Breaking News from the Laredo federal court tonight that could help us regarding straight party ticket voting (outlawed by Republicans starting this year for the GE).
"Less than three weeks before early voting begins in Texas, a U.S. district judge has blocked the state from eliminating straight-ticket voting as an option for people who go to the polls this November."
"In a ruling issued late Friday, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo cited the coronavirus pandemic, saying the elimination of the voting practice would “cause irreparable injury” to voters “by creating mass lines at the polls and increasing the amount of time voters are exposed to COVID-19.”
"Marmolejo also found that the GOP-backed law would “impose a discriminatory burden” on black and Hispanic voters and “create comparatively less opportunities for these voters to participate in the political process.”
"She acknowledged the burden the decision could put on local and state election officials, who will have to recalibrate voting machines or reprint ballots. But she reasoned that the potential harm for those suing, including the Texas Association for Retired Americans, was “outweighed by the inconveniences resulting.”
My guess is that the 5th Circuit will overturn this decision but for the moment it is good news.
In the top 10 most populace counties Democrats used straight ticket voting and for example in Houston Harris county wiped out nearly all the Republicans. In large counties we have long ballots because of all the judicial races without the straight party ticket voting Republicans figure people will not continue down the ballot. In 2018 when it was still allowed it ruined Republican chances. See Democratic Harris county judge (an executive position that runs the county), county clerk runs elections (ie new machines with paper trail) these were big changes as one could see through the COVID-19 pandemic and the new County Judge standing up to Abbott regarding masks and closings.
If you live in Texas look at a sample ballot for your county and precinct and fill it out so you can run down the ballot rapidly casting your ballot so the next person can vote. Each location will have sample ballots so you could also do this while you are waiting standing in line.
If the person doesn't have an opponent skip the race move on saves time. We have a chance to take back the Texas state House of Representatives make sure you vote in that race.
Please vote early. In my county Travis we have 37 early voting locations with many mega centers (the last 3 days of early voting October 28 through 30th the mega centers will be open until till 9PM). There is also a feature at the county clerk's site that tells you the wait times at each location which will include all 200+ polling places on election day.
On GE day you MAY VOTE at any open polling place in the county not just your home precinct. (Note not all counties allow this so check if you live in a different county)
70% of Travis county voters vote early in person or by mail (mostly 65+ of age) . We have around 900,000 registered voters .
Get fired up and ready to GOTV early October 13 through October 30. Please note Republicans have sued Abbott to stop his 7 days of additional early voting days due to the pandemic so stay tuned to see what the Texas Supreme Court does.
Make a plan to vote and have an alternative just in case.