May 21, 2014

Senior Vote Is Critical

Turnout in the Texas primary elections may be drooping to record lows. Since retired people always vote in every election, our percentage increases dramatically every time the total vote sags! In other words, the more younger people don’t vote, the more important we become!

Ed Sills, Communications Director of the Texas AFL-CIO reports that the first day early voting turnout, May 19, was a febrile 1.27% in the largest 15 counties! Rural counties would be expected to have even lower turnout. At this rate, it is unlikely that the total turnout in the primary election will greatly exceed 12%. Of that 12%, a mighty portion will be the senior vote. Sills goes on to say that the only statewide endorsed by the state labor federation are David Alameel for Senate and Susan Motley for Texas District House 105. Check the Secretary of State site for more vote totals.

Last week, the Dallas Morning News reported that the total turnout in the Dallas School Board elections was 2.7%. These low numbers may be a disgrace to all concerned, but they are an opportunity for seniors to increase our senior clout. Those who didn’t vote by mail should take advantage of the liberal early voting opportunities before Friday, May 23. Regular election day is Tuesday, May 27.

In November, senors should vote by mail. Instructions are on our site.

–Gene Lantz, President

PLEASE contribute any amount to Texas Alliance for Retired Americans by clicking here.

Sign our petition to Dallas Mayor Rawlings asking him to stop pushing to privatize the school district and to NOT WELCOME the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) to Dallas July 30.

We’re also still gathering petitions for health care implementation in Texas. Sign that petition at:

http://afl.salsalabs.com/o/4055/c/1254/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=4684

Contact Gene Lantz at labordallas@sbcglobal.net

Judy Bryant at 214-729-0063

facebook: Texas Alliance for Retired Americans

Twitter: @Tx4TARA