in the 2024 election, despite record registration numbers. A record 18.6 million Texans were registered to vote in the election, according to state data. About 11.3 million people, or 61% of registered voters, cast ballots in the 2024 general election, according to preliminary, unofficial data. While the number of Texans who voted this year rivalled the 2020 total, it marked a nearly 6-percentage-point drop in turnout compared to four years ago.
The Texas Constitution contains several provisions related to political participation and voting rights. For example, the Texas Constitution requires that all elected officials take an oath of office, including a statement that they have not offered or promised any money or gifts in exchange for votes. The Constitution also outlines the process for filling vacancies in office, with specific procedures for different types of cities. Texas is also a home rule state, which means that cities with a population of more than 5,000 are governed by their charter, in addition to the general laws of the state.
Texas holds gubernatorial general elections every four years to elect a governor for a full term. The Texas Constitution also outlines the legislative department's authority and responsibilities, including the creation of special funds for water conservation and development, and the issuance of general obligation bonds for water development projects.
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Barriers to voting
Texas shares a history with many other states, especially former Confederate states, of the systematic disenfranchisement of black, Latino, and poor white voters. In the aftermath of the Civil War, many former Confederate states instituted new voting restrictions to disenfranchise former slaves.
One such restriction was the poll tax, which Texas adopted in 1902. This required eligible voters to pay between $1.50 and $1.75 to register to vote, a significant sum at the time. Poll taxes disproportionately affected African Americans, Mexican Americans, and the working classes. Poll taxes for national elections were abolished by the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1964, and for state elections by the Supreme Court in 1966.
Another method of disenfranchisement was the "white primary," which originated as a change in Democratic Party practice in the early 20th century. This restricted membership to citizens of Anglo heritage, thereby disenfranchising African Americans and, later, Mexican Americans.
Texas also enacted Jim Crow laws, which were designed to restrict or prevent African American voter participation.
More recently, Texas has passed laws that make it harder to vote by mail. For example, a 2021 law requires voters to include their driver's license number or the last four digits of their social security number on mail ballots and applications. During Texas's March 2022 primary, thousands of mail ballots and applications were rejected, disproportionately impacting Latino, Asian, and Black voters. Overall, non-white voters were at least 30% more likely to have an application or mail ballot rejected than white voters.
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Establishing a political party
Texas has a history of lower voter turnout than the national average, but this does not mean that Texans are not politically active. Political participation in Texas takes many forms, from elections to grassroots activism. The dominant Republican Party in Texas will likely be a key issue in the coming decade.
To form a political party in Texas, one must adhere to the state's election laws and procedures. This includes registering the party with the appropriate authorities, such as the Texas Secretary of State, and fulfilling any requirements for recognition as a political party. Texas law defines a political party as an organization whose candidate for governor received over 2% of the total votes cast for governor at the most recent election. This threshold must be met to attain official recognition and the associated benefits, such as primary elections and ballot access.
When establishing a political party in Texas, it is crucial to develop a platform that resonates with the state's diverse population. Texas is a large and diverse state, and its political culture is challenging to classify due to this diversity. A successful political party will need to address the varying needs and interests of Texans, which may include urban, rural, and diverse cultural considerations.
Additionally, the role of money and fundraising in Texas politics cannot be understated. Political parties require financial resources to operate effectively, and Texas has specific regulations regarding political donations and expenditures. Understanding the state's campaign finance laws and developing a sustainable funding strategy is essential for establishing a viable political party.
Lastly, the Texas Constitution guarantees certain rights and freedoms that must be considered when establishing a political party. For example, the freedom of worship and protection from cruel and unusual punishments are enshrined in the state's constitution, and any political party must respect and uphold these fundamental rights.
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Texas Election Code
The Texas Election Code is a set of laws that govern elections in the state of Texas. It covers various aspects of the electoral process, including voter qualifications and registration, election officers, and voting procedures.
The Texas Constitution outlines the rules and regulations for political participation in the state, with recent changes to the Texas Election Code making it harder to cast a ballot. The changes were driven by the national GOP campaign, influenced by former President Donald Trump's false claims of a stolen election. These changes include increased access, protections, and power for partisan poll watchers, who have a history of intimidating racial and ethnic minority voters in Texas.
The new law grants poll watchers "free movement" in voting facilities, allowing them to observe the transfer of voting data. It also empowers them to sue and seek court orders against election officials who obstruct their view or impede their movement. Poll watchers are now required to swear an oath not to harass voters and complete training before participating.
Additionally, the law bans drop boxes for mail ballots, prohibits mailing absentee voting applications and ballots to eligible voters, and makes it a felony for election officials to send unsolicited applications or ballots for mail-in voting. It also bans drive-thru voting for most voters and restricts the opening times of polling places, impacting 24-hour voting locations.
The Texas Constitution also includes provisions for filling vacancies in office. For example, Article XVI, Section 11, applies to vacancies in office with terms longer than two years. The Texas Constitution ensures that elected officials subscribe to a statement declaring that they have not engaged in bribery or corruption before taking their Oath of Office.
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Political culture
Texas has a distinct political culture that is shaped by its size, diversity, religious history, and rural traditions. The state's political culture is also influenced by its history as an independent republic before becoming part of the United States in 1845. Texans' views on political participation vary, with some prioritizing individualism and minimal government involvement, while others emphasize the positive role of government in protecting rights and forming a political community.
The Texas Constitution reflects these diverse values and beliefs. For example, the constitution guarantees freedom of worship and prohibits cruel and unusual punishments, showcasing the state's commitment to individual liberties and fair treatment. Texans participate in politics through elections, with general elections held to select candidates for specific political offices, including nominees from primary elections. However, Texas traditionally has a lower voter turnout than the national average, with voter turnout for amendments being 10% or less unless included on a ballot for President or statewide office.
Interest groups and lobbyists also play a role in Texas's political landscape, advocating for specific issues and engaging with legislators. The state's political culture is further influenced by the redistricting process, which occurs every ten years following the United States census. Gerrymandering, or the practice of drawing districts to benefit a particular group, has been a factor in Texas's redistricting process, impacting the political landscape.
Texas's diverse political culture, shaped by its history and the values of its citizens, continues to evolve with changing demographics and immigration patterns. While the state traditionally leans Republican, the future of this dominance will be a key issue in the coming decade. The low voter turnout in Texas, attributed in part to Texans' views on political participation, also influences the state's political landscape and the direction set by elected officials.
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Frequently asked questions
Political participation in Texas takes many forms, including elections, grassroots activism, and interest groups. Texas traditionally has a lower voter turnout than the national average, with some arguing that Texans view political participation as an economic perk rather than a societal contribution.
Examples of political participation in Texas include voting in general elections, where candidates for specific political offices are elected, and participating in interest groups that advocate for specific causes or communities. Texans can also engage in grassroots activism to drive change at a local level.
The Texas Constitution guarantees certain rights and freedoms that enable political participation, such as freedom of worship and protection from cruel and unusual punishments. Additionally, the Texas Constitution outlines the process for redistricting, which occurs every ten years following the United States census, and can impact the political landscape by influencing the composition of districts.
