By Laura Bray
A version of this article appeared in the “Progressive Views” column, Boerne Star, November 3, 2024
Early voting in Kendall County has been, like nearly everywhere else, record-setting. As of press time, turnout was well over 50% and projected to go higher.
Early voting closed on Friday, so you have only one more chance to cast your ballot in this historic election. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5 from 7am to 7pm. Kendall County residents may vote at any one of eleven voting centers in the county; you can find a list here (click on “Election Day Polling Locations”). Please note that the Courthouse Annex on Fawn Valley (where early voting was held) is NOT an Election Day voting location. Please remember to bring your photo ID. If lines are long at popular locations such as Boerne Bible Church or City Hall, consider visiting one of the voting centers outside of Boerne, such as the Sisterdale Community Center or Waring Fire Station.
VP Harris’s “closing argument” speech this past Tuesday was a clear contrast to the odious filth that emanated from the speakers at Madison Square Garden three nights earlier. (If you haven’t heard specifics, google it. Many of the statements made aren’t suitable for publication in a community/family newspaper or website.) Based on those two events alone, you have only one choice next Tuesday on Election Day.
VP Harris said that your choice on Tuesday is “about whether we have a country rooted in freedom for every American or [one] ruled by chaos and division.” Her policies include items that will help working Americans, such as capping insulin prices, limiting out-of-pocket prescription costs, reinstating the child tax credit, and providing more affordable housing. “Here is my pledge to you,” she said. “I pledge to seek common ground and common sense solutions to make your life better.”
A recent special report from The Economist magazine said, “The American economy has left other rich countries in the dust….Among the G20 group, which includes large emerging markets, America is the only one whose output and employment are above pre-pandemic expectations, according to the International Monetary Fund.” And in late October, the Washington Post stated, “Gas prices are falling fast, dipping below $3 a gallon in many parts of the country just before the presidential election.”
If you believe that the bipartisan Senate Immigration Bill was a step in the right direction, there’s only one choice—vote for Democrats. VP Harris said in her speech, “We must acknowledge we are a nation of immigrants, and I will work with Congress to pass immigration reform, including an earned path to citizenship for hard working immigrants like farm workers and our dreamers.”
But it’s not just the presidential race at the top of the ticket that matters this Tuesday—it’s the sixteen down-ballot races as well.
If you feel that the government has no right to make medical decisions for a woman, there’s only one choice—vote for Democrats.
If you feel that laws are urgently needed to stop mass shootings, there’s only one choice, the Democratic candidate.
If you believe that public school funds should be kept for public schools and not given to private or religious schools, there’s only one choice—vote for Democrats.
If you believe that our school children should be taught peer-reviewed history and science, there’s only one choice, the Democratic candidate.
If you believe that voting should be made easier by policies such as enacting online voter registration and no-excuse mail-in voting, there’s only one choice—vote for Democrats.
If you believe that our precious Hill Country water and environment need protection and that climate change is real and requires action now, there’s only one choice, the Democratic candidate.
If you believe that discriminating against fellow Texans based on their sexual orientation (which is none of your business), there’s only one choice—vote for Democrats.
If you disagree with banning books, there’s only one choice, the Democratic candidate.
Ultimately, if you want to maintain our precious democracy and US Constitution—there’s only one choice–to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz on Tuesday, along with the sixteen other strong Democratic candidates on the ballot here in Kendall County. We are NOT going back.
For a full list of Democratic candidates with links to their websites, or for more information on our activism and activities, visit www.kcdems.us
Laura Bray is Chair of the Kendall County Democratic Party and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
