The Texas Primaries Matter More Than Most Texans Know

In Texas, the primaries are where the real decisions are made — yet hardly anyone shows up.

In 2022, just 18% of registered voters participated in the Texas primaries. Among voters under 35, turnout was in the single digits. That means a tiny, unrepresentative slice of the electorate decides who appears on the November ballot — long before most young voters even start paying attention.

This March, the Texas Voter Project (TVP) is working to change that. We’re reaching young voters — Democrats and Republicans alike — in counties with high youth populations and historically low primary turnout.

Through bilingual, nonpartisan voter guides delivered directly to their homes and inboxes, we’ll explain:

• How to vote in a primary (and why it matters)

• What’s on the ballot

• Where and when to cast a vote

Our goal is simple: help young Texans vote their values — not their party lines — and make sure more of them have a say before the ballot is set.

The March primary is one of the most overlooked moments in the entire election cycle. By closing the information gap before it happens, we can make sure young Texans aren’t just voting in November — they’re shaping who’s on the ballot in the first place.