TAB launches voter turnout PSA campaign
posted on 4.28.2014- Partnering with Texas Civil Justice League for May 27 vote
Voter turnout rates in Texas have lagged far behind the rest of the nation for at least 40 years and even this year’s full slate of open seats for statewide offices – the first in more than 10 years – didn’t generate the jump in primary election voting expected by many Capitol observers. Barely 10 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the March 4 election.
TAB is seeking to reverse this trend by partnering with the Texas Civil Justice League in distributing PSAs urging Texans to vote in the May 27 primary runoff election. That vote will decide the partisan standard bearers for major statewide offices, including the U.S. Senator, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Agriculture Commissioner and Railroad Commissioner.
Two state Senate seats, three Congressional seats and a few state House seats also are at stake in the May 27 election.
Like TAB, the Texas Civil Justice League is a non-profit, non-partisan statewide advocacy organization. The League advocates for tort reform, a fair legal system and other judicial matters.
The 30-second Radio and TV PSAs in English and Spanish are being distributed this week for airing through May 27. Early voting runs from May 19 through May 23. The PSAs also are available for download.
“If you did not vote in the March 4 Primary you may still vote and can vote in the runoff election for either party,” said Texas Secretary of State Nandita Berry in clarifying one of the more common points of confusion regarding Texas election law.
It is vitally important to the civic well-being of our state and local communities that eligible voters exercise the most fundamental right of our democracy and vote in each election.
As broadcasters enjoy the trust of local viewers and listeners, it’s appropriate that we encourage them to do their civic duty and participate in electing those who craft public policy on education, transportation, water infrastructure and myriad other issues, big and small.
A similar voter turnout effort is planned for the general election in November.
Important Deadlines for Voters
- May 16 – Last day to apply for ballot by mail
- May 19-May 23 – Early voting period
Acceptable Voter ID*
- Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
- Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS
- U.S. military identification card containing the person’s photograph
- U.S. citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph
- U.S. passport
*Except for the citizenship certificate, the ID must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented to vote.
Major Primary Election Runoffs
- U.S. Senate Democratic nomination – Alameel vs. Rogers
- State Lt. Governor GOP nomination – Dewhurst vs. Patrick (Debate May 2)
- State Attorney General GOP nomination – Branch vs. Paxton
- State Senate GOP nominations in East Texas (Deuell vs. Hall) and DFW (Shelton vs. Burton)
- State Railroad Commissioner GOP nomination – Christian vs. Sitton
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State Agriculture Commissioner:
- GOP nomination – Merritt vs. Miller
- Democratic nomination – Friedman vs. Hogan
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Congressional GOP nominations:
- Houston (Babin vs. Streusand)
- San Antonio (Canseco vs. Hurd)
- North Texas (Hall vs. Ratcliffe)
Questions? Contact TAB's Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.
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