The right to vote gives citizens a chance to participate in government. All citizens 18 and older, may help decide who will serve in elected positions of government. State and US Representatives State and US Senators US President and Vice President Governor and Lieutenant Governor Judges Members of State Boards Mayor and City Council Members County Judges and County Commissioners VOTING: A RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY

Voters also make Direct decisions about key issues that affect their lives. Raising taxes and how those taxes will be used Local laws Amendments to the Constitution KEY ISSUES

Voting is a right and a responsibility Participate in governing by electing people who represent you in the government. When a person does not vote: They do not help improve their government or surroundings. Give up a chance to decide who will lead the government and how issues on the ballot will be resolved. WHY CITIZENS SHOULD VOTE

For many years, registering to vote was impossible for some Texans African American won the right to vote with the 15th Amendment Required people to pay a poll tax before they could register. This tax was usually between $1.50 and $1.75 per year. A century ago, Hispanics and African American were among the poorest people in the State and couldn’t afford this. FIGHTING TO VOTE

1920 Women won the right to vote with the 19 th Amendment. Women had been fight for the right to vote since US Constitution Amendment ended the poll tax in federal elections Texas Constitution was amended to outlaw the poll tax. FIGHTING TO VOTE

GET INFORMED

The news media have made it easy for voters to stay informed. Newspapers Radio TV Books Magazines Internet It is important that you get correct information. Not everything you see on the internet or TV are always true. It is important to read each item on the ballot carefully to understand what your vote means. GETTING INFORMED

LOBBYING

Lobbying—contacting lawmakers in order to persuade them to vote in a certain way. Citizens have the right to let government leaders know whether they agree or disagree with certain laws. To voice your opinions you can write letters, , and call. Special Interest Groups are groups that try to influence government Policy. These groups represent business, agriculture, labor unions, teachers, minority groups, women, and low income citizens and other groups of people. Working together in groups makes it more likely your opinion will be heard. LOBBYING

Paying Taxes provide for: Police Protection Fire Protection Streets and Highways Parks Libraries Schools Hospitals OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Serving on Juries The constitution guarantees every person accused of a crime the right to a trial by a jury. Jurors are selected from a list of registered voters who hold a drivers license or a DOPS ID Card. If asked to be on a jury, you must either appear or provide a legally acceptable excuse. If you do not appear you may be fined. Volunteer: Communities always need people to share their knowledge, skills, and talents with others. MORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Form of ParticipationWhy it Matters SUMMARIZATION

How could you persuade a family member to vote? EXIT TICKET