By Alexis Fischer, Communications Intern
It takes a village -- or in this case a district -- to raise Texas to its true potential. But first, people must vote, and that obstacle is being addressed by many candidates running up and down the ballot this year.
On a Saturday morning in Round Rock, I visited a campaign office that was brimming with volunteers. The “Surge” weekend drew individuals out of their homes and into their communities to share this candidate’s vision for their future. This push was for people to head to the polls early to avoid long lines on Election Day, November 6. The air was buzzing, perhaps from coffee, but more from hope. My eyes were immediately directed to the giant mantras on the wall: “People over politics so TX can move forward.” It was clear that individuals of all ages were compelled by the candidate’s platform of inclusivity and foundation of a strong public education. In a likely alliance, a Congressional candidate also spoke at the event.
The efforts of these candidates echo the sentiments of former Vice President Joe Biden:
“There’s something different about this year’s elections. You can just feel it in your gut. It’s something bigger than politics. Something that gets to the very core of who we are. Folks, America is an idea -- based on a set of values. Decency. Respect. Giving hate no safe harbor. Leaving no one behind. It’s about a commitment to something bigger than ourselves. This is America. And together, we can take it back. But we’ve got to remember who we are. We can’t leave a single vote on the table. Vote early, vote by mail, vote on Election Day on November 6th. However you do it -- just be sure you do one thing. Vote.” - 10/25/2018
I was volunteering for a phone and text bank, and was surrounded by like-minded individuals. Although the first call is always nerve-racking, you fall into a natural conversational rhythm on the phone. Canvassing is a very casual affair because you are talking to people just like yourself, who live in the same city and face the same problems, voting for the same candidates. You are a concerned voter who strongly believes in a candidate, so much so that you felt willed to tell other people about them. Volunteers carry the weight of a campaign with their word of mouth. There are opportunities for everyone to get involved in the way they are most comfortable.
My shift spent at the phone and text bank was spent communicating with voters to ask for their support. We also encouraged them to early vote, and if need be directed them to polling location information. Although tablets were provided, it is more comfortable to message from a personal smart device. One voter I was messaging said that this was the first time she was reached out to by a political campaign. She would be voting for the candidate I was volunteering for because of the accessibility and outreach of the team, and also understood the importance of a single vote.
Texans hold deep values of patriotism, yet millions in our state choose not to vote. This year, so many candidates are attempting to reach every corner of their would-be represented districts, which sets a good example for other state leaders. This cannot be done without the network of volunteers, normal people just like me and you. Civic engagement is a duty, but also a privilege. We must empower those around us to have accessible and fair voting. It is the responsibility of candidates and their campaigns to reach out to communities - not the other way around. As we approach the end of voting, consider volunteering your time with candidates you believe in. Then tell everyone you know to vote.