Why voter and non-electoral participation matters to civic engagement in Houston 

Of the various ways in which citizens can engage in a civil society, the act of selecting our representation at the local, state and federal levels is one of the most obvious and basic. Research has shown that Americans are more likely to vote if they know and understand the process, if the rules and regulations are easy to navigate, and if they believe their vote “matters.” In October 2020, the Cost of Voting Index found that Texas makes the process of registering to vote and voting the most challenging among all states in the nation by having a restrictive voter registration process, fewer polling sites, and voter ID laws. Contacting officials once they have been elected is also an important indicator of civic engagement as it requires citizens to remain up to date on issues and to voice opinions and preferences on public policy.

By coming together with an informed perspective on civic participation in our region, we can do more not only to address barriers to higher voter turnout but also continued engagement between elections; thereby, increasing civic engagement in our communities and accountability in the political process.