Tex Gov Political Participation

Voting Laws

Rules that dictate the qualifications and processes for voting, varying by state.

Voter Registration

The process by which eligible citizens sign up to be able to vote.

Qualifications to Vote in Texas

Must be a US citizen, a resident of the county, at least 18 years old on election day, and not a felon who hasn't completed their sentence.

14th Amendment

Guarantees due process and equal protection under the law for all citizens.

15th Amendment

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Jim Crow Laws

State and local laws that enforced racial segregation and suppressed voting rights.

Literacy Tests

Tests that were used to disqualify voters, particularly targeting newly freed slaves, disguised as a requirement to vote.

Grandfather Clause

Law permitting individuals to vote only if their grandfather had the right to vote before certain laws were enacted, effectively barring newly freed slaves.

Poll Taxes

Fees charged to register to vote, which were used to disenfranchise poor voters, particularly black citizens.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation aimed at overcoming barriers to voting for African Americans, significantly increasing their participation.

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's vote has an impact or influence on political outcomes.

Demographic Factors Affecting Voter Turnout

Characteristics such as age, income, and English proficiency that influence the likelihood of voting.

Political Participation Beyond Voting

Activities such as campaigning, running for office, activism, or legal advocacy that engage citizens in the political process.

Voter ID Requirements

New laws requiring identification to vote, which can disproportionately affect the elderly and low-income individuals.

Texas Voter Turnout

Texas has a historically low voter turnout rate, ranking around 46 out of 51.

Campaigning

Supporting a candidate for office by helping them get elected.

Political Socialization

The process through which individuals acquire their political beliefs, influenced by family and social environment.

Texas Primary Voting Statictics

In Texas, less than 5 million out of 14 million registered voters participate in general elections.