It seems like only yesterday that we were voting in the 2016 Texas Democratic Primary Election. Now, the Runoff Election is less than 10 weeks away. This election, which is scheduled for May 24, 2016, will determine four key races: 1) Texas Railroad Commissioner; 2) Dallas County Tax Assessor-Collector; 3) Dallas County Criminal Court Number 2; and 4) Dallas County Constable for Precinct 1. Your vote in the Runoff Election is important, as this election will determine the Democratic nominees for these positions in the General Election.
Please note these important deadlines pertaining to the May 24, 2016 Runoff Election:
Monday, April 25, 2016: Last Day to Register to Vote
Friday, May 13, 2016: Last Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail
Monday, May 16, 2016: First Day of Early Voting
Friday, May 20, 2015: Last Day of Early Voting
Tuesday, May 24, 2016: Election Day and the Last Day to Return a Ballot by Mail
A big thank you to the DCDP Elections Team!
Determined to learn from our experiences, your DCDP Primary Team has scheduled a debriefing with key members of the Dallas County Election Department (DCED). Additionally, I represented the Dallas County Democratic Party (DCDP) this week, as I appeared before the Dallas County Commissioners Court to report on the primary election. I proudly announced that all Democratic voting sites were timely opened; we did not run out of ballots; and the DCDP met every deadline in preparation for the election. I am very proud of the team's effort and success.
Election Day electronic voting centers may be coming our way...
Based on our research throughout the State of Texas, the DCDP has advocated for Election Day electronic voting centers, which would allow Dallas County voters to vote at any polling site in the county on Election Day, just as we already do for Early Voting. With electronic voting centers, voters would no longer have to fret about going to the right polling site. Any site they choose will be right. The need for provisional ballots would be virtually eliminated, and the logistics of mounting elections in our large county would be more manageable.
Currently, electronic voting centers are used in Travis County, Collin County and Smith County on Election Day. Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia has directed the DCED to present a report to the County Commissioners, analyzing the cost and effectiveness of electronic voting centers. Regardless of the ultimate decision about this idea, the DCDP remains dedicated to administering fair, accessible, smooth-running elections.
You can help!
There are many ways you can help the DCDP be more effective in administering elections: 1) You can volunteer to serve as an Election Judge or Election Clerk; 3) You can help staff the phone lines on, and just before, Election Day; and 3) you can always help the Party elect more Democrats in one of the following ways:
