We are actively collaborating with various organizations throughout Texas to enhance awareness regarding the significance of local voting. In Austin and Houston, individuals impacted by the criminal legal system are uniting to establish groups focused on voter education and protection.
These teams will provide information on critical aspects such as voter registration deadlines, the process for requesting absentee or mail-in ballots, and guidance on how to vote in person during early voting and on Election Day.
Our primary goal is to foster a supportive community for individuals with lived experiences and to advocate for those facing barriers to voting access in our country.
“ But just because people CAN turnout or they have the right restored doesn't mean that they will, and registration rates are very low among justice impacted people. In Texas, we estimate that only 20% of eligible voters with felony convictions are registered.
Through "Fighting Injustice at the Ballot BOx," our team is testing the power of relational organizing to getting justice impacted voters engaged in the electoral process so that they can make their voices heard this election cycle.”
- Dr. Hannah Walker
Check out these voter guide resources the League of Women’s Voters created. Click on the city you reside in to learn about the voter guides for the November 5, 2024, General Election, which will be available on or before October 11.
Learn about what is on the ballot and where your polling location is.
Caption for Austin: Austin/San Antonio area captains pictured from left to right: Steve Huerta, Partina Clemmons, Stephen Flournoy, Rafael Palafos, Dwayne Williams, Brother Rob Lilly, Catina DeLoach, Diana Linares, Zebrina Robertson, Tina Acosta, Michelle Senquiz and Barbara Acosta. Not pictured: Denver Gonzalez, James Baily, Chantel Pridgon, Darwin Hamilton, Marci Simmons, Neyala Thomas, Justin Martinez, Stepheni Guerra, Ivan Garcia, Leslie Balderas, Tommy Acosta and Valerie Garza.
Caption for Houston: Houston area captains pictured from left to right: Rene Lawson, Janicia Busby, Latonia Busby, Sharon McCarter, Andrew Taylor, Andre Milton, Connie Boulware, Alicia Bain, Latricia St. Jules, Verdel Thomas, Yusulf Benson, Charles Johnson, Constance Dixon, Ronald Manning, Carl Nix, Lily Adebiyi, Cyrin Myles and Bobby Foster. Not pictured: Deisal Jackson, Gaylin Johnson, Donna Smith, Inayah Rahsaan, Lashonda Jackson, Monique Joseph, Dias Kirkling, Lashena Harris, and Shiki Natio.
Locked Out 2024: Four Million Denied Voting Rights Due to a Felony Conviction
“Despite no longer being incarcerated, I am still considered 'less than' a citizen because the state of Texas will not allow me to vote for another 26 years while I remain on parole. If I live to see that day, I will be 81 years old when I can cast my ballot. This is an injustice to my dignity and humanity as a human being and a citizen of the United States of America.
To this day, I carry my last voter registration card with me as a reminder of the last time I had a say in my representation and the policies that govern my life. While I am currently unable to vote in the state of Texas, I will continue to fight until every individual in Texas regains the right to vote." - Brother Rob
Voter Engagement in Houston, Texas
Our voter engagement organizers spent time on the weekends and afternoons to engage with Houston residents. Providing them with questions about polling locations, sharing insight on how to check their voter registration status, and, at times, registering new voters in the city.
Resources in the community that you will need:
Voter eligibility requirements vary by state, but generally, to register to vote. It is important to check the specific regulations in your state, as some states allow 17-year-olds to preregister if they will be 18 by the date of the election. To register, you often have the option to do so online, by mail, or in-person at designated locations.
Learn more about how to find out whether one is already registered to vote in order to ensure that your voice is heard in upcoming elections
To obtain a postage-paid voter registration application, individuals may request that a form be sent directly to their residence. This convenient option allows people to complete their voter registration from the comfort of their home and ensures that the process is both accessible and efficient.
Find out more details about how to vote in person on election day, including information on your specific polling location and the hours during which the polls will be open for voting.
Further questions? Call the Election Protection hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE for visit their website at: 866 Our Vote.com
Get involved with building a voting team in your community. Connect with us here, and an organizer will connect with you soon.
Meet the team
Andre Taylor - Houston
“We have to change our way of thinking regarding voting in our community. Not only is it harmful to not exercise our civil liberties, but it hurts us as a whole when policies are being enforced, and we have the power to change that.
When we connect and partner with our community, we ensure that our power in the Black and brown community is better when we address the issues together. It’s time to bring awareness to voter engagement.”
Dianna Williams - Houston
“Everyone has the right to voice their opinion by voting. The myth is that if you have a felony conviction, you cannot vote, but you can!
Empower yourself with knowledge.
As long as you are not on parole or probation, voter education can help you understand who and what is on the ballot, leading to an informed voter who can truly make a difference.
People are more likely to go to the polls if they understand why and feel they are making an educated decision. Your vote and your voice do matter.
Registration is now until October 7, 2024. ”
Dr. Hannah Walker - Austin
“there are millions of people across the states with felony convictions who retain the right to vote, and this is true for more and more people every day, as 18 states and the District of Columbia have expanded access to the vote for people with convictions since the 2016 election. But just because people CAN turnout or they have the right restored doesn’t mean that they will, and registration rates are very low among justice impacted people. In Texas, we estimate that only 20% of eligible voters with felony convictions are registered. Through “Fighting Injustice at the Ballot BOx,” our team is testing the power of relational organizing to getting justice impacted voters engaged in the electoral process so that they can make their voices heard this election cycle.”
Brother Rob - Austin
“I dream of a day when our past will not prevent us from creating the future we desire in this society. We can use our right to vote to shape policy and advocate for the resources needed to support our communities.”