Friday, January 15, 2016

Why You Need to Vote in the Primary

As in years past, I have heard many ask why they should vote in this year’s primary election when it comes to the Presidential Election. I always here “My vote doesn’t matter,” or “the race has already been decided by the time Texas holds it’s primary.”

In years past there was a significant bit of truth to this; however, this year’s primary election is going to be much different in the GOP Primary. Your primary vote will count more this year than ever before when it comes to the Presidential election.

There are two reasons for this and I will do my best to explain them in a short and concise manner.

First, the time between the first caucus/primary and the Texas Primary will be about 4 weeks instead of the 10 plus weeks that it was in 2012. That means that in 4 weeks more than half of the GOP primaries will be complete rather than the drawn out three and a half months that is took in 2012. That gives Texas and many other states a much better say in who will be the GOP nominee for President.

Along with this move there was another change that many folks had called for long ago. As part of the process to move the primaries up on the calendar, all the states holding a primary prior to March 15th will have to distribute their delegates proportionally rather than winner take all as had been the policy before.

That means that rather than the winner of the Texas Primary getting all the delegates at the national convention, the delegates will be distributed proportionally between the candidates based on their percentage of the Primary vote. That means your vote does count in giving your candidate a better chance to get some delegates.

AND, if you’re not certain who you like as a candidate for President, don’t worry!! On this primary ballot there will be a space for “Uncommitted” so you can vote that way and there will be an uncommitted group of delegates at the Convention. Of course the delegation is held to their primary votes only on the first round of balloting, then they can choose who they want.

That brings us to the delegates, their votes, and a brokered convention…...BUT…...I’ll discuss that in a few weeks as we get closer to the Primary.

So for now, pay attention and pick you candidate. Your vote will be counted and your voice can be heard. Come to the Precinct Conventions and the County Convention on March 19th. Be a part of the process.

I look forward to seeing y’all!!

Thanks,
Bill


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