REASONS FOR TEXAS’ LOW VOTER TURNOUT 2

Reasons for Texas’ Low Voter Turnout

Texas, one of the largest states in the US, has the undesired distinction of consistently
having one of the lowest voter turnouts during elections. While turnouts in presidential elections
are relatively high, turnouts in primaries and votes on constitutional issues are routinely below
10% (Ramsey, 2016). Many reasons have been advanced to explain this consistent low voter
turnout during elections in Texas. These reasons include voter suppression, races that are
uncompetitive, and demographics.
Granted, there is nothing that directly prevents people of voting age from voting in Texas.
However, laws that restrict when people can register, voting ID requirements, and various early
voting restrictions have been criticized for significantly reducing voter turnout (Ramsey, 2016).
This is especially the case with minority groups such as Latinos and African Americans
(Ramsey, 2016). These restrictions have acted as barriers preventing many people from voting.
Another reason for the low voter turnout is demographics. Across the country, highest
voter turnout is usually recorded among older white voters. Young Latinos often record the
lowest voter turnout. In Texas, a large portion of the population is composed of young Latinos
who are either unmotivated about voting or are too young to vote (Ura & Murphy, 2018). For
instance, a third of Latinos in Texas are below 18, the country’s voting age (Ura & Murphy,
2018). Thus, a large section of Texas’s population comprises of a group that has traditionally
recorded low voter turnout.
Apart from demographics, uncompetitive races have also contributed to low voter
turnout. Since the Republican Party has dominated the state’s politics for decades, many voters
feel that their votes may not do much to change the party’s dominance (Ramsey, 2016). They,
therefore, do not see any need of going to vote.

REASONS FOR TEXAS’ LOW VOTER TURNOUT 3
In conclusion, the low voter turnout in the state of Texas can be attributed to various
factors. The state is relatively young with many people below voting age. It also has a large
Latino population that has traditionally demonstrated voter apathy. Lastly, the state’s officials
have not made voting as easy as possible. A combination of these factors is responsible for the
state’s very low voter turnout.

REASONS FOR TEXAS’ LOW VOTER TURNOUT 4

References

Ramsey, R. (2016). Pointing the Finger When it Comes to Low Texas Voter Turnout. The Texas
Tribune. Retrieved on 11 th October, 2019 from
https://googleweblight.com/i?u=https://www.texastribune.org/2016/09/12/analysis-
pointing-finger-when-it-comes-low-texas-v/&hl=en-KE&tg=139&pt=11
Ura, A. & Murphy, R. (2018). Why is Texas voter turnout so low? Demographics play a big role.
The Texas Tribune. Retrieved on 11 th October, 2019 from
https://googleweblight.com/i?u=https://www.texastribune.org/2018/02/23/texas-
voterturnout-electorate-explainer/&hl=en-KE&tg=431&pt=5