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On the ballot this fall are crucial races beyond those for president, vice-president, U.S. Senate or even U.S. Representative.
Other pivotal races are for judges. Their decisions can shape – even change – laws our Legislature enacted.
In Hays County, we choose a State Senator and Representative.
There are county and local races too.
Every election matters. The character of the candidates, their plans and priorities matter. When elected, their work affects the lives and future of those they serve.
Did you know some of representatives primarily attend events within safe spaces where only members of their own party will be?
If they won’t listen to many points of view and aren’t open to other constituents, they are not public servants.
Transparency is avoided. They don’t answer questions – even from nonpartisan groups like the League of Women Voters or local newspapers– because they don’t have to. Their seats are gerrymandered, drawn to give them enough of the voters who will keep them in power and to prevent others from having the numbers to vote them out.
That is not freedom. Their policies have limited or taken away freedoms for many Texans: freedom to vote for a better way, to read and learn truth in our schools, to make life and healthcare decisions for ourselves and our children, to be ourselves. Freedom from fear.
It’s a trend. Pretty soon, unless stopped by voters, the reins of government will remain in hands that have no intention of ever relinquishing power.
Texas is well on its way to that now. The next legislative session is one where more rights, freedoms, and the institutions built over the course of America’s history to foster them, will be under assault.
This election is our real chance to restore democracy and freedom – maybe for generations. Vote!
Susan Raybuck Wimberley
