As you know, I have attempted to communicate with you in the past regarding the importance of being an informed voter. As we quickly approach the primary elections in Texas, I once again encourage each of you to learn more about the candidates that are running to represent you in your local, Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate races as well as those running to represent you in statewide offices (Governor, Lt. Governor, etc.). Each political party will have their own set of ballots based upon where you live so you will have to decide what political party’s primary election in which you will participate. Do note though, that in Texas you may vote in one political party’s primary and cast a vote for another political party in the general election.

There is no secret that in Texas, the primary election results will determine the individuals who will represent their particular political affiliation during the 2018 General Election in November. It is not only important to cast an informed vote in the November general elections but in some cases, it may be just as important if not more important to cast an informed vote in the primary elections.

So here is what’s unfortunate…In the great state of Texas, the typical turnout in any given primary election is dismal at best. As an example, approximately 10% of eligible Texans actually voted during the 2014 gubernatorial primary and even less than that votes in other primary elections. It is my goal that each of us be an informed voter during the upcoming primary. I completely understand there are many other issues we all consider when voting, but as it relates to the issue of public education in Texas, your voice as an avid supporter of public education will not be heard if less than 10% of us participate in the primary elections.

As a reminder, Early Voting in all of the 2018 Texas Primary Elections begins February 20th and ends on March 2nd. Registered voters may cast ballots at multiple early voting locations during early voting and, as with other elections, voters may only cast ballots at their assigned precincts on Election Day, March 6th.

As it has in recent elections, the Alief ISD Administration building will once again serve as an early voting location. Voters who reside anywhere in Harris County may vote in the Administration building from February 20th through March 2nd. Voting hours during the week of February 20th-23rd are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may also vote on Saturday, February 24th from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 25th. Voting hours during the week of February 26th through March 2nd are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Voters in Harris County may find early voting and the March 6th Election Day locations by clicking here: http://www.harrisvotes.com/ while voters in Fort Bend County may find early voting and Election Day locations by clicking here: http://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/index.aspx?page=338. You may also obtain more information about key election and voter registration dates in Texas by clicking here:
http://www.votetexas.gov/

Thank you for serving as a key communicator and for your efforts in helping to provide a safe and secure educational environment for our amazing students and staff.

HD Chambers
Superintendent of Schools