Public Policy

The Primary is the Most Important Election

Recently, there was a six-issue Houston Chronicle Welcome to Texas Primary [Simplified] newsletter written by politics and government reporter, Cayla Harris. The following excerpts provide important takeaways:

Texas is one of 16 states that has an open primary. That means you can cast a ballot in either party’s primary no matter if you identify as a Republican or a Democrat, but you can only vote in one party’s election.”

“So, if you’re an independent voter with a distaste for both parties, you can still participate in the state’s March 5 primary election. You just have to decide which ballot makes the most sense for you and show up to your polling place.”

“The open primary system is great for encouraging voter participation, since every registered voter is allowed to cast a ballot.”

“Because of redistricting, most contests are decided during the primary. That could be the difference between a Republican who supports private school vouchers and one who doesn’t heading to Austin on your behalf. Or a Democrat who wants to reverse a ban on gender-affirming care for youth and one who wants to keep it becoming your representative in the Legislature. Your vote matters!”

“Historically, primary elections in Texas have been very low-turnout contests. In 2020, just about a quarter of all registered voters (4.1 million) cast a ballot in either primary. Compare that with a turnout of about 67 percent of registered voters (11.3 million) during the general election that year.”

“The people who vote in primary elections are usually the most motivated and passionate voters — and, in many cases, the most extreme. That’s true in both parties. Low turnout means that the results of the primary might not actually be representative of the general population, so it’s important to get out and vote. It’s your right!”

“Quick reminder that all members of the U.S. House and the Texas House are up for election this year, alongside a handful of state Senate seats. This is also a big year for state House races — and the future of education in Texas may depend on the results. The hottest primary contests in Texas this year:

Abbott is targeting Republicans who voted against his priority private school voucher plan. Paxton is campaigning against Republicans who voted to impeach him last year. Their conflicting priorities have pitted them against each other in at least 20 House races. That includes several Houston-area seats.

Six Democrats are vying to replace former state Sen. John Whitmire, who recently became the mayor of Houston.”

The deadline for requesting a mail-in ballot was February 23. Elections officials must receive your mail-in ballot by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5 — Election Day — if the carrier envelope is not postmarked.

At the Texas Impact Legislative event in late January, these important points were emphasized:

  • The primary election is the most important race for voters.
  • 95% of Texas legislative races are decided in the primary.
  • Don’t let national elections distract from your community and state elections.
  • If we want different outcomes, we must vote in every election.
  • Sadly, 1 in 5 eligible adults has not registered to vote.

Texas has a history of a dismal turnout rate in primary elections. Can WHCB members increase the turnout by voting and encouraging others to vote? I hope so.

  • If you haven’t voted, Go Vote!
  • Early voting takes place from Feb. 20 to March 1.
  • Election Day is March 5.
  • Welcome to Texas Primary [Simplified] newsletter

Additional resources:

Georgia Kimmel,
Public Policy Chair