Decisions are made by those who show up. And mamas, we have not been showing up. It’s time to vote. In Dallas County voters under the age of 40 averaged only about 17% of voters in the 2016 primary elections even though that demographic makes up over 40% of the electorate. This year is a mid-term election, and the numbers will likely be even worse.
That means that we, as young mothers, are letting other people decide who is calling the shots on things that affect our family every day like public school funding, healthcare, and property taxes. And we are better than that.
Despite the media buzz, big decisions are rarely made in November. In all but a few swing districts, the primary election will be the deciding factor for who represents you on the county, state and federal levels. Texas is a safe Republican state, Dallas is a safe Democrat county, and even many of the Congressional, State Senate and State House races in this area will face little opposition this November. If you want a say, March is your megaphone.
I know that the ballot for primary elections can be overwhelming. It’s just a list of names, many for races and positions you’ve never even heard of, leaving you with more questions than answers. But the most important question is, how the heck do I know which of these people are worthy of my vote?
You have to research. Stop! Don’t roll your eyes. How much time did you spend researching car seats before your first baby? Reading about baby monitors? Testing swaddle blankets? Take the same time and care to research these people whose decisions will have far more impact on your children’s future than a Miracle Blanket.
Some helpful primary election facts:
- You do not have to be registered as a Republican or Democrat in Texas. You can vote in whichever primary you like.
- You can vote at any polling place in your county during early voting and there is usually no line at all.
- All you need to bring is your driver’s license.
Find your sample ballot.
Enter your name and birthday and this will show you exactly what your ballot will look like (as well as where you vote) on election day. You can look up any races on which you are undecided.
Dallas County Voter Lookup
Collin County Voter Lookup
Tarrant County Voter Lookup
Research the candidates.
The easiest way to research the real facts about candidates is to check your local paper. The Dallas Morning News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram both interview all the candidates for many of the races in the area before they make any endorsements. Even if you disagree with their choice, there will be good information on all candidates. Social media has made learning about candidates easier than ever. Almost every candidate has a Facebook page with lots of updates from their campaign. Most also will have thorough websites on which you can learn about positions on certain issues, endorsements, and links to help you get more information.
The Dallas Morning News Elections Page
Fort Worth Star-Telegram Elections Page
Just go vote.
I know that giving you one more obligation seems like too much. Voting sounds like one of those things you can forget about because you have 3 kids under 5 and are just trying to make it to bedtime, or you work all day and have after school activities to chauffeur kids to and there isn’t a spare minute.
Do it anyway. Do it on the years when it’s easy. Do it on the years when it’s hard. Talk to your kids about what voting is and why voting is important. But more importantly, show them. Voting is your voice. You are working nonstop every day to teach your children to stand up for what they believe in, don’t miss the opportunity to do that for yourself.
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I’m so glad you posted this!