Garland, TX – The Primaries are how the two main parties select their candidates for the November Election. Unlike the local elections that occur in May, the Primaries are partisan and are held by the Republican and Democratic parties in Texas. These Primaries are open, meaning voters do not need to declare a party affiliation in advance; they can choose to vote in either party’s Primary, but not both, a lesson already publicly learned this season in Uvalde.
This Primary Election Day will be different. Voters will cast ballots at their assigned precinct locations, which means you won’t be able to go to any polling location in Dallas County as you have in past elections. It’s important to visit your designated polling place. Dallas County Elections provides an online tool to help you find your polling location. It’s advised to check this information in advance to ensure everyone has access.
Voting in the Primaries is also the easiest way to become a Poll Watcher. A poll watcher’s role in an election is defined by Chapter 33 of the Texas Election Code. A poll watcher is a person appointed to observe the conduct of an election on behalf of a candidate, political party, or the proponents or opponents of a measure, such as specific-purpose political action committees. Appointments for poll watchers can occur through a political party, a candidate on the ballot, or a political action committee supporting or opposing a measure.
It’s important to note that voting in the Primaries is not a requirement to become an Election Worker. Dallas County offers an online interest form for those looking to get involved. Every election requires poll workers to participate in training at the Dallas County Elections office before they are approved to work that election.
