2024 is a presidential election year, with consequential down-ballot races across a Texas where:
- Public schools are struggling to survive without any new funding from the state since 2019.
- A flurry of bad bills from the 88th Legislature are now law, infringing on the freedom to learn and threatening our neighborhood schools.
- Constantly disrespected by those in power, dedicated teachers and school staff are streaming for the exits.
- Our governor is waging war on legislators from his own party who stood against his school privatization schemes.
If this state’s 700,000 public school employees — along with their higher education and retired peers — don’t vote, this crisis will not change.
The voter registration deadline on October 7th is approaching quickly! If you want to check your voter registration you can do so here. Additionally, to make a plan to vote and see what your ballot will look like when you go to the polls, you can use Ballotpedia’s sample ballot tool. If you have other questions about where to vote, how to vote by mail, or any other questions you can get them answered here.
Also, remember that Texas high schools are required to provide voter registration information to older students twice a year, at least. Despite this, many high schools aren’t abiding by the law in this case – or are at least not doing so with enthusiasm.
To help with this, Texas AFT has created a Teacher Toolkit to provide resources to high school teachers who want to ensure that their students are informed, registered, and excited to vote.