Vote Smart, or Not at All

Pivotal elections are coming up across the state. Like everyone genuinely committed to democracy, I would love to see high levels of public participation. Voting is a cornerstone of what our country stands for, and the most important way in which we all have a voice in the government.

But I’m also here to say something you rarely hear from a public official: If you don’t know anything about the candidates, it’s best to stay home. Or only vote in the races you have researched. You don’t have to check a box in every race!

So, as early voting begins across Texas, I make two requests: Get educated about the candidates in the upcoming primaries. (Learn how, below.) Then go to the polls. Early voting is available from Feb. 17 on. Election Day is March 3. You can find voting locations and more details here.

What no one tells you about the primaries

In general elections (usually in November), when candidates of different parties face off against each other, the vast majority of people vote along party lines. That's not always the case of course, as evidenced by a recent Texas race that captured national attention. As I explained in a column for the Austin American-Statesman, the victory of Democrat Taylor Rehmet in deeply “red” Tarrant County showed that candidates can win over people who usually support the other party.

Still, in these kinds of races, people usually stick with their preferred ticket. Surveys have found that only a small sliver of the electorate “crosses over.”.

But primaries are different. Fortunately, we have open primaries here in Texas. So when people get to the polls, they choose which party’s primary they want to vote in. Then, they’re looking at a field of candidates from the same party. So, how do people choose?

Unfortunately, this is where two major forces come into play: money and incumbency. Candidates with huge war chests can blanket an area with their signs, creating a sense of familiarity that inspires people to vote for them. Incumbents, meanwhile, have established names, giving them a further edge. “Name recognition is critical in motivating voters, is the reason candidates spend millions of dollars on TV ads and is a major factor in incumbents’ advantage in fending off challengers,” CNBC reported.

But these factors have nothing to do with someone being the best candidate. I’ve seen this as a voter, activist, and public official. The candidates best suited for the position may be the least famous. They may have the least money because they refuse to make promises to big businesses. They’re about representing the people, including the many who don’t have spare cash to fund a campaign.

Back the best

These candidates need you to learn about them. They need your support in the pAustin American-Statesman.rimary. You are their best shot -- and, by extension, Texas’ best shot to have a great leader in the role.

To me, the best example is Hawk Dunlap for the Texas Railroad Commission. None of his competitors come close to his level of skill, knowledge, experience and commitment to the people of Texas.

The RRC has nothing to do with railroads. It’s supposed to regulate oil and gas. Hawk is a longtime oil worker who has led cleanup operations on oil fields all over the world. He’ll stop the toxic nightmares plaguing our state.

His competitors outspend him, and he’s running against an incumbent. However, the more people learn about him, the more they want to vote for him. See terrific endorsements from the Houston Chronicle and the Austin American-Statesman.

Action plan

That brings me to the resources you need in order to get educated about the primaries. Where should you start? The Texas Tribune has a voter guide. It helps you learn about the races, candidates, issues at stake and more. You can also see a sample ballot.

Also, speak with people you trust. Focus on people who are knowledgeable about specific issues. For example, when it comes to the race for Attorney General, speak with people who are involved in the justice system. To pick candidates for governor and lieutenant governor, ask people who have direct dealings with the state government. (I have openly called out Lt. Gov. incumbent Dan Patrick for terrible leadership on numerous issues.)

Then, write your choices down on paper. You’re not allowed to use your phone at the voting booth, but you can bring in a sheet reminding you of your selections.

I also recommend that you send that sheet to friends and family in advance, encouraging them to vote. Tell them that if they want to know why you’ve made these selections, you’re happy to discuss. It’s time to end the old idea that talking about politics is somehow taboo. The government is supposed to work for all of us; we should be able to have respectful conversations about it.

Primary elections generally get very low turnout. In the primaries for the last midterm, 2022, only 17% of registered voters showed up. This makes your vote even more powerful. Be one of the people who sets the state down a better path, to a government that gets its work done.

When you vote, feel free to tag me on social media. Let’s celebrate our role in democracy, together.