Voter turnout in Bexar County for the recent state constitutional amendments election was 11.34%, far surpassing the 6.9 % average turnout of the last six comparable elections. The recent turnout is low by any standard, but the trajectory makes us hopeful. It tells us that the League’s voter education outreach efforts are having an impact along with efforts pursued by other organizations.
Access to reliable and accurate voting information is one of many barriers in getting voters to the polls. This is especially true when it comes to elections related to ballot propositions. There is a definite lack of information, not much media coverage or excitement built for this election, and there are no candidates or parties involved with a vested interest in pushing voter turnout.
With our longstanding commitment to promoting an informed and active electorate, we know that the League volunteers actively pursued an aggressive agenda this election to empower voters with the information they needed to make informed choices and encouraged them to get to the polls. More than 21,000 copies of the Voters Guides were distributed. We promoted short videos on each of the amendments put together by LWVTX for those who prefer listening than reading.
UTSA organizers at the Civic Leadership Event on Election Day, November 7th with Nicole Lehmann and Madhu Sridhar from LWVSAA.
It was heartwarming to see this message on LWVSAA Instagram: “This was the first time we saw your little table and all the information in the booklet really helped out our first time 18 year old voter! Your works is incredibly helpful!! Thank you for all you do.”
Another member of the Youth Initiative team shared this: “I just wanted to share a story my friend told me yesterday. She was hiking on Election Day with her friend (our age) and a young man who is her daughter’s age (around 20). He reminded them to vote because it was Election Day and when one of the women asked what was on the ballot, he whipped out his phone and showed the notes he had taken on all of the propositions and told them he got all of his information from the League of Women Voters. I love that such a young person got information because of all of your hard work and was sharing it out to make sure others would vote.”
It is integrated and cohesive efforts of all the League teams – Voter Services, Community Outreach, Youth Initiative, Organization, Social Media, Program and Development – that are bringing the desired results in voter turnout. YOU are part of this success. YOU are the reason for this success.
On the occasion of Thanksgiving, I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support to the mission of the League: Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy. Thank you for your time that you give so generously and your expertise that you share so passionately.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Madhu Sridhar, President
