Early voting starts tomorrow
Early voting for the 2010 primaries starts Tuesday, February 16th and runs through Friday, February 26th with the general election Tuesday, March 2nd. While some like to wait to vote on the general election day I always encourage people to take advantage of early voting. First of all, you never know what might happen on election day that would prevent you from voting. By voting during the early voting period you can vote at any of the early voting locations on any day during the period including Saturdays and Sundays.
This year both the Republican and Democratic primaries have exciting gubernatorial races that I wrote about yesterday. But there are also several down ballot races that deserve attention, especially on the Democratic side. Just remember that you can vote in only one primary and cannot cross vote in the other primary. Also, should a candidate end up in a run-off you cannot cross vote in the run-off. If you do decide to vote in the general election you can find your polling place and a sample ballot for your precinct at the Bexar County Elections website.
I don’t know how to strongly encourage you take the opportunity to vote in the primary if you are affiliated with a party. Voting is something we Americans have enjoyed since the founding of our country and is a defining aspect of our democracy. Voter turnout has been gradually declining over time and in some cases represents a general apathy of the American public in the system. However, voting in elections helps define the agenda of our Republic and should not be taken lightly.
But the process doesn’t end at the ballot box in terms of the primaries. Both parties are scheduled to have precinct conventions after the polls close where delegates will be elected to the respective senatorial district conventions and eventually to the state conventions. Processes for the Republic and Democratic conventions will be posted at the party’s websites in the coming days. While most voters do not get involved at this level if you want to have a say in the direction of your party it’s important to start at this level.
So take the time and vote the Texas way – vote early and vote often (joking). But be sure and vote.
