The November election is almost here. Do you know who your candidate is? Apparently, many of us don’t. Recent polls show a large number of registered voters remain undecided for mid-term elections. While I have a pretty good idea as to where my votes will go, I’ll admit it took a lot of work. And that’s not just for this election, it’s every election. Staying informed – truly informed – takes a lot of time and effort. Sure, you can get a glimpse of the candidates and their stance on the issues by watching CNN or FOX news, but even those outlets seem a bit biased. Knowing who the candidates are and keeping track of their voting records can be quite time consuming. This is one of the reasons many Texans elect not to vote at all.

Voter turnout in every type of election in Texas is lower than turnout nationwide in presidential elections. Turnout in Texas presidential elections is routinely higher than other types of state elections, though, averaging 45.2%. Gubernatorial election turnout averages only 28.4%, while presidential and gubernatorial primary turnout is lower yet averaging 18.2% and 15% respectively. Did you know that Australia makes voting mandatory? The country also boasts a 95% participation rate. I’m sure the majority of us would not want to be mandated by law to vote. But we do need to find some way to become more civically engaged. We owe that to ourselves and future generations.

Texans offer all kinds of reasons for not voting. Some say they find it difficult to stay registered (moving means re-registering), despite the federal motor-voter bill that allows citizens to register to vote while renewing their driver’s license. Others claim voter apathy (my vote doesn’t really count), voter laziness (I can’t get there in time),and even more get turned off by the time commitment it takes to keep up with the issues. Whatever the reason, with such low voter turnout, your vote does count. And those candidates who win seats (with or without your help) will make decisions that will affect you or someone close to you in the near future.

The process
Each election season, the Texas Association of REALTORS® endorses upwards of 150 candidates. The association does not consider party affiliation when deciding which candidates to endorse. Texas REALTORS® support candidates whose values are directly aligned with their own. Candidates who understand the important role real estate plays in the Texas economy and fight for private-property rights are endorsed by the Texas Association of REALTORS®. This election year, the Texas Association of REALTORS® endorsed 225 candidates who have expressed support for private-property rights and policies that benefit homeowners. Of those candidates, more than one-fourth are Democrats.

The process for obtaining support from the Texas Association of REALTORS® typically starts at the local level. Local REALTORS® invite candidates to be interviewed concerning their positions on issues important to Texans. A panel of six to 10 Realtors screens candidates on how they would vote in matters relating to private-property rights and the real estate industry. The recommendations are forwarded to the state association, where leaders from the Texas Association of REALTORS® vote to support the recommended candidates. This process ensures that Texas homeowners’ interests are represented and their voices are heard. 

Think about it. Without the political support of Texas REALTORS®, you could be faced with rising property taxes instead of the 33%  reduction that recently passed. You could be looking at a real estate transfer tax that would slow down the economy, effectively freezing you into your home or penalizing you if you did sell. You might also find yourself in the midst of a battle over expanded powers of eminent domain.

The candidates
You may think your vote does not count, but it does. In 2007, Texas lawmakers face some tough decisions, such as how to address skyrocketing property appraisals and what to do about our worsening transportation problems. The decisions made today will directly affect Texas’ future. Let’s look at some of the candidates who Texas REALTORS®  are trusting to make homeownership a reality for all Texans and who are committed to making Texas an even greater state.

Statewide candidates endorsed by the Texas Association of REALTORS®:

Texas Governor:
Rick Perry

Lieutenant Governor:
David Dewhurst

U.S. Senate:
Kay Bailey Hutchison

Attorney General:
Greg Abbott

Comptroller of Public Accounts:
Susan Combs

Commissioner of General
Land Office:
Jerry Patterson

Commissioner of Agriculture:
Todd Staples

Railroad Commissioner:
Elizabeth Ames Jones

These eight candidates have worked (or vowed to work) to preserve private-property rights and support issues important to Texas homeowners. After face-to-face meetings with these candidates, Texas REALTORS® believe these individuals share their vision to make homeownership more affordable for all Texans and to promote policies that benefit homeowners.

If you are still mulling over who to vote for on Nov. 7, consider what issues are important to you. If you would like to see something done about the appraisal process or believe that the right to own and use real property is a bedrock principle for Texans, it’s likely you’ll support the candidates endorsed by Texas REALTORS®. I’m not trying to sway your vote. I’m just providing some insight into how Texas REALTORS® determine which candidates to endorse and what types of issues determine that choice. Whether you cast your vote based on the issues, the candidate, or the party, it’s important that you get out there and vote. Voting is an excellent way to express your opinion and your values. It‘s also your right, privilege, and your responsibility.

To view a complete list of the candidates Texas REALTORS® are supporting on Nov. 7, download the Texas Association of REALTORS® Voting Guide.