The Voting Rights Act (VRA) was enacted to ensure that minority groups are not impaired from voting.
Federal examiners are required to supervise elections to protect these rights.
Implications of the Voting Rights Act
Texas violated the VRA in 1972 by failing to print voting ballots in Spanish for its large Spanish-speaking population.
As a consequence, Texas ended up on the voting rights watchlist, which affects state and county election laws.
Being on the watchlist requires pre-approval for changes in election laws to prevent discrimination.
Shelby v. Holder (2013)
A significant lawsuit was filed by many southern states against the Obama Administration, known as Shelby v. Holder.
These states sought to remove themselves from the watchlist because they resented the requirement to seek permission for various election-related actions.
The result of this lawsuit effectively ended the watchlist and, consequently, diminished the enforcement power of the VRA, as the act relies on maintaining such a list to function properly.
Historical Context and Importance of the VRA
Before the enactment of the VRA, many people of color felt uncomfortable voting.
For instance, in Alabama in 1965, only 20% of black voters felt comfortable voting compared to 65% of white voters.
Following the VRA's implementation in 1988, 68% of black voters felt more confident in casting their votes, while 75% of white voters also felt comfortable voting.
This shift indicates an increase in representation for people of color in elections, including increased chances of electing representatives for the House.
Texas and Presidential Elections
Role in Presidential Primaries
Texas participates in presidential elections through a state-by-state electoral process, where candidates campaign to gain voters in Texas.
Texas holds significant sway in presidential nominations:
Approximately 7% of Republicans' votes come from Texas.
Approximately 5% of Democrats' votes come from Texas.
Candidates must prioritize Texas in their campaigns and often engage in social activities with voters, commonly referred to as "breaking bread" or sharing meals.
Campaign Strategy and Local Dynamics
Food plays a crucial role in connecting candidates with voters. For instance, candidates often consume regional foods like pie or pizza to establish rapport during their campaigns.
State & Local Campaigns
Communication Strategies
Candidates typically have limited time to visit every state during their campaigns, which leads to reliance on direct communication methods, such as:
Mail campaigns and flyers.
Statewide Campaign Methods
Common statewide campaign methods include:
Social Media: Use of social media platforms to reach a broader audience.
Direct Mail: Targeted mail campaigns, exemplified by slogans such as "Don’t California my Texas."
Yard Signs: Generally effective for city council elections but less popular in larger elections.
Door Knocking: Personal outreach to engage with voters directly.