We believe the rights to vote, to participate in civic affairs, and to self-determination are inalienable and fundamental to a healthy and functioning representative democracy, especially in times of pandemic or other crises that threaten these foundations. 

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Elections must be made secure and free of any and all encumbrances. Openness, accountability, and high ethical standards for elected officials and government agencies are paramount to ensure a level playing field and a government that is responsive to the needs of its citizens. 

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An article in the Texas Tribune examines the upcoming battle over voting rights in the 2023 Texas Legislature. Democrats are proposing bills to expand voter access -- one bill would allow Texans to complete their voter registration application online, something the majority of states already permit. Check out the prospective voter rights showdown here!

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The League of Women Voters is actively fighting voter suppression, or any effort to prevent some voters from registering or voting. They cite Georgia and Texas as the most egregious examples of voter suppression. In Texas, recent restrictions on access to early and mail-in voting, and drastic reductions of polling places in underserved communities, has made it more difficult for minorities, the elderly, the disabled, young voters, and students to participate in the democratic process. Check out Fighting Voter Suppression by the League of Women Voters.

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In Congress, Democrats are pushing for adoption of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which restores important features of the Voting Rights Act, but this legislation is being blocked by Senate Republicans. 

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Locally, the Jeff Davis County Democratic Party promotes voter participation primarily through a nonpartisan group of Volunteer Deputy Registrars, the Tri-County Voter Promoters, who are active in registering voters and encouraging voter turnout throughout the tri-county area.