Welcome back, Longhorns! We hope that you had a great start to your school year. Today we’re sharing important information about the upcoming election and a profile of TX Votes member, Akanksha.
So far this semester:
We hosted a VDR training with the Civic Engagement Alliance.
We registered more than 200 voters.
We gave 23 classroom presentations.
We hosted 5 days of tabling around campus for National Voter Registration Week. We registered students to vote in Welch Hall, the Life Science Library, the Gates Dell Complex, the McCombs building, and the PCL.
We helped 194 students make a plan to vote.
We hosted Bianca Solis, the Manager of Collegiate Programs at the Annette Strauss Institute, for our second meeting. She talked about her career journey and the importance of community engagement.
Election FAQs
What are primary elections? The primary elections determine which candidates will compete in the general elections during the fall. If only one party has a primary candidate then the election may be determined in the primary!
Do you have to register with a party? You do not have to be registered for a party. You just need to choose the primary you want to vote in!
What is on the ballot? There are legislative and judicial candidates for local state and national races. You will be able to vote for candidates for U.S. Senate positions and the U.S. House of Representatives, and judges on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. You can see how your ballot will look here.
When can I vote?? Early voting starts February 20th. You can vote on campus in the Flawn Academic Center (FAC) or the LBJ School of Public Affairs.
When is the last day I can vote? Election day is March 5.
Member Spotlight: Akanksha P. Kasarabada
Year: Freshman
Major: Government
Hometown: Cupertino, California (but I have been living in Sugar Land, TX for the last couple of years)
Role: I am one of the Co-Communications Committee Chairs along with the wonderful Marissa!
Why TX Votes: I joined because ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been super into elections. I remember sitting in front of the TV watching as they played out every 4 years. I think as an American, voting is one of the most important things you can do, especially to uphold our democracy! As soon as I saw TX Votes and their mission of increased civic engagement across party lines, I knew I had to join!
Fun Fact: I played golf all 4 years of high school!
Upcoming Internships and Jobs!
The Workers Defense are looking for a Communications Intern. It’s $18/hour and you have paid sick leave. If you can speak English and Spanish, can work 10-15 hours a week, and have access to the Internet at home, you can click here for more information to apply!
The Archer Fellowship Program offers a summer internship in Washington D.C. You can earn 15 hours of in-residence credit and you take classes related to history, policy, and advocacy. Housing is also included! For more information, you can check out their website here.
Bollier Ciccone, LLP is an Austin, Texas boutique law practice focused on family and commercial law and litigation. They are looking to add a member to our team. The runner will assist the firm by helping the office run smoothly. To apply, email Maria Benning at mbenning@bclawtx.com with your resume and cover letter. Indicate the job you are applying for.
Important stories in the news: