The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.

• Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5
• ATPE and Texas Educators Vote outline voting dos and don’ts
• ATPE Lobbyist Heather Sheffield takes her daughter to vote in her first election
• Why voting in down-ballot races is important for public education
• Listen to the latest episode of The ATPE Podcast: “Parental Access to Education in Texas—What You Should Know”
• Apply for state committee service by Nov. 17
• Enroll in the first ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP) course

ELECTION DAY: If you aren’t able to make it to the polls before early voting ends today, Tuesday will be your last chance to vote in the 2024 general election. Before you cast your vote, visit vote411.org to find your polling place and build a sample ballot. You can print a copy of your sample ballot and take it into the voting booth, but keep in mind that voters cannot use cell phones within 100 feet of voting stations.

VOTING DOS AND DON'TS: In this blog post, ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter shares a quick reminder of what educators can and can’t do during an election. Texas Educators Vote has also put together a helpful guide outlining educators’ rights when it comes to getting out the vote.

FIRST-TIME VOTERS: ATPE Lobbyist Heather Sheffield shares her experience taking her daughter to vote in her first election. Her daughter turned 18 this Tuesday and was able to register to vote back in September (per state law, voters can register in an upcoming election if they are 17 years and 10 months old and will be 18 years of age on Election Day). Read more about this exciting experience, and the importance of encouraging first-time voters, here. 

DOWN-BALLOT RACES: All eyes are on the presidential election this Tuesday, but our vote is also vital in down-ballot races. These positions play a significant role in shaping public education policy, such as determining school district budgets, tax rates, and the overall quality of education students receive. Heather Sheffield has more in this blog post.

PODCAST: In the latest episode of The ATPE Podcast, ATPE Staff Attorney Martha Moring shares important information about Texas parents’ rights to access their children’s education, including the limitations, confidentiality of records, and classroom visitation. Listen to the podcast here.

COMMITTEES: ATPE has opened the second wave of applications for state committee service. If you want to get more involved in your professional association, this is your opportunity!   

Sign in and apply by Nov. 17 to be considered for service on the Public Information, Resolutions, ATPE-PAC, Educator of the Year, or Leader of the Year Committee.  

ATPE-MAP: We recently launched the ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP), a comprehensive advocacy experience that equips members with the knowledge and tools necessary to make a real difference in public education. Learn more and sign up for the first course, “Introduction to Advocacy,” here.  

Congratulations to Jolie Jennings of Liberty Hill ISD for being the first ATPE member to complete the intro course!