WRITE OF CENTER
Voters often ask for advice on voting choices. It’s totally understandable, with many different elections and the avalanche of candidate information thrown at us. I’ve been in many campaigns, and here are some tips and tricks to becoming an informed voter.
First, I want to demonstrate the power of a Texas voter. In our great democracy, each voter has tremendous power. Let’s start with the whole population; there are about 22.8 million Texans of voting age. Of that total:
• 82% are registered to vote.
• 49% voted in the 2024 November general election (a presidential election year).
• 14% voted in the 2024 March primary election.
• 3% voted in the 2024 May primary runoff election.
So, you can see the immense power of a Texas voter. Under 50% of adult Texans chose the president for all of us. Only 14% of Texans chose which candidates would be on the November ballot, except for those in a runoff election, where a scant 3% of Texans chose the November candidates.
Discouraging, isn’t it? On the other hand, primary and runoff voters have great influence and power. That power can be used for good or ill, for personal gain or selfless service. It’s easy for anybody to exercise that power. Here’s how to become an informed voter.
You may have favorite candidates already or may know someone on the ballot. If so, press on. But if you don’t have a candidate in mind, there is help available.
First, ask among your own personal network. You have friends who share your views, and they would likely choose similar candidates as you. Attend candidate events, where you can hear directly from candidates. The Kendall County Republican Party hosts excellent events of this type.
Take note of a candidate’s network and group of supporters. Do they share your views? And beware of the clusters of chronically unhappy people; those malcontents, who always complain and talk about what we’re doing wrong.
Sure, there’s a place for criticism in public discourse. But avoid those who constantly traffic in bitterness, recriminations, falsehoods and victimhood.
Google, Safari, ChatGPT and others are great resources for online searches, but I offer a huge caution. Do a quick search to find the source of a group or candidate’s funding. Even if the group claims to be “nonpartisan,” be skeptical. They almost always have an agenda.
Search for campaign donors. If you see major donors who do not share your beliefs, vote accordingly. Also, check the endorsements. Candidates will associate with people who share their views.
Look at candidates as if you were about to hire them. Check their qualifications, education and experience. Look for any red flags in the candidate’s background. When the GOP is vetting potential candidates, we routinely ask if there is anything in that person’s background that would be newsworthy and/or embarrass the candidate or the GOP.
If you can speak directly with a candidate, ask why they are qualified to hold the position. Ask about their education. If the candidate is running for re-election, ask about their accomplishments while in office.
Experienced political folks are a great resource. Ask a Republican party official for recommendations; some of us have experience with many candidates, away from the cameras and microphones. Thousands of people have asked me for voting advice over the years, and I am always happy to help.
After you have done some research, or asked for advice, you are ready to vote. I recommend early voting; you can choose a convenient day and time from your schedule. You can also vote on Election Day, when you have many more sites to choose from; you can vote at any of them.
When voting, you will encounter election workers and judges. We are your fellow citizens, ensuring that our fantastic democracy works for everybody. In fact, we have sworn an oath before the polls open, to abide by Texas election laws.
After you cast your ballot, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are an informed voter. And you will also know that you are in that group of powerful people who make decisions for all Texans. Our precious democracy works because of people like you.
Scott S. Kramer is former Chairman of the Kendall County Republican Party.
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