I first got the news from a tweet from Wendy Davis (@WendyDavisTexas):
Today, #TeamWendy launched the most expansive voter protection program that Texas has ever seen. #TexasVotes pic.twitter.com/Z2Mz4suAOl
A quick search brought me to her campaign blog, where I found this:
Here in Texas, we’re used to being the biggest and the best. So when it comes to voter turnout, we shouldn’t settle for anything less. But in 2012 almost half of all eligible voters just stayed home.
Instead of encouraging participation, Texas Republicans want to silence Texas voices. They’ve passed laws to try to stomp out grassroots voter registration activities. They’ve unfairly limited what forms of photo ID Texans can show before voting. Now, they even want to repeal the historic Voting Rights Act.
Texas Democrats, led by Wendy Davis, want to hear what you have to say. We want more eligible Texans to vote, not fewer. We believe in government that is “by the people” and “for the people” — and understand that we can only get there when our voting system is free, fair, and accessible.
Plus, it’s just wrong for insiders to manipulate election laws for their own political gain.
For all of these reasons, we’re partnering with Battleground Texas and the Texas Democratic Party to create the most expansive voter protection agenda that Texas has ever seen. We’re committed to registering and educating voters, promoting opportunities to vote early, and organizing a robust volunteer system to protect every valid vote cast at the polls.
Facilitating Voter Registration: Our tireless volunteers are registering large numbers of eligible Texas voters this year. All staff and volunteers receive comprehensive training on the voter registration rules before they go out into the field, as well as ongoing guidance. All the while, through constant communication with county officials, we make sure that our registration activities are in strict compliance with state law — while being incredibly effective.
Educating Voters: We are working hard to educate voters on the rules of successfully casting a ballot — including voter ID requirements. With local leaders, we are identifying the best ways to reach voters who need help and assisting them in obtaining acceptable ID.
Promoting Early Voting: We’re encouraging voters who are eligible to do so to cast their ballots early by mail — which they can do beginning in early September. In October, we’ll closely monitor the in-person early voting period.
Protecting the Vote on Election Day: On Election Day, we’ll have thousands of volunteers at polling places across the state. We’ll ensure that there is a Democratic election judge or alternate judge, working alongside their Republican counterpart, to ensure the fair conduct of the election in each precinct. We’ll also have poll watchers guarding against possible voter suppression or intimidation. Outside the polls, our election monitors will answer voters’ questions and look out for problems like long lines and voter harassment. And, we’ll run eight command centers across the state where lawyers and election law experts will be prepared to address the issues that come up — even if it means going to court.
http://www.wendydavistexas.com/...
Go, Wendy, go! Very glad her campaign is doing this. A few months ago, I heard discouraging numbers for her in her matchup against the execrable repug Abbott. But after having talked to a few Texas folks at Netroots Nation 2014 in Detroit, I am much more optimistic.
To now hear that Wendy's campaign is geared up to fight massive voter suppression in the Lone Star State, I am even more sanguine about her odds of victory.
Donate to the Wendy Davis campaign here:
https://secure.wendydavistexas.com/...