Dr. Christine Eady MannVerified account

Q8: You recently voiced your disappointment that fewer than 6.5% of voters turned out in local/municipal elections. What needs to be done to increase voter engagement and improve the voting laws in Texas for more genuine representation? #10Q #TX31

Sigh. This was so disappointing to me. As far as voting access, that is one of my top 3 issues. I've been registering people to vote for a decade. And it's really sad seeing the barriers that have been implemented. 1/

I'm in favor of automatic voter registration, a holiday for Election Day, and restoration of the full force of the #VotingRightsAct. 2/

In terms of voter engagement, I just think people are exhausted and busy. They don't always see how politics affects their daily lives, and they don't always have the time to do the necessary research to be involved. 3/

We have the idea in the US that politics should not be discussed in polite company. I disagree. I think it is imperative that we discuss politics with friends, coworkers and families. Our lack of talking about it has led to the immense divides we are seeing between parties. 4/

Candidates and parties need to make themselves more accessible. I've held 4 Town Halls and will continue to do so through the campaign, and continue when I'm in office. 5/

I block walk so I can reach voters where they live. When we show up at their doors, we are showing them that they matter. That we are not taking them for granted. We need to to more of that. #

We at @BlueWaveCS agree! Social media is great for fundraising and getting the word out there, but boots on the ground and being face to face with voters is what really wins elections. And we're happy to help with both! Thank you so much for talking with us today! 1/