How To Show Up At The Polls During A Pandemic: A Texas Voting Guide

Early voting has officially begun for the Primary Runoff and Special Election here in Texas, with Election Day coming up on July 14. Voting in local elections is always an important part of showing up and checking abuses of power in our communities. But, this year, our voting power has a bit more weight than usual. In the wake of publicized civil and racial injustices in Austin, a call for defunding APD, as well as the community’s demand for a redistribution of city budgets, your informed vote can change policy and create a different world for us to live in.

That being said, we’ve all been guilty of missing an election or walking into the voting booth with no idea who is on the ballot. So, with July 14 right around the corner, we’ve got a pandemic-proof guide to voting with some tips from local organizations and groups, as well as a breakdown of how this election impacts criminal justice from bbatx committee member Sabrina Sha. Read up!

OKAY, SO WHAT EXACTLY IS THE TEXAS PRIMARY RUNOFF? HERE’S A 101 ON EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW.

It’s important to know who’s who in the primary runoff and special election. If you’re showing up at the polls on July 14, here’s a rundown of what’s on the ballot and what you may need to consider courtesy of The Austin Common and Community Resilience Trust ATX.

All images above have been created by The Austin Common.

 

HOW CAN I VOTE SAFELY?

If you plan on voting early ahead of or on July 10, here are some steps you should follow from the Travis County Clerk:

  • Download your personal sample ballot (you can do so at votetravis.com).

  • Download a list of Early Voting polling locations (see below for the list we’ve provided).

  • Bring an approved form of photo ID with you to your polling location.

  • View a map of wait times.

  • Remember to wear your mask and bring an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun should you have to wait in line outside.

While it’s important to vote in local elections, the city of austin recommends continued safety practices during thE COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some essential health tips to follow while at the polls:

  • Maintain social distancing by six feet while waiting in line.

  • Wear your mask!

  • Bring your own pen.

  • Wash and/or sanitize your hands upon entry and exit of your polling location.

  • Poll workers will be equipped with PPE, such as face masks, hand sanitizer and finger covers.

The above graphics are courtesy of the Travis County Clerk.

 

so, WHY IS THIS ELECTION IMPORTANT FOR ISSUES OF SOCIAL AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE?

You’ve protested, you’ve signed petitions, you’ve donated, so you may be asking yourself—what happens next? What else can I do?

When it comes to challenging our criminal justice system, the officials you’ll be voting for in this primary hold the power to implement change regarding cash bail, officer misconduct investigations, and what these forms of justice should and will look like. Yes, the voter fatigue is real, but it’s important to know what you’re voting on and toward—and which issues matter most to you. To this end, bbatx committee member Sabrina Sha has drawn up an educational, nonpartisan guide, examining the role this election plays in local criminal justice (click to view).

HERE ARE SOME ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FROM ORGS WE LOVE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS. :)

This blog post has been edited and condensed since its original publication. It will be updated regularly with nonpartisan guides and tools as they are made available.

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