John Cornyn Houston Office Protest Democracy Survey
The John Cornyn Houston Office Protest sent an e-mail letter & questionnaire to every Harris County and Texas statewide non-judicial primary candidate regarding threats to democracy.
The Cornyn Protest was featured recently in a column by Houston Chronicle columnist Erica Grieder.
We received 24 replies.
Here is who replied in alphabetical order--
TX. Senate #17 candidate Titus Benton
Harris County Commissioner # 4 candidate Lesley Briones
Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess
State Board of Ed. #4 candidate Staci Childs
Harris County Commissioner #4 candidate Benjamin Chou
Harris County Dept. of Education Precinct 3 Trustee Andrea Duhon
Harris County Democratic Party Chairman Odus Evbagharu
U.S. House #36 candidate Jon Haire
TX. House #147 candidate Somtoochukwu Ik-Ejiofor
State Rep. #134 Ann Johnson
TX. House #147 candidate Jolanda Jones
U.S. House #8 candidate Laura Jones
U.S. House #38 candidate Diana Martinez Alexander
Harris County Commissioner # 4 candidate Clarence Miller
TX. House #138 candidate Stephanie Morales
Governor of Texas candidate Beto O'Rourke
Harris County Treasurer Dylan Osborne
State Board of Ed. #6 candidate Michelle Palmer
State Rep. # 135 Jon Rosenthal
State Rep. #148 Penny Morales Shaw
TX House #147 candidate Namrata Subramanian
TX. Senate #18 candidate Joshua Tutt
TX. House #147 candidate Aurelia Wagner
State Rep. #137 Gene Wu
Here is the full letter--
Dear Candidate:
The John Cornyn Houston Office Protest has advocated for democracy and First Amendment rights since January, 2017. Each Tuesday, we assemble from 11:30 AM to 1 PM outside Senator Cornyn’s Houston office at 5300 Memorial Dr.
The January 6th insurrection attempt and ongoing delegitimizing of election results are direct attacks on freedom. The John Cornyn Houston Office Protest believes elections matter. We also believe that fights over voting rights and democracy have the clear potential to spark a mass protest movement in the streets to save democracy.
The John Cornyn Houston Office Protest sets the example by showing up at this busy intersection week after week in all conditions. We are open and accessible to all passers-by. We are 100% grassroots, using our own money for transportation and signs. We’ve sustained this commitment to democracy for nearly five years. We’ve been featured in local, national and international media. We’ve been watched by what we estimate to be more than 900 police units and have been witnessed by more than 175,000 passing vehicles.
In keeping with our focus on democracy, the John Cornyn Houston Protest is contacting 2022 Harris County and statewide Democratic primary candidates to ask three questions about the crisis we face and their commitments to doing what’s needed to uphold our Constitutional rights. We’ll publicize replies online, including social media, and encourage others to share the responses. We will also name those who decline to respond.
We want to be free and we want elected officials who share this commitment.
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy?
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy?
Please email your replies and any questions to Neil Aquino at naa618@att.net.
Thanks for your time and willingness to run for office.
Sincerely,
Neil Aquino on behalf of the John Cornyn Houston Office Protest
Here are replies from candidates in the May 24 Democratic Primary runoff--
Lesley Briones---Harris County Commission #4 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes, I do. The evidence of this threat is pervasive. I was appalled at the passage of Texas’ SB 1 voter suppression law. The racism driving this law, and the subsequent redistricting gerrymander were more brazen than I have ever seen, even in Texas’ Republican controlled legislature. Governor Abbott barely even makes a pretense for his actions. His actions continue to sacrifice the empowerment of communities of color—which is particularly egregious we accounted for 95% of the growth, much less health and safety, all in the hopes of getting a nod from Donald Trump. It is unacceptable. It is imperative that we do everything in our power to keep fighting for our democracy.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? As County Commissioner, I will actively push the state legislature to repeal SB1 and will support Harris County engaging in any necessary litigation to further that end. I will also use every legally available means to expand voter participation, to make voting safe and accessible, and to ensure that every vote is counted. I will also continue to be active in efforts to increase turnout among Latino voters, where we have tremendous growth potential. As a former public high school teacher (and adjunct law professor), I am also wholeheartedly committed to engaging our youth in the democratic process, including registration efforts focused at high school seniors, community colleges, and universities. I will continue and scale these efforts as a County Commissioner.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes. Let’s hope it never gets to that point, but we must never stop fighting for—and advancing--our democracy, voting rights, and all Constitutional rights.
Staci Childs--State Board of Ed. #4 Candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
I believe that there needs to be a serious discussion and intervention in the United States about voters' rights, and voting restrictions, and democracy. Otherwise, the right to vote will be under threat.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? To educate. As a State Board of Education member, I think my job is to educate and to gather educators and practitioners together to disseminate the most accurate information on democracy and voters rights as possible!
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? I would always do things that uphold democracy, but also protect voters' right to vote.
Benjamin Chou--Harris County Commissioner #4 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes.Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I would seek to expand voter registration in Harris County by: 1.Partnering with school districts to implement the high school voter registration law where principals must offer students who turn 18 the chance to register to vote. 2.Translating voter registration forms into more languages such as Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, French, Korean, Tagalog, Yoruba, and more. 3 Mailing every new resident (especially apartment dwellers) multiple voter registration forms as part of a welcome package to the County
I would seek to expand access to voting in Harris County by: 1.Making Election Day a county holiday and setting an example for others to follow by allowing Precinct 4 employees the opportunity to take the day off to vote and/or work the polls. 2.Keeping the new initiative of having a polling location at the county jail because two-thirds of people in our jail retain the right to vote and are there due to being poor (can't afford bail) 3. Increasing the number of polling locations by working with public entities to ensure all new buildings are ADA compliant and are available to serve as a polling location.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Absolutely. I will utilize every resource at my disposal to challenge an attempt to overturn an election including but not limited to opening up all Precinct 4 community centers as a place for organizers to convene, rest, and plan such a peaceful mass movement.
Jolanda Jones---TX. House 147 candidate
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes, I will do whatever it takes to protect democracy.
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States
today? Yes I do, absolutely. Our entire system of government is founded on free and fair elections –not that we have achieved that ideal in this country yet. But we must keep fighting. I have voted since I was 18 years old. My mom and grandmother both told me the importance of both registering and actually voting. I voted because I understood that people died for me to have the right to vote and I do not want to have their deaths be in vain. I helped my son Jio become a deputy voter registrar and register voters so he would know the importance of voting. I have worked polls as a volunteer and volunteer at the NAACP for election protection to make sure people’s right to vote has been protected. I have given free clinics and set up tables outside of the criminal courts to educate people touched by the criminal justice system on the right of ex-felons, who are no longer on probation or parole, to register to vote. The recent Texas Legislature and Republican power structure in state government dealt a huge blow to the African American community and to all people of color with its voter suppression legislation, especially through gerrymandering. I will be a strong voice in the Texas House to work to reverse this legislation and ensure that all people can vote in the most accessible way.
How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy?
When I am elected to the Texas House, I will continue the fight against voter suppression, including reversing the voter suppression law passed last year. We need to remove unfair restrictions on voter registration and voting. I am proud that Harris County was proactive in the last cycle to make it easier for people to vote – and it’s no secret that Harris County has been targeted by Republicans in Austin for that reason. Until we elect more Democrats to the State House, Republicans can outvote us. But we can make them pay a price in public opinion and I will lead the way to shine a light on their discriminatory tactics. I will also use my experience as a lawyer to create a record to use in court to overturn Republican voter suppression laws.
If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy?Yes I would, and proudly so.
Diana Martinez Alexander--U.S. House #38 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
I am shaken by how fragile our democracy appears at this juncture. Certain parties aim to dismantle our democracy one Jim Crow law at a time, and I feel compelled to stay informed, remain vigilant, and use whatever faculties at my disposal to stand opposed to threats to our right to the ballot box.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? It is my mission to protect voting rights through legislation, education, and communication with the public. If the John Lewis Voting Advancement Act has not yet been passed, I will fight to the bitter end to make it so. We must codify protections for access to the ballot box unfettered by intimidation, oppressive measures to impede registration, and partisan “review” of election results.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy?
Yes, unequivocally yes.
Here are replies from primary winners who will be on the November ballot--
Titus Benton--State Senate #17 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
One of my main motivations in running for the State Senate in District 17 is because the incumbent is the chair of the redistricting committee and as such is the Chief Gerrymandering Officer in the State of Texas. A constant supporter of limiting voting access, she has carved up districts that serve her and her parties advantage and subverted the democratic contribution of voters of color at the same time.
As a history enthusiast, one of the things that strikes me is that Democracy is -- as it always has been, to some degree -- quite fragile. In the past, threats to it have been external. Only a few times before -- the 1860s and 1960s come to mind -- has the threat been internal. I share your concern that the fragility of our democracy is under great pressure right now. As a form of government where the power is meant to come from the people, any time people are excluded or their voice is muffled or the power of their vote is diluted by undemocratic practices such as gerrymandering, there is no other way to describe those forces other than as threats..
We have a lot of work to do to fully embrace the ideals of Democracy, and many wrongs to right in the state of Texas to bring greater equity to the voting process.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? First off, by winning I would unseat one of the most discriminatory Senators in the State of Texas. Swinging this seat would be an enormous upset and send a signal to all Texans that enough is enough. In the Senate, I would advocate for progress at the state and federal levels. I fully support the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. I believe partisan gerrymandering should be outlawed, mail-in voting should be expanded, Election Day should be a holiday, and drive-in voting is a good idea that should not be banned. I find the "easier to vote, harder to cheat" mantra to be an empty, pithy phrase and the legislation it accompanied made it neither easier to vote nor harder to cheat.
I believe our elections are fair, and you can't blame the process just because you lose. (I find it quite puzzling that Republicans in Texas blamed the process when they won!). Furthermore, I am pleased that the unnecessary audits conducted by Texas found no material differences in the results than the process routinely conducted after all elections. In summary, I believe in our process and while it certainly is wise to evaluate it from time to time and make necessary changes, I will consistently advocate for expanding voting rights and access and giving the democratic process it's full power and force in Texas.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? I'll do you one better and spend every waking moment while I'm in office to ensure that Republicans in Texas can do no such thing. Even so, peaceful protest and conventional politics are two things that I will always support in order to insist on change. You can count on me.
Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Absolutely. If we don’t turn things around by electing candidates committed to increasing voter turnout, they will continue to chip away at our rights until our democracy is destroyed.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? This is outside the purview of the District Clerk’s Office. I am working to create greater diversity on our juries as diverse juries lead to fairer outcomes and more confidence in our justice system.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes, I regularly participate in rallies for causes I believe in. This last year, I participated in the George Floyd rally and the Women’s March. I would definitely participate in a rally for voting rights and to protect our democracy.
Harris County Dept. of Education Precinct 3 Trustee Andrea Duhon
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes. It is a thin line we have been skating between oligarchy and autocracy. It’s scary and we have to keep fighting.Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I’ve been working with some organizers to get a higher rate of voter registration in schools. It’s difficult. You have to fight each different principal because while the district will say that that allow and “require” it, most principals do not allow people in to schools or functions to actually do the registration.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes. If we don’t fight, we can lose our democracy. And if not me, then who?
Harris County Democratic Party Chairman Odus Evbagharu
Q Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Absolutely!
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I would use my role as the Democratic Party Chair to sound the alarm bells, which I believe we are working extremely hard to do now. It’s important we rally voters to plot, plan, strategize, organize, and then mobilize to ensure folks don’t miss their moment to preserve democracy at the ballot box. It’s imperative we make noise at the local, state, and national levels of government to ensure our voices aren’t diluted and we are effectively represented. We also must make sure we are working with each other to build strong coalitions around the disenfranchised, Marginalized, and voiceless. When we do that, we win! Those are just some simple ways to get started.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Without a doubt!
Jon Haire--U.S. House #36 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes. It is why I am running for Congress.Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I am a strong advocate of the Voting Rights Act now being Considered in the US Senate.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes.
State Rep. #134 Ann Johnson
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes. Last year, Texas Republicans passed a voter suppression bill that disproportionately impacted communities of color, especially right here in Houston where our local leaders had worked hard to expand access to the voting booth. It was an attack on communities of faith and color that made it more difficult for Texans to have their voices heard, and an outright attack on our democracy. This is part of a targeted, nationwide assault on voting rights, with Republican-controlled legislatures in 18 states having passed more than 30 voter suppression bills last year.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I was proud to walk out with my colleagues and our efforts in Washington DC. Our quorum breaks exposed the voter bill for what it was -- an attack on communities of faith and color — and making it more difficult for Texans to have their voices heard. My legislative colleagues and I left the state to fight against the suppressive measures, and ensure that our communities of faith and color would be protected equally and have their voices heard. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that your right to vote is protected, and I’m not giving up now.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? You have my word: I will do everything in my power to ensure that your right to vote is protected.
Laura Jones--U.S. House #8 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? I do believe that the right to vote and democracy itself are under attack.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? Once elected, I will work with other legislators to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For the People Act to ensure our elections are protected on the Federal level. The majority of Americans are in favor of protecting voters rights.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? I believe Americans should be protesting peacefully and have the right to do so. In the spirit of your question, I am in support of joining a peaceful mass movement but with mounting Covid variant concerns, the primary objective of my campaign is and will continue to be to keep everyone safe.
Stephanie Morales---Texas House #138 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? The attacks on our voting rights from state legislatures from across the country leave no doubt that subversion of the vote along with suppression of the vote is the GOP's goal. This is not an issue only for the Democrats this is an issue for democracy.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I would work to form or join coalitions that can pass expanded voting rights. Our ability to kill dangerous bills is just as important in the Texas legislature.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? The country we love is in serious danger if the vote is taken away from us. I and everyone, who wants this country to succeed, must be ready to defend it publically and loudly.
Governor of Texas candidate Beto O'Rourke (Replied with this statement rather than to each question.)
Greg Abbott has made Texas the toughest state in the country to exercise the right to vote. Since 2013 Abbott and those in power have closed over 750 polling locations, mostly in our fastest growing communities of color, leaving some to wait in line for six hours to cast a ballot. Last year Abbott passed the most extreme voter suppression bill in the country- making it harder for elderly and disabled Texans to vote by mail, and for students and working Texans to vote in the evening. Beto trusts the voters of Texas, and as Governor he will ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot, whether they’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. As Governor, Beto will make election day a state holiday, implement automatic voter registration, same-day registration, and online registration to make sure that the voices of all eligible voters in Texas are heard.
Michelle Palmer--State Board of Ed #6 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
I do believe that the right to vote and democracy itself are both under threat in the US today. The January 6th insurrection and various voter disenfranchisement laws that have been passed in states across the country prove that. Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? The power of the SBOE is limited but I would continue my advocacy and lobbying work but with the power of elected office and the fact that I then represent 2 million Texans behind me. In addition, I would continue my work to make certain that history and government curricula in the state of Texas are inclusive and that the government curriculum includes more civics so that students understand their own power.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Absolutely. I would participate and invite students and others to join it.
State Rep. #148 Penny Morales Shaw
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Absolutely.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? As a member of the Texas House during the 87th legislative session, I broke quorum twice in protest of SB 1 voter restriction and criminalization bill- one of many such bills sweeping the nation. In protest, I spent 50 days outside of Texas under threat of arrest by the GOP Texas legislators, and I would have stayed as long as it took to eradicate SB1 and other voter suppression bills. This is the stance that I take.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes.
Joshua Tutt--Texas Senate #18 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? A: Yes. I believe voting rights are particularly in danger here in Texas. I testified against HB6 in April 2021 because of the impacts it would have, especially on rural voters and county elections administrators. I testified before the Senate redistricting committee because of the harm done by racist/partisan gerrymandering. And now I am running for Texas State Senate to defend voting rights, which all other rights depend on. We cannot wait for the United States Senate to save us by passing federal voting rights protections. We must mobilize at the state and local levels to defend our right to participate in government via democratic elections.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? A: I would use my office to support improvements to the voter registration process and remove barriers. Specifically, I want to expand online voter registration (which currently is only offered to Texans renewing their driver's license online) and support same-day or even automatic voter registration. I want to fix the redistricting process by requiring a non-partisan 3rd party redistricting committee with transparency and multiple points of opportunity for the people of Texas to provide feedback. I also want to explore procedural rules changes to define what sort of maps are permissible in redistricting to reduce some of the more ridiculous district shapes we currently see. Furthermore, I want to support local county elections administrators by allowing them to expand early voting hours if they are able to manage it, allowing more than one mail ballot drop box per county, and providing better funding for election workers and needed materials.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? A: Yes. The very first political protest I attended was after Robert Mueller's investigation was threatened in 2018. Obstruction and circumvention of the rule of law to defy the will of the people is the most egregious sin our elected officials can commit. I'm running for office to help "stop the bleeding" from the inside, but my advocacy for fair elections doesn't stop there.
State Rep. # 137 Gene Wu
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? of course
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I was a part of the Democrats who broke quorum and went to Washington DC to lobby Congress for voter protections.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes
Here are replies from candidates defeated in the March primary---
Somtoochukwu Ik-Ejiofor--TX. House #147 candidate
Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes, I believe our democracy is under threat. On Jan 6, 2021, our nation was under siege, I could not believe my eyes. It was in that moment that I decided to get on the ballot and is exactly what I am doing. One of my main campaign issues is ensuring I protect voting rights.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the
right to vote and democracy? I will introduce bills for the following:
1. Universal online voting registration
2. Same day voting registration
3. Allow 24 hour voting and curbside voting for easy
access
4. Increase the number of polling locations via community
centers, local school gyms and churches
a. Increase the amount of ballot drop off boxes
5. Introduce strong penalties for poll watchers who seek to
intimidate and disenfranchise voters
Clarence Miller--Harris County Commission #4 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Answer is yes.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I would always support any policy and law that protected the right to vote and democracy. I would never support any voter suppression policy or laws.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes
Harris County Treasurer Dylan Osborne
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
Absolutely, 100%. State after state has made it harder to vote and some have tried to clear the way for their legislatures to simply throw out election results. Our democracy is in danger.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I try to stand up and be there for important causes. As Treasurer I do not have a lot of impact on policy, but I try to use the small soapbox I have.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes. I hope it does not come to this, but I have a feeling it might. When Texas goes blue, a lot of Republicans will do anything to stop that from happening.
Namrata Subramanian--Texas House #147 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
Voting is essential so that people have a voice in our democracy, which is currently under threat in the United States today. When restrictions are placed upon who and how you can vote, we are moving further and further away from democracy. The U.S. is supposed to be one of the greatest examples of democracies in the world, yet we have leaders who are not willing to actively take a stand on a comprehensive voting rights bill. We must continue to put our foot down when it comes to voting because it is a fundamental right for every individual in America, no matter their ideology or socioeconomic status.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy?
Voting has to be fair and accessible to everyone. I would begin by repealing SB 9, a bill that punishes and harms folks more than it protects them. I would also advocate for registering voters starting in high school to begin civic engagement at a younger age. Furthermore, I would advocate against felon disenfranchisement and for a paid state holiday for Election Day.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy?
I would undoubtedly be a part of a peaceful mass movement to put my foot down on limiting voting rights. I would leave the Texas House floor and would not return to the legislature until the right to vote is protected in this state.
Aurelia Wagner--TX. House # 147 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes, I do believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States as evident by the right wing anti-labor, anti-immigrant, anti-Black conservatives are stopping at nothing to suppress the voices of non-white, cis gender people.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I will be extremely vocal about those who wish to suppress votes and voices. I will help create legislation to close the loopholes Republicans are using to invalidate votes. I will also work to ensure that high school in higher education IDs can be used as identification for voting.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes, you can count on me to be vocal and participate in the voting rights movement now and if Texas Republicans do more to harm our democratic system.
The John Cornyn Houston Office Protest sent an e-mail letter & questionnaire to every Harris County and Texas statewide non-judicial primary candidate regarding threats to democracy.
The Cornyn Protest was featured recently in a column by Houston Chronicle columnist Erica Grieder.
We received 24 replies.
Here is who replied in alphabetical order--
TX. Senate #17 candidate Titus Benton
Harris County Commissioner # 4 candidate Lesley Briones
Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess
State Board of Ed. #4 candidate Staci Childs
Harris County Commissioner #4 candidate Benjamin Chou
Harris County Dept. of Education Precinct 3 Trustee Andrea Duhon
Harris County Democratic Party Chairman Odus Evbagharu
U.S. House #36 candidate Jon Haire
TX. House #147 candidate Somtoochukwu Ik-Ejiofor
State Rep. #134 Ann Johnson
TX. House #147 candidate Jolanda Jones
U.S. House #8 candidate Laura Jones
U.S. House #38 candidate Diana Martinez Alexander
Harris County Commissioner # 4 candidate Clarence Miller
TX. House #138 candidate Stephanie Morales
Governor of Texas candidate Beto O'Rourke
Harris County Treasurer Dylan Osborne
State Board of Ed. #6 candidate Michelle Palmer
State Rep. # 135 Jon Rosenthal
State Rep. #148 Penny Morales Shaw
TX House #147 candidate Namrata Subramanian
TX. Senate #18 candidate Joshua Tutt
TX. House #147 candidate Aurelia Wagner
State Rep. #137 Gene Wu
Here is the full letter--
Dear Candidate:
The John Cornyn Houston Office Protest has advocated for democracy and First Amendment rights since January, 2017. Each Tuesday, we assemble from 11:30 AM to 1 PM outside Senator Cornyn’s Houston office at 5300 Memorial Dr.
The January 6th insurrection attempt and ongoing delegitimizing of election results are direct attacks on freedom. The John Cornyn Houston Office Protest believes elections matter. We also believe that fights over voting rights and democracy have the clear potential to spark a mass protest movement in the streets to save democracy.
The John Cornyn Houston Office Protest sets the example by showing up at this busy intersection week after week in all conditions. We are open and accessible to all passers-by. We are 100% grassroots, using our own money for transportation and signs. We’ve sustained this commitment to democracy for nearly five years. We’ve been featured in local, national and international media. We’ve been watched by what we estimate to be more than 900 police units and have been witnessed by more than 175,000 passing vehicles.
In keeping with our focus on democracy, the John Cornyn Houston Protest is contacting 2022 Harris County and statewide Democratic primary candidates to ask three questions about the crisis we face and their commitments to doing what’s needed to uphold our Constitutional rights. We’ll publicize replies online, including social media, and encourage others to share the responses. We will also name those who decline to respond.
We want to be free and we want elected officials who share this commitment.
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy?
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy?
Please email your replies and any questions to Neil Aquino at naa618@att.net.
Thanks for your time and willingness to run for office.
Sincerely,
Neil Aquino on behalf of the John Cornyn Houston Office Protest
Here are replies from candidates in the May 24 Democratic Primary runoff--
Lesley Briones---Harris County Commission #4 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes, I do. The evidence of this threat is pervasive. I was appalled at the passage of Texas’ SB 1 voter suppression law. The racism driving this law, and the subsequent redistricting gerrymander were more brazen than I have ever seen, even in Texas’ Republican controlled legislature. Governor Abbott barely even makes a pretense for his actions. His actions continue to sacrifice the empowerment of communities of color—which is particularly egregious we accounted for 95% of the growth, much less health and safety, all in the hopes of getting a nod from Donald Trump. It is unacceptable. It is imperative that we do everything in our power to keep fighting for our democracy.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? As County Commissioner, I will actively push the state legislature to repeal SB1 and will support Harris County engaging in any necessary litigation to further that end. I will also use every legally available means to expand voter participation, to make voting safe and accessible, and to ensure that every vote is counted. I will also continue to be active in efforts to increase turnout among Latino voters, where we have tremendous growth potential. As a former public high school teacher (and adjunct law professor), I am also wholeheartedly committed to engaging our youth in the democratic process, including registration efforts focused at high school seniors, community colleges, and universities. I will continue and scale these efforts as a County Commissioner.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes. Let’s hope it never gets to that point, but we must never stop fighting for—and advancing--our democracy, voting rights, and all Constitutional rights.
Staci Childs--State Board of Ed. #4 Candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
I believe that there needs to be a serious discussion and intervention in the United States about voters' rights, and voting restrictions, and democracy. Otherwise, the right to vote will be under threat.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? To educate. As a State Board of Education member, I think my job is to educate and to gather educators and practitioners together to disseminate the most accurate information on democracy and voters rights as possible!
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? I would always do things that uphold democracy, but also protect voters' right to vote.
Benjamin Chou--Harris County Commissioner #4 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes.Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I would seek to expand voter registration in Harris County by: 1.Partnering with school districts to implement the high school voter registration law where principals must offer students who turn 18 the chance to register to vote. 2.Translating voter registration forms into more languages such as Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, French, Korean, Tagalog, Yoruba, and more. 3 Mailing every new resident (especially apartment dwellers) multiple voter registration forms as part of a welcome package to the County
I would seek to expand access to voting in Harris County by: 1.Making Election Day a county holiday and setting an example for others to follow by allowing Precinct 4 employees the opportunity to take the day off to vote and/or work the polls. 2.Keeping the new initiative of having a polling location at the county jail because two-thirds of people in our jail retain the right to vote and are there due to being poor (can't afford bail) 3. Increasing the number of polling locations by working with public entities to ensure all new buildings are ADA compliant and are available to serve as a polling location.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Absolutely. I will utilize every resource at my disposal to challenge an attempt to overturn an election including but not limited to opening up all Precinct 4 community centers as a place for organizers to convene, rest, and plan such a peaceful mass movement.
Jolanda Jones---TX. House 147 candidate
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes, I will do whatever it takes to protect democracy.
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States
today? Yes I do, absolutely. Our entire system of government is founded on free and fair elections –not that we have achieved that ideal in this country yet. But we must keep fighting. I have voted since I was 18 years old. My mom and grandmother both told me the importance of both registering and actually voting. I voted because I understood that people died for me to have the right to vote and I do not want to have their deaths be in vain. I helped my son Jio become a deputy voter registrar and register voters so he would know the importance of voting. I have worked polls as a volunteer and volunteer at the NAACP for election protection to make sure people’s right to vote has been protected. I have given free clinics and set up tables outside of the criminal courts to educate people touched by the criminal justice system on the right of ex-felons, who are no longer on probation or parole, to register to vote. The recent Texas Legislature and Republican power structure in state government dealt a huge blow to the African American community and to all people of color with its voter suppression legislation, especially through gerrymandering. I will be a strong voice in the Texas House to work to reverse this legislation and ensure that all people can vote in the most accessible way.
How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy?
When I am elected to the Texas House, I will continue the fight against voter suppression, including reversing the voter suppression law passed last year. We need to remove unfair restrictions on voter registration and voting. I am proud that Harris County was proactive in the last cycle to make it easier for people to vote – and it’s no secret that Harris County has been targeted by Republicans in Austin for that reason. Until we elect more Democrats to the State House, Republicans can outvote us. But we can make them pay a price in public opinion and I will lead the way to shine a light on their discriminatory tactics. I will also use my experience as a lawyer to create a record to use in court to overturn Republican voter suppression laws.
If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy?Yes I would, and proudly so.
Diana Martinez Alexander--U.S. House #38 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
I am shaken by how fragile our democracy appears at this juncture. Certain parties aim to dismantle our democracy one Jim Crow law at a time, and I feel compelled to stay informed, remain vigilant, and use whatever faculties at my disposal to stand opposed to threats to our right to the ballot box.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? It is my mission to protect voting rights through legislation, education, and communication with the public. If the John Lewis Voting Advancement Act has not yet been passed, I will fight to the bitter end to make it so. We must codify protections for access to the ballot box unfettered by intimidation, oppressive measures to impede registration, and partisan “review” of election results.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy?
Yes, unequivocally yes.
Here are replies from primary winners who will be on the November ballot--
Titus Benton--State Senate #17 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
One of my main motivations in running for the State Senate in District 17 is because the incumbent is the chair of the redistricting committee and as such is the Chief Gerrymandering Officer in the State of Texas. A constant supporter of limiting voting access, she has carved up districts that serve her and her parties advantage and subverted the democratic contribution of voters of color at the same time.
As a history enthusiast, one of the things that strikes me is that Democracy is -- as it always has been, to some degree -- quite fragile. In the past, threats to it have been external. Only a few times before -- the 1860s and 1960s come to mind -- has the threat been internal. I share your concern that the fragility of our democracy is under great pressure right now. As a form of government where the power is meant to come from the people, any time people are excluded or their voice is muffled or the power of their vote is diluted by undemocratic practices such as gerrymandering, there is no other way to describe those forces other than as threats..
We have a lot of work to do to fully embrace the ideals of Democracy, and many wrongs to right in the state of Texas to bring greater equity to the voting process.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? First off, by winning I would unseat one of the most discriminatory Senators in the State of Texas. Swinging this seat would be an enormous upset and send a signal to all Texans that enough is enough. In the Senate, I would advocate for progress at the state and federal levels. I fully support the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. I believe partisan gerrymandering should be outlawed, mail-in voting should be expanded, Election Day should be a holiday, and drive-in voting is a good idea that should not be banned. I find the "easier to vote, harder to cheat" mantra to be an empty, pithy phrase and the legislation it accompanied made it neither easier to vote nor harder to cheat.
I believe our elections are fair, and you can't blame the process just because you lose. (I find it quite puzzling that Republicans in Texas blamed the process when they won!). Furthermore, I am pleased that the unnecessary audits conducted by Texas found no material differences in the results than the process routinely conducted after all elections. In summary, I believe in our process and while it certainly is wise to evaluate it from time to time and make necessary changes, I will consistently advocate for expanding voting rights and access and giving the democratic process it's full power and force in Texas.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? I'll do you one better and spend every waking moment while I'm in office to ensure that Republicans in Texas can do no such thing. Even so, peaceful protest and conventional politics are two things that I will always support in order to insist on change. You can count on me.
Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Absolutely. If we don’t turn things around by electing candidates committed to increasing voter turnout, they will continue to chip away at our rights until our democracy is destroyed.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? This is outside the purview of the District Clerk’s Office. I am working to create greater diversity on our juries as diverse juries lead to fairer outcomes and more confidence in our justice system.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes, I regularly participate in rallies for causes I believe in. This last year, I participated in the George Floyd rally and the Women’s March. I would definitely participate in a rally for voting rights and to protect our democracy.
Harris County Dept. of Education Precinct 3 Trustee Andrea Duhon
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes. It is a thin line we have been skating between oligarchy and autocracy. It’s scary and we have to keep fighting.Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I’ve been working with some organizers to get a higher rate of voter registration in schools. It’s difficult. You have to fight each different principal because while the district will say that that allow and “require” it, most principals do not allow people in to schools or functions to actually do the registration.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes. If we don’t fight, we can lose our democracy. And if not me, then who?
Harris County Democratic Party Chairman Odus Evbagharu
Q Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Absolutely!
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I would use my role as the Democratic Party Chair to sound the alarm bells, which I believe we are working extremely hard to do now. It’s important we rally voters to plot, plan, strategize, organize, and then mobilize to ensure folks don’t miss their moment to preserve democracy at the ballot box. It’s imperative we make noise at the local, state, and national levels of government to ensure our voices aren’t diluted and we are effectively represented. We also must make sure we are working with each other to build strong coalitions around the disenfranchised, Marginalized, and voiceless. When we do that, we win! Those are just some simple ways to get started.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Without a doubt!
Jon Haire--U.S. House #36 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes. It is why I am running for Congress.Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I am a strong advocate of the Voting Rights Act now being Considered in the US Senate.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes.
State Rep. #134 Ann Johnson
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes. Last year, Texas Republicans passed a voter suppression bill that disproportionately impacted communities of color, especially right here in Houston where our local leaders had worked hard to expand access to the voting booth. It was an attack on communities of faith and color that made it more difficult for Texans to have their voices heard, and an outright attack on our democracy. This is part of a targeted, nationwide assault on voting rights, with Republican-controlled legislatures in 18 states having passed more than 30 voter suppression bills last year.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I was proud to walk out with my colleagues and our efforts in Washington DC. Our quorum breaks exposed the voter bill for what it was -- an attack on communities of faith and color — and making it more difficult for Texans to have their voices heard. My legislative colleagues and I left the state to fight against the suppressive measures, and ensure that our communities of faith and color would be protected equally and have their voices heard. I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that your right to vote is protected, and I’m not giving up now.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? You have my word: I will do everything in my power to ensure that your right to vote is protected.
Laura Jones--U.S. House #8 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? I do believe that the right to vote and democracy itself are under attack.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? Once elected, I will work with other legislators to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For the People Act to ensure our elections are protected on the Federal level. The majority of Americans are in favor of protecting voters rights.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? I believe Americans should be protesting peacefully and have the right to do so. In the spirit of your question, I am in support of joining a peaceful mass movement but with mounting Covid variant concerns, the primary objective of my campaign is and will continue to be to keep everyone safe.
Stephanie Morales---Texas House #138 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? The attacks on our voting rights from state legislatures from across the country leave no doubt that subversion of the vote along with suppression of the vote is the GOP's goal. This is not an issue only for the Democrats this is an issue for democracy.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I would work to form or join coalitions that can pass expanded voting rights. Our ability to kill dangerous bills is just as important in the Texas legislature.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? The country we love is in serious danger if the vote is taken away from us. I and everyone, who wants this country to succeed, must be ready to defend it publically and loudly.
Governor of Texas candidate Beto O'Rourke (Replied with this statement rather than to each question.)
Greg Abbott has made Texas the toughest state in the country to exercise the right to vote. Since 2013 Abbott and those in power have closed over 750 polling locations, mostly in our fastest growing communities of color, leaving some to wait in line for six hours to cast a ballot. Last year Abbott passed the most extreme voter suppression bill in the country- making it harder for elderly and disabled Texans to vote by mail, and for students and working Texans to vote in the evening. Beto trusts the voters of Texas, and as Governor he will ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot, whether they’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. As Governor, Beto will make election day a state holiday, implement automatic voter registration, same-day registration, and online registration to make sure that the voices of all eligible voters in Texas are heard.
Michelle Palmer--State Board of Ed #6 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
I do believe that the right to vote and democracy itself are both under threat in the US today. The January 6th insurrection and various voter disenfranchisement laws that have been passed in states across the country prove that. Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? The power of the SBOE is limited but I would continue my advocacy and lobbying work but with the power of elected office and the fact that I then represent 2 million Texans behind me. In addition, I would continue my work to make certain that history and government curricula in the state of Texas are inclusive and that the government curriculum includes more civics so that students understand their own power.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Absolutely. I would participate and invite students and others to join it.
State Rep. #148 Penny Morales Shaw
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Absolutely.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? As a member of the Texas House during the 87th legislative session, I broke quorum twice in protest of SB 1 voter restriction and criminalization bill- one of many such bills sweeping the nation. In protest, I spent 50 days outside of Texas under threat of arrest by the GOP Texas legislators, and I would have stayed as long as it took to eradicate SB1 and other voter suppression bills. This is the stance that I take.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes.
Joshua Tutt--Texas Senate #18 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? A: Yes. I believe voting rights are particularly in danger here in Texas. I testified against HB6 in April 2021 because of the impacts it would have, especially on rural voters and county elections administrators. I testified before the Senate redistricting committee because of the harm done by racist/partisan gerrymandering. And now I am running for Texas State Senate to defend voting rights, which all other rights depend on. We cannot wait for the United States Senate to save us by passing federal voting rights protections. We must mobilize at the state and local levels to defend our right to participate in government via democratic elections.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? A: I would use my office to support improvements to the voter registration process and remove barriers. Specifically, I want to expand online voter registration (which currently is only offered to Texans renewing their driver's license online) and support same-day or even automatic voter registration. I want to fix the redistricting process by requiring a non-partisan 3rd party redistricting committee with transparency and multiple points of opportunity for the people of Texas to provide feedback. I also want to explore procedural rules changes to define what sort of maps are permissible in redistricting to reduce some of the more ridiculous district shapes we currently see. Furthermore, I want to support local county elections administrators by allowing them to expand early voting hours if they are able to manage it, allowing more than one mail ballot drop box per county, and providing better funding for election workers and needed materials.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? A: Yes. The very first political protest I attended was after Robert Mueller's investigation was threatened in 2018. Obstruction and circumvention of the rule of law to defy the will of the people is the most egregious sin our elected officials can commit. I'm running for office to help "stop the bleeding" from the inside, but my advocacy for fair elections doesn't stop there.
State Rep. # 137 Gene Wu
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? of course
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I was a part of the Democrats who broke quorum and went to Washington DC to lobby Congress for voter protections.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes
Here are replies from candidates defeated in the March primary---
Somtoochukwu Ik-Ejiofor--TX. House #147 candidate
Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes, I believe our democracy is under threat. On Jan 6, 2021, our nation was under siege, I could not believe my eyes. It was in that moment that I decided to get on the ballot and is exactly what I am doing. One of my main campaign issues is ensuring I protect voting rights.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the
right to vote and democracy? I will introduce bills for the following:
1. Universal online voting registration
2. Same day voting registration
3. Allow 24 hour voting and curbside voting for easy
access
4. Increase the number of polling locations via community
centers, local school gyms and churches
a. Increase the amount of ballot drop off boxes
5. Introduce strong penalties for poll watchers who seek to
intimidate and disenfranchise voters
Clarence Miller--Harris County Commission #4 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Answer is yes.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I would always support any policy and law that protected the right to vote and democracy. I would never support any voter suppression policy or laws.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes
Harris County Treasurer Dylan Osborne
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
Absolutely, 100%. State after state has made it harder to vote and some have tried to clear the way for their legislatures to simply throw out election results. Our democracy is in danger.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I try to stand up and be there for important causes. As Treasurer I do not have a lot of impact on policy, but I try to use the small soapbox I have.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes. I hope it does not come to this, but I have a feeling it might. When Texas goes blue, a lot of Republicans will do anything to stop that from happening.
Namrata Subramanian--Texas House #147 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today?
Voting is essential so that people have a voice in our democracy, which is currently under threat in the United States today. When restrictions are placed upon who and how you can vote, we are moving further and further away from democracy. The U.S. is supposed to be one of the greatest examples of democracies in the world, yet we have leaders who are not willing to actively take a stand on a comprehensive voting rights bill. We must continue to put our foot down when it comes to voting because it is a fundamental right for every individual in America, no matter their ideology or socioeconomic status.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy?
Voting has to be fair and accessible to everyone. I would begin by repealing SB 9, a bill that punishes and harms folks more than it protects them. I would also advocate for registering voters starting in high school to begin civic engagement at a younger age. Furthermore, I would advocate against felon disenfranchisement and for a paid state holiday for Election Day.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy?
I would undoubtedly be a part of a peaceful mass movement to put my foot down on limiting voting rights. I would leave the Texas House floor and would not return to the legislature until the right to vote is protected in this state.
Aurelia Wagner--TX. House # 147 candidate
Q. Do you believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States today? Yes, I do believe the right to vote and democracy itself are under threat in the United States as evident by the right wing anti-labor, anti-immigrant, anti-Black conservatives are stopping at nothing to suppress the voices of non-white, cis gender people.
Q. How would you use the office you are seeking to protect the right to vote and democracy? I will be extremely vocal about those who wish to suppress votes and voices. I will help create legislation to close the loopholes Republicans are using to invalidate votes. I will also work to ensure that high school in higher education IDs can be used as identification for voting.
Q. If Texas Republicans overturn election results or make fair elections impossible, would you be part of a peaceful mass movement in addition to conventional politics for voting rights and democracy? Yes, you can count on me to be vocal and participate in the voting rights movement now and if Texas Republicans do more to harm our democratic system.