Where's the Texas Exceptionalism?

A colleague of mine, Eric Wang, recently blogged on ATX Happenings about the lack of involvement among Texans in local and state government affairs. Wang is extremely correct when he states that, "Texas has the second highest population of all states in America. Yet, if you look at the people that consistently vote, you would think that Texas has a tiny population." The citizens of the Lone Star State have of feeling of apathy towards their local and state government affairs that should be quite alarming. And indeed it is. 

Wang decides to call out to the people of Texas that their lack of involvement is obviously a problem. Wang discusses the fact that maybe Texans feel that Republicans values are too entrenched within the state. However, Wang fails to identify the fact that there is a growing trend in lack of political identification among Texans. This is especially true among young voters. Some experts say that Texas is going through a phase of "dealignment", meaning that Texas isn't becoming a one-party state. In fact, it's becoming a no-party state. Young Texans are more likely affiliate themselves with Independents. However, this may actually aide Wang's claim that Texans aren't voting. Young Texans may be claiming Independent due to the fact that they aren't involved in their local and state government. Since there is no involvement, it's hard to make an informed decision on which of the two major parties to claim. Therefore, making it easier to just claim Independent. It's also important to note that experts expect Texas demographics to shift dramatically within the next decade. The prediction being, that Hispanics will be the majority in Texas. If this is the case (and it looks like it's headed in that direction), then it gives Texans all the more reason to go vote considering that Hispanics (who tend to be Democratic) may be able to alter the political power of the Republican Party in state government offices. Just something to keep an eye on over the next few years. 

Wang goes on to claim in his blog, "the small minority that participate heavily in Texas politics have a very large influence with no responsibilities to the public whatsoever." Although, I agree with Wang on his claim, I think there is a more important factor to look at when discussing the influences on politics. The more important factor being public interest groups and public action committees. These groups contribute huge amounts of money and support to the candidates running in the elections. These same groups are the ones influencing our legislature's decisions on bills and resolutions. It's unfortunate, but it's the truth that public interest groups have more influence on government officials while they're in office. However, it's the people of Texas who put those government officials in their office chairs (so Wang is correct). This is the major influence that the people of Texas will always withhold. 

It's truly sad that Texans are too lazy to get involved in their state and local government affairs. And that is honestly my personal diagnoses; laziness. It's the responsibility of citizens to get involved in government to help influence the changes they wish to see. Wang couldn't be more correct when he says, "When people choose not to vote, they break the American system." Voting is a way of feedback, a chance for government officials better understand what the people they are representing what to see change. The media can do a better job by centering their focus more on state and local government affairs, rather than getting caught up in the nonsense that occurs at the national stage. The education system can also do a better job by requiring and offering more state government classes to Texas students throughout their years in middle school, high school, and college. This will help our younger voters become more informed about government structure, government issues, and hopefully help them develop a stronger passion towards becoming actively involved in their local and state government affairs. Whatever the solution may be, it will always be the responsibility of each individual citizen to take responsibility for getting involved and making their voice heard. This great nation has been built off of democracy. And democracy is only fully effective when each individual goes out and votes.