THE PRIMARY PROBLEM
The Turnout Gap
When we don’t hear much about an election, fewer of us show up to vote.
When fewer people vote, a smaller group ends up calling the shots. When that happens, it’s harder for everyday Texans to make their voices heard and for elected officials to be accountable.
This isn’t because people don’t care. It’s because the process feels easy to miss.
49%
14%
of the voting age population participated in 2024 Primary Elections
of the voting age population participated in 2024 General Elections
march elections matter
Most Texans hear about elections in November. Ads run. Flyers arrive. Phones ring. Very few of us hear anything about the March primary. This gap matters. The March primary is where most Texas leadership is effectively chosen, because one party usually wins the general election.
march election
There’s an election in March that nobody talks about. Here’s who is chosen in that election:
November Election
There’s an election in November that everyone talks about. Here’s who is chosen in that election:
In 2022, only four Texas House races were decided in November. The other 146 were decided in the March primary.
few texans vote in primaries
Let’s look at some key data.
Source: Texas Secretary of State
97%
of Texas House seats were decided in the 2022 primary
#2
Texas has the second-lowest voter turnout in the nation
3.5x
Your vote’s relative power in a primary vs. general election
3%
of voters decided 97% of lawmakers in 2024
low turnout impacts every texan.
No Real Competition
Most Texas districts are safely red or blue.That reality means the primary election often decides the outcome, not November.
Lawmakers Ignore the Majority
When only a small share of voters participate, elected officials focus on those voters. The priorities of most Texans go unheard.
Weaker Candidates and Partisan Extremes
As fewer people participate, strong candidates choose not to run. Lawmakers prioritize winning their next primary over representing their constituents, leading to gridlock and declining voter enthusiasm.
Most people don’t skip primaries because they don’t care.
Primaries arrive quietly.
Information is scattered.
Voting rules feel confusing.
Many voters assume November is what matters.
When people lack clear, trusted information, they disengage.
We’re here to help
Your vote in the primary is the most important vote you cast in Texas.
