Thank you to everyone who participated in the municipal and school board elections earlier this month. Our civic duties are not over for this month, however. Early voting begins next week in runoff elections across the state that could determine the outcome of the battle over school funding and private school vouchers when the next Legislature convenes in January. 

School districts across Texas are running out of money because of the decision by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to hold public school funding hostage during the previous legislative session. Abbott had hoped to force the adoption of his private school voucher proposal, which, if passed, would trigger tax hikes and school closures on a massive scale. Fortunately, pro-public education legislators—some of whom are currently in runoff races—stood up to Abbott and blocked the voucher bill. 

In many districts, the runoff elections represent the last competitive race in which pro-public education voters will have a chance to support these legislators who risked their seats to support public schools. Early voting in the runoff elections begins Monday, May 20, and runs through Friday, May 24. Election Day is the following Tuesday, May 28. 

Who is eligible to vote in the May 24 runoffs? 

All Texas voters who registered to vote by April 29 are eligible to vote in the runoffs: 

• If you voted in the Republican primary in March, then you are eligible to vote in the Republican runoff. 
• If you voted in the Democratic primary in March, then you are eligible to vote in the Democratic runoff. 
• If you didn’t vote in either of the March primaries, then you are eligible to vote in whichever runoff you choose! 

Visit the Candidates section right here on Teach the Vote to look up your district and find out whether there is a legislative or State Board of Education (SBOE) runoff in your area and to learn more about the candidates. It’s more important than ever to look at how (and whether) each candidate answered our survey questions about public education policy and see who has endorsed their race. (If you do not have a legislative or SBOE runoff, please visit vote411.org to see what other races might on your ballot.) 

Because most Texas legislative districts are drawn not to be competitive in the November general election, all but a handful of races are determined by the March primary and May primary runoff elections. That means in most cases, the winner of the May 28 runoff will go on to become the officeholder. 

Runoff elections are typically characterized by extremely low voter turnout. That means your vote is exponentially more powerful in a runoff election. These elections could be decided by a single vote—maybe yours! 

Mark your calendar and make a plan to vote early May 20–24 to or vote on Election Day, May 28. Bring a friend or family member as well! Remember: Your vote is your voice. Let’s make ourselves heard!