WHY ARE PRIMARY ELECTIONS SO IMPORTANT Let Your

WHY ARE PRIMARY ELECTIONS SO IMPORTANT? Let Your Voice Be Heard!!

Primary “Election” • Political parties NOMINATE candidates for the general election • Registered voters choose the candidate for the party’s nomination • Results of primaries will determine the party candidates for the general election in November

Republican Primary & Democratic Primary

TEXAS – Open Primary • Voters do NOT have to register with a political party • A registered voter can vote in either primary regardless of party membership or affiliation • Voters CANNOT participate in both primaries – must choose between • Republican OR • Democratic

Did You Know? ? • 19 Million Potential Voters in TEXAS! • Voters VOTING in November General Elections • Presidential Year – 8 million • Non Presidential – 5 million • Voters Voting in the March Primaries • 600, 000 • Primaries often win elections

Civic Responsibility-School Responsibility • Social studies TEKS address voting rights and responsibilities • Principals are required to provide registration cards for eligible students to vote • Educators MUST model the civic duty of participating in the voting process

Can you participate in the Primaries? • Yes, if you are a registered voter • No, if NOT registered • You have until February 5 th to register for the March 6 th Election • Register so you can participate in future elections • Determine WHICH primary you will vote • Republican or • Democratic • Learn about the candidates: • Political Platform • If incumbent, prior voting record

Before Election: • Know the Candidates’ Platforms • Discuss Issues With All Candidates • Support Candidates That Merit Your Support

Voting Dates • February 20 th - First Day of Early Voting • Secretary of State Pablos has declared February 23 rd as “Student Voting Day” • Educators model this great privilege - VOTE • March 6 th – Primary Election Day