F.A.Q.

What is March Matters?

March Matters is a campaign focused on increasing voter turnout and engagement in Texas Primary Elections. It aims to inform and motivate Texans to participate in these elections, emphasizing their significance in shaping the state’s future.

Why are Texas Primary Elections important?

Texas Primary Elections are crucial as they determine the candidates who will run in the general election. The outcomes of these primaries influence the issues prioritized by winning candidates for the next 2-4-6 years. Only a small percentage of voters participate in these primaries, yet they have a significant impact on the state’s political and policy direction.

What are the principles of March Matters?

March Matters is Texas-focused, non-partisan, and does not endorse any candidates. It is available to the public, including associations, organizations, and businesses, to promote voter participation in the primaries.

How does the Texas primary election process work?

Texas has an open primary system where registered voters can participate in either the Republican or Democratic primary without declaring party affiliation. However, once a ballot is cast in one primary, voters cannot participate in the opposing party’s primary or switch parties in the event of a runoff.

What is the current voter turnout in Texas primaries?

Voter turnout in Texas primaries is relatively low. For example, only about 3-4 million Texans vote in the primaries out of 17.7 million registered voters. This means a small percentage of voters significantly influence the state’s political landscape.

How does March Matters plan to make a difference?

March Matters plans to engage employers, associations, organizations, and community leaders across Texas to communicate the importance of participating in primary elections. The campaign focuses on non-partisan messaging and public engagement to raise awareness and encourage voter participation.

What are ways Texas businesses, organizations, media and people can help encourage more Texans to vote in the Texas primaries?

Simply raising awareness that voting in the Texas primaries matter will help. March Matters will share social posts and four emails starting Feb. 1 – March 5. Share these with others, post on your social, talk with your employers and organizations about voting.

Why is employer communication important in this campaign?

In the current climate of distrust and polarization, individuals increasingly view their employers as trusted sources of information. Employers, therefore, play a critical role in providing reliable and non-partisan information about voting in primary elections, helping to counter misinformation and apathy.

What are some key messages of the March Matters campaign?

Key messages include the importance of voting in primaries to impact the state’s policy priorities, how the low voter turnout in past primaries has limited general election voters’ choices, and the ease of participating in the Texas primary process. The campaign emphasizes that every vote counts and that primary elections are a critical opportunity for Texans to have their voices heard.

How can Texans participate in the primary elections?

Texans must be registered to vote and present proper identification at polling locations. They need to choose which party’s primary they will vote in and adhere to that choice in the event of a runoff. Texans can participate in early voting or vote on the primary election day, with no need to be a member of any political party beforehand.