In every election cycle, most people tend to focus on races at the top of the ticket, such as the race for president. Even in my house, before building our sample ballots, my 18-year-old daughter didn’t know that she would be voting for other offices than president. However, down-ballot races—those lower-profile positions on the same ballot—play a significant role in shaping policies, governance, and community life, especially in public education. Before you head to the polls, do your research, and either print your sample ballot or write it down because you can’t use your phone in the voting booth. 

Down-ballot races include elections: 

• At the federal level (for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate). 
• For the Texas Legislature (for seats in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate). 
• For smaller statewide roles such as Texas Supreme Court justice and railroad commissioner. 
• For the State Board of Education. 
• For local offices including city council member, school board trustee, judges, and county sheriffs. (Many local elections are held in May.) 
• Asking voters to approve bond propositions.  

These down-ballot elections are crucial because they often have a direct and immediate impact on daily life. For example, U.S. congressmen and senators (think Ted Cruz vs. Colin Allred) make decisions that affect your retirement via Social Security reforms, as well as decisions on funding for the U.S. Department of Education, Title I and IDEA (special education services). 

Texas state representatives and senators determine policies that affect the daily lives of everyone in the state. More specifically to many ATPE members, they adopt, amend, or abolish every word in the Texas Education Code. They can give educators a raise if they choose to; they can increase the basic allotment and other school funding sources (such as the school safety allotment); and they can shape policies on school safety and standardized testing. They also play a role in addressing issues such as teacher shortages, class sizes, and access to early childhood education. 

School board races are also particularly influential over public education. School board trustees vote on the school district’s budget and approve the ISD tax rate; set district policies; and determine curriculum, funding allocations, and disciplinary practices, which directly impact how and what educators teach, the culture in the schools, and the quality of education students receive. Additionally, trustees approve bond propositions and put them on ballots. These bonds will allow the community to determine how much funding goes toward classroom facilities, technology, extracurricular programs (infrastructure and uniforms), and other resources that shape the educational and work experience in a school district. Although some school board trustees are elected in November, many are elected in May. (Education is always on the ballot.) 

Voting in down-ballot races is essential to fostering effective local governance and ensuring that education policies meet the needs of the community. Because down-ballot races tend to suffer from lower voter turnout and a lack of knowledge about those candidates/propositions, each vote matters even more. Informed voting at every level creates a ripple effect, helping to shape a more representative and responsive government that supports strong public education and well-resourced schools for all. So, when you’re at the polls, don’t stop at the top of the ballot — every vote down the ballot counts toward the future of public education and community growth.