Take Back Your Power – VOTE!
In our great state, we’re witnessing a political landscape shaped by population growth, demographics and the manipulative practice of gerrymandering. We find ourselves caught in a cycle of disenchantment. Gerrymandering undermines people’s faith in the significance of their votes, leading to voter apathy. This apathy, in turn, diminishes their influence, creating a disheartening loop where legislators can (and do) overlook those who abstain from voting.
From 2000 to 2022, the state gained over 9 million new residents, which is a 43% increase. As our population grows, so does the need for fair representation. Growth has been concentrated in urban areas where Republicans tend to have less voting power. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2020, 83.4% of the Texas population lived in urban areas, while only 16.6% of the population lived in rural areas. Nearly half of the new residents flocked to five urban counties: Harris, Dallas, Bexar, Travis and Tarrant. Given that the majority of Texans live in urban areas, which lean left, why is the state controlled by Republicans?
The answer lies in the difference in voting habits between rural and urban Texans. In rural Texas, 75% vote Republican and 25% vote Democrat. In suburban areas, voting is typically around 50% Republican and 50% Democrat. However, in urban areas, only 30% vote Republican, while 70% vote Democrat.
The statewide map of our voting districts is shown below. Notice how the lines in rural areas are clean and straightforward. That’s because there’s no need for manipulation when Republicans hold the majority. But the messy, illogical lines dividing our urban areas, which lean Democrat, illustrate gerrymandering in action, diluting the voting power of those who lean Democrat and distorting the true voice of the people.
Below is an enlarged map of a portion of the DFW metro area. The lines in these districts are drawn to minimize the power of Democrat leaning communities.
Without gerrymandering, it’s likely that our state government would be run much differently. But gerrymandering wouldn’t be effective if voter turnout was stronger. In recent elections, we’ve seen a worrying decline in participation, particularly in our urban centers. In the 2024 primary, approximately 3.2 million Texans voted, down from 4.1 million in 2020. 82% of registered voters did not vote in the March 2024 primary, 12.6% voted Republican and 5.4% voted Democrat. In the most populous urban counties (Harris, Bexar, Dallas, and Travis), only 13.9% of voters turned out in 2024 primary compared to 24% in 2020. Disillusionment with the political process, dissatisfaction with the candidates, and the perception of a rigged system have deterred many from exercising their right to vote.
Yes, gerrymandering has tilted the scales, but it doesn’t have to dictate our future. We hold the power to change it. Gerrymandering wouldn’t be nearly as effective if people who lived in urban areas voted in larger numbers. Your vote is your voice, your chance to shape the future of our state. To those who feel disheartened or indifferent, I urge you: don’t let frustration or apathy silence you. Your vote matters now more than ever. Even if you’re not thrilled about the choices on the ballot, remember that by casting your vote, you’re not just choosing a candidate; you’re demanding fairness, accountability, and representation.
If we vote, we can defy the odds, resist the manipulative tactics of gerrymandering, and redefine the political landscape of Texas. It starts with each and every one of us showing up at the polls and making our voices heard. Let’s reclaim our democracy, one vote at a time.