WHY VOTE IN EVERY ELECTION?
There are three levels of government - local, state and federal. Each level has a different focus that impacts you and your future in specific ways.
Local Government
Local government focuses on roads, sidewalks and drainage; garbage, sewer, water and other public services; establishing property tax rate (county services, school boards, hospitals, college districts, etc); transit services; election administration; zoning and permits; police, fire fighters and emergency services; and public health.
State Government
State government focuses on funding public education; such as ensuring the Texas grid is reliable; implementing the state budget which determines the level of taxing; state highways and bridges; environmental quality; prisons; foster care; public universities and community colleges; and healthcare.
Federal Government
Federal government focuses on the federal tax code; US military; foreign relations; veterans administration; civil rights; energy efficiency standards; climate policy; federal student loans and forgiveness; housing policy; federal highway; ports and airports; medical research; national parks; trade policy; immigration and customs.
TEXAS ELECTION CYCLE
In Texas, we have elections in March, May and November – some in odd years and some in even years. It’s a LOT of elections. So here’s your breakdown so you know when you need to vote.
Even years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc)
First Tuesday of March:
- 2024, 2028, etc: Presidential Primary election, US Senate (half), US Congressional (all), Texas Senate (half), Texas House (all), county offices (some)
- 2026, 2030, etc: Texas primary election for Governor, Lt Gov, Attorney General, some Railroad commissioners, Agriculture Commissioner, Land Commissioner, US Congressional (all), Texas Senate (half), Texas House (all), county offices (some)
In a Primary election, you must declare that you are either voting in the Democratic or Republican primary. You are voting on who in the party is going to be on the general election ballot in November, e.g., Donald J. Trump or Nikki Haley.
First Saturday of May: Some school board elections – the timing of each election is captured on the school district’s website.
Fourth Tuesday of May: Run-off elections for the top two candidates if neither received 50% of the vote in the Texas primary (March)
First Tuesday of November:
- 2024, 2028, etc: Presidential election, some school board elections
- 2026, 2030, etc: Gubernatorial election, some school board elections
Odd Years (2025, 2027, 2029, etc)
First Tuesday of May: San Antonio municipal elections for Mayor and City Council; some school board elections.
First Tuesday of November: Election to pass amendments to the Texas Constitution; some county positions, some school board elections.
Other important links
(Polling locations only available 3-4 weeks before election)
