Texas Voter Turnout Efforts Analysis

Texas represents a national demographic shift that will cause the United States to become a “minority-majority” country in the near future. Texas achieved that status in 2004, when racial and ethnic minority populations, both native and foreign-born, collectively outnumber non-Hispanic whites; in addition, the state

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, in Texas Voter ID laws are “strict” meaning that a voter cannot vote with a valid ballot without first representing a photo ID. When a person does not present a valid photo ID, they vote with a provisional ballot that will only be counted if the voter returns with an acceptable form of identification. In late 2013, the Obama administration filed a complaint against the Voter ID law that Texas was proposing. This was in “efforts to restore a stronger federal role in protecting minority voters in Texas” (Mataconis). The administration stated that the law discriminated against those of a minority group, meanwhile Republicans said that the complaint was an intrusion on state’s rights. John Cornyn, a Republican in the Senate, said that “a politicized Justice

Voter turnout in Texas is ranked amoung the lowest in the states. However, there are several reasons for this. Over the years political scientist have dicovered that education, income, and age have a lot to do with overall voter turnout. People who are better educated, have higher incomes, and are older are more likely to care about politics and actually vote.

We can conclude that in order to amend the Texas constitution a proposal must be initiated during a regular session or special session of the legislator. In addition, a unanimous two-thirds vote must be achieved before an election can be held for the people to vote on the amendment. Although citizens voiced their concerns for reform of the constitution during the 1970’s only one reform attempt resulted in an opportunity for the electorate to vote. In the end the constitutional reform did not succeed because of shady tactics, specific individuals, and fear of change. The recent Supreme Court Ruling on gay marriages is an example of why the Texas constitution is to constrict and non-free flowing. Due to the fact that it is so detailed they would not of had the ability to allow gay marriages to be legal without a specific

The Texas anti-abortion law has taken the country’s attention by storm. It is an issue on many different woman’s minds, especially those who live in the state of Texas. The new laws are forcing many woman to have to cross state lines in order to receive an abortion and medical care. This includes woman who needs abortions due to preexisting medical conditions and those who are carrying fetuses which are diseased and are expected not to be born as healthy babies. The Texas Governor Rick Perry and Senator Ted Cruz are leading the fight for the abortion laws to become permanent, laws that are considered the strictest abortion laws that this country has ever seen.

I believe that many people in Texas do not care to vote because of apathy and the majority see a system that is corrupt, full of lies and

In an attempt to put the power back in the states and minimize the control of the federal government, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for a Convention of the States to amend the U.S. Constitution. Governor Abbott has also proposed nine amendments that would dramatically elevate power within the state. Abbott believes that the federal government has overstepped its boundaries as set forth by the 10th amendment and it is the state's duty to take back the power that was once theirs (Texas Gov.).

States’ rights, the fight for the unborn and their right to life, and resistance to gun legislation, tend to be some of the top issues for conservative Texas voters. The last time a Democrat carried the state of Texas was in 1976, when Jimmy Carter won the Presidential election. During the 2004 presidential election, then President and Republican candidate, George W. Bush, won with 61.09% against 38.30% votes for the Democratic candidate John Kerry. However, in the more recent Presidential elections that were held in 2008 and in 2012, the very popular Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, did not win the majority vote for Texas. Thus, looking at this information, it can be said that the state of Texas tends to lean more towards the Republican side.

Texas remains a large state with masses of diversity in addition. Despite all the Texas greatness and large land there remains one issue that stays still not immense in, which is voting. Surprisingly, only twenty-two percent of Texans vote. Furthermore, Texas is positioned second to last with the lowest voting rate. There exist plenty of reasons Texas has such a minimal voter turnout rate. One reason mentioned in the Texas Civil Health Index “transpires Texas demographic” (Texas 20). In addition, another reason befalls that people actually believe that their vote doesn’t matter. Finally, a third reason stands that people ensue uneducated. Voting will transform our lives, if citizens just speak up everything will be just the way Texans want it. Texans need to benefit of their freedom and not let only segment of the state control our appeals and needs. It is essential to vote; that will be the only way our voice could be heard; it

Republican proponents claim that voter identification laws do not discourage those who are most likely to vote from turning out to the polls. They also believe voter identification laws are vitally essential to discourage voter fraud and to strengthen public trust in the electoral system (Gerken 40). Looking closer at both sides of this continuing controversy will help to clarify each sides claims and reveal any misinformation.

Many people were affected by the decision government Abbott has made, which leads rivalry between the people who are for and against the law making decision. The people who are for this law settlement, are more likely to remove community local laws that control the environment for society. For example, Maren Taylor from Texas Vot wrote that, “The Texas Legislature has decided that the people of cities shouldn’t have the right to protect the communities they.” The point that the communities from each city, will indeed have to understand that state government officials will remove any local control and replace the rules by what the legislative desires for. In most places, the ban of local activity that

Attempting to persuade the majority of Texans to vote for the Democratic Party will be difficult as Texas is a large Republican state. However, due to the high number of electoral votes, 38, it is crucial that the Party does win these votes in order to ensure the presidency. Seeing as how Texas voters are mostly strictly traditional Anglo Republicans it will be more difficult to convince these voters than it would to persuade the remaining minority citizens. Historically, voter turnout for minorities in Texas is very low, so in order to change this turnout, these citizens must feel encouraged to vote because they will benefit from the result of their actions. Different minorities expect different things so it will simpler and more efficient

The Texas Constitution was adopted in 1876 and has since received 615 proposals for amendments, 71% of which were ratified. To modify or ratify any amendments to the Texas Constitution the policy must be proposed and receive support of at least two thirds of all members elected to each chamber in the Legislature. Following the proposal, the policies must be endorsed by citizen majority vote in a special election.

Texas has a reputation throughout history of differing views from the federal government in laws and politics pertaining to social, fiscal, and educational issues. On the whole, Texas operates as a largely conservative state. Because of this, policy-making is often right wing. With the institution of a Democratic, liberal president, the State’s dissent from the Federal government has only increased over certain issues. One hot topic of the 2012 Presidential election was immigration. With the major increase in immigration, it is no surprise that the issue was so emphasized. Between 2000 and 2011 there was a 30 percent

Texas is a state that has always been recognized for its size and politics. Elections are a huge part of democratic societies that are intended for citizens to choose their public leaders and approve the policies set by candidates. Political parties and interest groups also play a key role in shaping opportunities for public participation. Most Texans and historians know that the Democratic Party’s historical dominance is important to state politics. It is less likely that people are not aware of the consequences of the one-party system for public participation and democracy in Texas. Like many of the rim South states, the white elitist belonged to the Democratic Party which stemmed from the end of Reconstruction until the late 20th