The 2022 Texas primary elections are right around the corner, and ATPE wants to make sure you’re ready to step in the voting booth come March 1 (or Feb. 14–25 during early voting).  As Texas’ largest education association, ATPE encourages all Texas educators to vote for candidates who support your public education priorities. Want to know more about the candidates running for office in your area? Stay informed by checking out TeachtheVote.org, a resource run by ATPE’s Governmental Relations team. TeachtheVote.org provides you updated information about upcoming elections, legislative news, and candidates. ATPE does not endorse candidates, but we survey candidates and publish information regarding incumbents’ education voting records to help you determine who deserves your vote.

During the primaries, you may choose to vote in either the Republican or the Democratic primary. Texas has open primaries, so you do not have to “register” for a party to vote, and your primary vote in no way restricts your choices on the November ballot. The primary election determines which candidate will represent a party on the November ballot, but in districts that have been drawn to be either heavily Republican or heavily Democratic, the primary election winner is often unopposed or doesn’t face strong opposition in the general election. In other words, it’s often the primary election and not the general election that determines the ultimate winner. That’s why it’s critical for educators to vote at every opportunity during the election cycle, not just in November.

As a reminder, the last day to register to vote for the upcoming primary elections is Jan. 31, 2022. If you have recently moved, changed your name, aren’t sure if you’re registered, or simply want to double-check your voter information, visit VoteTexas.gov and click “Am I Registered?” Votetexas.gov is a great resource to find out where your polling place is located, review election results, and see what issues and candidates are on the ballot. Vote411.org and TexasEducatorsVote.com are other great non-partisan voter resources. Below is a list of important dates to remember for the upcoming election:

• Last day to register to vote—Jan. 31, 2022
• First day of early voting—Feb. 14, 2022
• Last day an application to vote by mail can be received—Feb. 18, 2022
• Last day of early voting—Feb. 25, 2022
• Primary election—March 1, 2022

Make sure your educator voice is heard! The primaries are an important time to be proactive in future Texas legislation, including legislation involving public education. Don’t forget to encourage colleagues, friends, and family to plan to vote during early voting or March 1!