Not voting is not an option - Dallas Voice
“I’m not really political.”
It’s easy to understand why people feel that way. Political discourse has grown increasingly divided as we continue to grow and progress as a country. But this statement indicates an aversion to engaging in difficult, uncomfortable conversations about the issues that affect our everyday lives.
It’s easy to complain about gas prices, inflation and the rising costs of living. These are influenced by policies created at the local, state and federal levels. But so is access to health care for people of trans experience, immigrants, women and the overall LGBTQ+ community.
Texans have a responsibility to be politically engaged, and that starts with being an educated and active voter.
According to the Texas Secretary of State Office, there are almost 22 million people eligible to register to vote in this state, versus almost 18 million who are registered. Of those registered, 18 percent voted in the Democratic and Republican primaries last March. Due to gerrymandering, primaries overwhelmingly decide who will serve a district for the next two-to-four years despite the general election not being held until Nov. 5. This means 18 percent of registered Texans decided who would occupy policy-making spaces such as the state legislature and federal Congress.
If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. What’s on the table that 82 percent of the Texas voting populace has yet to consider?
• Critical funding for HIV treatment and prevention services: For funding years 2025-27, the Texas Department of State Health Services has forecasted a $38 million budget shortfall for the Texas HIV Medication Program PER YEAR. This critical service provides medications to Texans living with HIV who have no other options. If funding is not allocated, there is the possibility of people being removed from the program, a waitlist being enacted, no new medications being added to the formulary and increased concerns for improved public health outcomes.
How does this tie back to voting? Elected state representatives and senators will decide during the 2025 legislative session how much funding, if any, this program will receive.
• Decreased funding for nonprofit workforce and services: Those who work in nonprofit or publicly funded environments have probably seen a reduction in funding for programs designed to mitigate obstacles in public health, education, infrastructure, immigration and much more. Fewer resources for programs almost always equals a reduction in highly trained and specialized staff who are underpaid and overworked.
How does this tie back to voting? Elected state representatives and senators will decide during the 2025 legislative session how much funding, if any, these programs will receive. Elected congresspeople and senators will do the same on a federal level.
• Elimination of gender-affirming care for adults of trans experience: During the 88th Texas Legislative, virtually all gender-affirming care for Texans under the age of 18 was eliminated. Expanding these prohibitions to include adults is assuredly the next step.
How does this tie back to voting? Elected state representatives and senators will debate and decide during the 2025 legislative session what restrictions will be signed into law.
There’s still time to have your voice heard and affect change! The last day to register to vote is Oct. 7. To check your registration status, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website at SOS.State.Tx.US. Online registration is not available in
Texas, but you can print an application and mail it to the listed address.
If you have moved or changed addresses since you last registered, you need to register again. If you receive a message saying you are on a suspended list, don’t panic. It just means the county voter registrar was unable to verify your residence. Fill out another application and make sure you write clearly.
This can also be done at the voting site and your ballot will still count.
Research the candidates and see where they stand on the issues important to you. The League of Women Voters Dallas publishes a comprehensive, non-partisan voting guide that allows candidates the opportunity to share their vision for Texas.
If they have served as an elected official, visit Texas Legislature Online to search their voting history.
Most importantly, commit to vote. Make it an event and take a friend or family member! In most Texas counties you can vote at any polling location within the county where you are registered; no need to find your designated polling location.
If Election Day being on Nov. 5 poses barriers, there are two weeks of early voting, from Oct. 21-Nov. 1.
This is one of the most decisive elections we may see in our lifetime. Participation is crucial. Register, do your research, create a voting plan, and execute. It’s time to get political.
Januari Fox is director of policy, advocacy and community engagement at Prism Health North Texas.
