Latest News from The League of Women Voters of Houston

Push for Voter Registration in Houston's Black Community

marketing@lwvhouston.org (Jessica Pace) — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:05:09 GMT

Read the full article from Defender Network

The 2024 election cycle will determine not only the next president but also numerous state and local officials, including members of Congress, judges, and school board representatives. These elections are crucial, as decisions made at the state and local levels will have direct effects on education funding, criminal justice reform, voting rights, and healthcare access—issues that disproportionately affect Black residents in Houston.

“Your local elections determine your city and county priorities, and state representatives make policies and implement budgets that impact schools, infrastructure, safety, health care and so much more,” said Katie Campbell Shumway, executive director for the League of Women Voters of Houston .

Low voter turnout is a perennial concern, as is a gap in voter registration. In Harris County, about 20 ZIP codes have less than 80% of their eligible population registered to vote.

“When a large percentage of people abstain from voting, elected officials may not represent the will of the people,” Campbell Shumway said.

Discussing Voter Registration on Univision

marketing@lwvhouston.org (Jessica Pace) — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 20:36:45 GMT

Regístrate para Votar

Con las Elecciones Presidenciales cada vez más cerca, es fundamental que todos los ciudadanos ejerzan su derecho al voto.

Univision Houston Contigo

One way to make Houston more resilient? Citizenship.

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 23:20:59 GMT

Never mind Hurricane Beryl's blackout. On July 10, thousands of new citizens took their oaths at NRG.

Houston, TX - July 26, 2024 - Hurricane Beryl’s destructive trek across Houston knocked out power to millions, shuttered businesses and canceled summer classes across the region, bringing normal life to an all-too-familiar halt for weather-weary Houstonians.

But there was one thing the storm didn’t stop: A historic naturalization ceremony at NRG Arena — the largest ever in Harris County since COVID — went on without a hitch just two days after landfall.

More than 2,200 Houstonians from 121 different countries officially became U.S. citizens. And it shouldn’t go unnoticed that they braved the heat, traveled storm-ravaged streets and interrupted their own personal Beryl struggles to secure the most important document in the world: a U.S. passport.

In the context of the collective trauma our region is experiencing, it is a bright spot.

This group of new Americans — who have chosen to put down roots here and contributed to Houston’s prosperity for years — can now reap all the benefits of citizenship, including higher rates of home ownership, increased earning power, freedom of travel and voting.

We should all applaud ceremonies like the one this week at NRG. That’s because citizenship doesn’t just benefit the person taking the oath — it benefits everyone who calls Greater Houston home.

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the nation. According to the Migration Policy Institute, close to 1 in 4 people living in our metro area is foreign-born, and nearly 50% of Houston children live with at least one immigrant parent.

The institute estimates that Houston is home to more than 300,000 lawful permanent residents who are eligible to become U.S. citizens. The vast majority of these Houstonians — 80% — have lived in the United States for more than 10 years, and 40% have lived here more than 20 years.

But although they are eligible to take the final step toward citizenship, less than 10% do every year.

Imagine if we removed the barriers to naturalization and made this milestone more accessible.

If more eligible Houstonians were to naturalize, they could participate in future elections, giving Houston a bigger voice to address our region’s unique needs. (Storm preparedness and resilient infrastructure come to mind.)

Volunteers with the League of Women Voters of Houston registered 1,905 new American voters at the July 10 ceremony — about 85% of those naturalized — and have registered more than 11,500 newly naturalized citizens this year alone.

Despite recent rhetoric, new Americans are not a voting monolith. Recent polling shows that while new citizens care about many of the same bread-and-butter issues as those born here — with the economy ranking most important — they hold a range of political beliefs, with party identification relatively split down the middle.

Encouraging naturalization makes business sense, too.

Research shows that citizenship leads to more stable and better-paying jobs and opens up employment opportunities, including positions with the federal government and those that require international travel. Immigrants already play a crucial role in many sectors important to Houston, including medicine, engineering and construction — 42% of our doctors and 36% of our engineers are foreign-born, as are more than half of our construction workers.

Immigrants in Houston also contribute to the tax base, having paid $16.3 billion in federal, state and local taxes between 2016 and 2021. Expanding their employment opportunities would pay off for everyone. According to research from Thai V. Le at the University of Southern California, if all eligible Houstonians became citizens, wages here would grow by more than $950 million, boosting the local economy and tax revenue.

There are reasons why less than 10% of eligible immigrants take the step toward naturalization each year. The cost of the application has risen to $760 — 100 times the minimum hourly wage. In 1994, the fee was only $95. The high fee forces many families to choose between putting food on the table or saving for citizenship.

The process can also be overwhelming and confusing to navigate, and it involves completing a long and complex legal document.

Community partners and civic leaders across Greater Houston are working together to address these barriers and put more people on that path to citizenship. Efforts include the national New Americans Campaign, as well as Naturalize Now, Houston!, a first-of-its-kind, public-private partnership that aims to help Houston’s more than 300,000 eligible residents become naturalized U.S. citizens over the next three years.

This innovative collaboration pairs “community navigators” at local organizations with eligible-to-naturalize residents, helping them access language services and legal support, complete the application and study for the citizenship exam.

Some of those helped were at NRG on July 10. After taking their oaths, they streamed out of the arena by the thousands, waving their certificates and American flags and wearing proud smiles while surrounded by family and friends.

Though the national conversation around immigration has become divisive, we should not overlook the hundreds of thousands of eligible-to-naturalize immigrants already living, working and raising families here. By helping more eligible Houstonians become naturalized citizens, our region will experience greater economic growth and civic engagement and become more resilient as a whole — no matter what the next storm brings.

Claudia Ortega Hogue is president of the League of Women Voters of Houston. Steve Stephens is a founding executive and CEO of Amegy Bank. Michael Treviño is a senior adviser of Treviño Consulting Group and Houston organizer for the American Immigration Council.

About The League of Women Voters of Houston

The League of Women Voters of Houston (LWVH), established in 1920, is a non-partisan community-driven organization dedicated to fostering a thriving democracy. We engage people in the political process through non-partisan information sharing, civic engagement, and providing opportunities to participate in the democratic process. Learn more at lwvhouston.org

Media Contact:

Katie Campbell Shumway

Executive Director

lwv@lwvhouston.org

Lwvhouston.org

League of Women Voters of Houston Hosts Annual Political Pioneers Luncheon

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:53:01 GMT

For Immediate Release

Houston, TX - April 17, 2024 - The League of Women Voters of Houston is excited to announce the upcoming Annual Political Pioneers Luncheon, scheduled to take place on April 25 at The Ballroom at Bayou Place. This highly anticipated event brings leaders, elected officials, and League members and volunteers together to advance democracy and strengthen civic engagement.

This year's luncheon features world renowned journalist Judy Woodruff of PBS NewsHour and America at a Crossroads and Houston media icon Khambrell Marshall, and is co-chaired by Houston philanthropists Ginni and Richard Mithoff. The luncheon is supported in part by Houston businesses including HEB, Centerpoint, and Baylor College of Medicine. "We are thrilled to feature Judy Woodruff’s examination into the divisions fracturing the United States, and to benefit from her insights on how to engage and build community, " said Claudia Ortega Hogue, President of the League of Women Voters of Houston. "At a time when the importance of active citizenship has never been more evident, this event serves as a reminder of the power of individuals to effect positive change."

The League of Women Voters of Houston has a long-standing commitment to empowering voters and defending democracy. Through voter education, advocacy, and community outreach initiatives, the organization continues to uphold its mission of promoting informed and active participation in government. At this year’s luncheon the League will be honoring a longtime volunteer who helped create and nurture the beloved nonpartisan Houston Voter’s Guide, as well as highlighting plans to support voting and civic engagement throughout the important upcoming election cycle.

Individuals interested in attending the Annual Political Pioneers Luncheon are encouraged to visit LWVHouston.org for more information and to purchase tickets. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those wishing to support the League's vital work in the community.

About The League of Women Voters of Houston

Media Contact:

Katie Campbell Shumway

Executive Director

lwv@lwvhouston.org

Lwvhouston.org

Houston Voters Guide Launches to Empower Voters Ahead of Crucial Elections

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 17:48:49 GMT

For Immediate Release; April 22, 2024

Houston, TX – April 18, 2024 – As the political landscape in Houston heats up with the upcoming Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) and Trustee elections on May 4th, followed by the Primary run-off on May 28th, the League of Women Voters of Houston is excited to announce that Houstonians can find the nonpartisan candidate and election information they need to be informed and confident voters at HoustonVotersGuide.org .

The League of Women Voters of Houston launched HoustonVotersGuide.org in October 2023 as a digital addition to the printed Voters Guide the league has been publishing for decades. It has since published the digital platform for the November Municipal Election, the December Municipal Election run-off, the March Primary Election, and now for the May 4th Nonpartisan (HCAD/Trustee/Bond) and May 28th run-off elections. Since its launch in the Fall of 2023, HoustonVotersGuide.org has received over 300,000 page views, and its audio and ebook companions have been accessed over 6,000 times. During the Municipal and Primary Elections, the digital and audio versions of the guide were available in both Spanish and English.

HoustonVotersGuide.org is a comprehensive platform where voters can access descriptions of the offices in the election, candidate responses, ballot samples specific to the voters’ address, and election-related information all in one place . In a time when every vote counts, this initiative strives to ensure that all Houstonians have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

"We believe that an informed electorate is essential for a thriving democracy," said Claudia Ortega Hogue, President of the League of Women Voters of Houston. "Our digital and printed Voters guides are designed to provide voters with easy access to unbiased and nonpartisan information, and to help voters find and learn about the races and candidates that will appear on their ballot."

The upcoming elections hold significant importance for the future of Houston and its residents. The HCAD and Trustee elections on May 4th will shape local public school governance and have a direct impact on how property taxes will be used for important services like schools, roads, police, fire, and other services that communities expect. The Primary run-off on May 28th will determine which candidates will proceed to the general election on November 5, 2025.

The League of Women Voters of Houston believes that the more confident and informed Houstonians are, the more likely they are to get to the polls and vote. The aim of the digital Voters Guide at HoustonVotersGuide.org is to bridge the gap between being a registered voter and voting in every election and to increase the voter turnout in Houston . The HoustonVotersGuide.org platform stands ready to serve as a trusted resource for voters of all backgrounds and affiliations. For more information, please visit HoustonVotersGuide.org or LWVHouston.org .

Media Contact:

Lauren Dougherty

Marketing and Communications Manager, League of Women Voters of Houston

Email: marketing@lwvhouston.org and lwv@lwvhouston.org

About The League of Women Voters of Houston:

Kinder Institute Voter Data

marketing@lwvhouston.org (Jessica Pace) — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:43:49 GMT

Voter registration data shows where Houston may have gaps

BY ROY KENT

When it comes to potential voter strength, not all areas of Houston are the same. More densely populated areas generally have more registered voters, and some areas have fewer registered voters than they could have if every adult were accounted for.

Read the article here...

“When a large percentage of people abstain from voting, elected officials may not represent the will of the people,”

Katie Campbell Shumway said.

KPRC Houston Election Day Helpline

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 19:17:15 GMT

Houston Election Day Volunteer Photos

Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers and co-chairs for making this election's helpline a huge success!

Houston November 7th Election Results

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 18:25:08 GMT

November 7th Election - Results & Runoffs

Houston Mavor
Runoff: Sheila Jackson Lee & John Whitmire

Houston Controller
Runoff: Chris Hollins & Orlando Sanchez

Houston City Council
District A...... Winner: Amy Peck (ran unopposed)
District B.... Winner: Tarsha Jackson
District C...... Winner: Abbie Kamin
District D...... Runoff: Carolyn Evans-Shabazz & Travis McGee
District E..... Winner: Fred Flickinger
District F...... Winner: Tiffany Thomas (ran unopposed)

District G..... Runoff: Tony Buzbee & Mary Nan Huffman

District H...... Runoff: Mario Castillo & Cynthia Reyes Revilla

District I.... Winner: Joaquin Martinez
District J...... Winner: Edward Pollard
District K….... Winner: Martha Castex Tatum (ran unopposed)
At-Large Position 1...... Runoff: Melanie Miles & Julian Ramirez
At-Large Position 2..... Runoff: Willie Davis & Nick Hellyar
At-Large Position 3.... Runoff: Richard Cantu & Twila Carter
At-Large Position 4...... Runoff: Roy Morales & Leticia Plummer
At-Large Position 5.... Winner: Sallie Alcorn

Houston ISD Trustee
District 2...... Winner: H.A. "Savant" Moore (ran unopposed)
District 3...... Winner: Dani Hernandez
District 4...... Winner: Patricia K. Allen
District 9...... Winner: Placido Gomez (ran unopposed)

Houston Community College
District IV...... Winner: Laolu Davies-Yemitan (ran unopposed)
District V...... Winner: Sean Cheben (ran unopposed)
District IX...... Winner: Pretta VanDible Stallworth (ran
unopposed)

TX Constitutional Amendments
Proposition 1: Passed
Proposition 2: Passed
Proposition 3: Passed
Proposition 4: Passed
Proposition 5: Passed
Proposition 6: Passed
Proposition 7: Passed
Proposition 8: Passed
Proposition 9: Passed
Proposition 10: Passed
Proposition 11: Passed
Proposition 12: Passed
Proposition 13: Failed
Proposition 14: Passed

City of Houston
Proposition A: Passed
Proposition B: Passed

Harris Countv
Hospital District Proposition A: PassedNew Paragraph

President Claudia Ortega Hogue receives award from Houston Texans

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 18:01:28 GMT

Claudia wins the Houston Texans 2023 Campeón de la Comunidad Award presented by Modelo and $15,000

This post is from AVANCE Houston. AVANCE works with families through a proven two-generation, family engagement approach that combines early childhood development and parenting education. The cornerstone of our programs is the Parent-Child Education Program (PCEP), a national model of early intervention that focuses on the welfare of children, families and the community, and that they are all mutually reinforcing. AVANCE also offers programs that feature additional resources designed to fully prepare students to transition to college and to help adults prepare for the workforce.

On Friday, Oct. 13, the Houston Texans ’ mascot, Toro, and the team’s cheerleaders visited AVANCE-Houston’s Dacoma II Center to surprise GED students with an announcement – Claudia Ortega-Hogue, AVANCE-Houston’s vice chair of the Board of Directors, won the Houston Texans 2023 Campeón de la Comunidad Award presented by Modelo and $15,000.

She donated the prize amount to AVANCE-Houston’s Adult Education Program. This donation will help AVANCE-Houston provide programs for adults lacking basic work skills or a high school credential and will be a source of college scholarships for GED graduates.

The celebration continued on Sunday, Oct. 15, when Ortega-Hogue was recognized at the NRG Stadium before the Houston Texans vs. New Orleans Saints game, where she received a commemorative check on the field.

Ortega-Hogue is an outstanding leader in the Hispanic community whose expertise and commitment to advancing Houston’s underserved communities has positively impacted the city through service and dedication to several other local nonprofit organizations, especially AVANCE-Houston.

“I am deeply honored to receive this title and be recognized alongside esteemed past honorees. Their contributions to our city’s diversity have been remarkable, and I feel humbled to be included in the same category. This award reminds us that much work still needs to be done in our communities. I am grateful to continue working alongside AVANCE-Houston to continue advocating for everyone to have equal access to resources and opportunities to achieve their fullest potential,” expressed Ortega-Hogue, Vice Chair of the AVANCE-Houston Board.

“We are thrilled to have Claudia as part of our Board of Directors, and we are extremely happy for her, as she deserves this recognition. She brings great energy, new perspectives, and strong leadership skills. Claudia is a woman of action with a vision to transform lives daily through her constant community advocacy, public service, civic engagement, and passion to empower those around her,” said AVANCE-Houston Executive Director Luz Flores. “We are also thankful to the Houston Texans for recognizing individuals who are forces of change in the community,” she added.

Ortega-Hogue’s vision to transform lives through community advocacy, public service, and civic engagement is a driving force for AVANCE-Houston.

The award she generously donated provides a unique opportunity for teachers, staff, and students to create pathways to economic mobility and opportunities to build their social and economic capital.

Board Members discuss election resources with Fernando Renteria Perez, Univision

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:58:25 GMT

Irene Núñez and Claudia Ortega Hogue share election resources from the Harris County Clerk and the LWV Houston.

The segment begins at 2:00.

Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth’s statement regarding the Texas Secretary of State’s October 19, 2023, news release:

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:36:12 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2023Contact: Rosio Torres-Segura
Rosio.Torres-Segura@cco.hctx.net

Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth’s statement regarding the Texas Secretary of State’s October 19, 2023, news release:

The Harris County Clerk’s Office is actively working with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office to find solutions to the issues cited in the audit of the November 2022 Election. Beginning September 1, I began reviewing and addressing every aspect of the election process and will continue to do so until procedures are in place that will ensure past issues are not repeated.

In my fifteen years of working for two Republican and two Democratic County Clerks, I was part of election teams that conducted successful elections. But the public should know that “successful” isn’t the same thing as “flawless.” The election office has never experienced a flawless election.

I look forward to working with the Secretary of State’s Office to ensure well-organized, transparent, and fair elections. There is plenty of work ahead for all of us, and a great commitment on my part to the voters of Harris County.

Secretary Nelson Releases Harris County Audit Preliminary Findings

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 18:33:03 GMT

Secretary Nelson Releases Harris County Audit Preliminary Findings

Multiple issues and need for better training identified

October 19, 2023
Contact: Alicia Pierce
5 12-463-6116

AUSTIN — Today, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson released preliminary findings (PDF) from the audit of the November 2022 election in Harris County.

“Harris County clearly had multiple failures conducting the election and violated election law for estimating needed ballot paper. Mistakes like these led to a poorly executed election which left many Harris County residents frustrated and may have prevented them from voting.” said Secretary Nelson. “It is important to talk about these issues now in order to address them before the 2024 election cycle.”

The preliminary findings show problems with voter registration data, failure to provide necessary supplies to polling places, equipment issues and incomplete paperwork. At least 38 polling locations had no voter check-ins for an hour or more.

Some key findings:

Harris County’s voter registration system included more than 9,000 more voters than were reported to the statewide voter registration system.
Almost 3,600 mail ballots were sent to voters but not reported to the state.
The method for determining distribution for ballot paper did not comply with state law and led to a disruption in the voting process and inadequate supplies at some polling locations.
Harris County failed to adequately train election judges and clerks resulting in incomplete paperwork and problems with voting system equipment.

As of September 1, 2023, there is no longer an elections administration office in Harris County. Legislation passed earlier this year returned the duties to the county clerk and tax assessor-collector. Nelson stressed that her agency is actively working with these offices to address problems found in the audit.

“I’m thankful for the cooperation we are seeing from the current election offices,” said Nelson. “A repeat of these problems is unacceptable for Harris County voters.”

Harris County was selected for an audit as part of legislation passed in 2021 requiring audits of four randomly selected counties for the previous two years.

Under legislation passed earlier this year, the Secretary of State’s office may assume administrative oversight of Harris County elections following complaints from certain stakeholders and a subsequent investigation. The failures identified in the preliminary findings are based on data and documentation provided by Harris County. Additional findings may be included in the comprehensive report as new information becomes available.

Individuals with more information can submit a complaint to the Secretary of State’s Office using the online election complaint form (PDF) .

###

League of Women Voters of Houston Makes History: Voters Guide Now Accessible on Multiple New Platforms

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 16:06:18 GMT

League of Women Voters of Houston Makes History: Voters Guide Now Accessible on Multiple New Platforms

In English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese

10/20/2023

[Houston, TX. Oct. 20] – The League of Women Voters of Houston is excited to announce the release of its non-partisan Voters Guide eBook on Libby and the complete audio version on SoundCloud for the Nov. 7, 2023 election. It is available for free to all Harris County voters and residents.

All versions of the Voters Guide can be accessed through our new website, HoustonVotersGuide.org , where voters can also read and download the Voters Guide in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese.

To bring this groundbreaking initiative to life, the League partnered with Harris County Public Library to publish the Voters Guide on the Libby app in English , Spanish , and English Audiobook .

Studio Sassafras collaborated with the League to record and produce the spoken audio tracks for SoundCloud , where you will hear the voices of League volunteers, staff, and board members. The Voters Guide in Spanish audio is coming soon thanks to Univision Houston KXLN .

110,000 copies of the printed Voters Guide have been distributed throughout Houston by expanding partnerships to include the Houston Chronicle, Que Onda Magazine, Southern Chinese Daily News, World Journal, and OCA Greater Houston.

These history-making initiatives aim to empower all Houstonians and Harris County residents with the knowledge needed to make informed voting decisions and participate in the democratic process.

The Voters Guide offers non-partisan information on:

Local Candidates: Explore the candidates running for office in Houston-area elections including their backgrounds, priorities, and stances on critical issues.
Ballot Measures: Gain insight into ballot propositions and referendums to make informed choices when voting.
Voting Procedures: Find step-by-step guidance on how to locate a polling place and understand the voting process.

“Our goal is to make voter education more easily accessible by placing our trusted, non-partisan Voters Guide where people naturally seek information. Digital access on multiple platforms is critical when reaching young voters, and the audio guide is perfect for voters who are busy and on the go. Thanks to the generosity of local partners, the Guide can reach new audiences and be an election tool throughout the year,” said Katie Campbell Shumway, Executive Director.

About LWVH

Media Contact:

Katie Campbell Shumway

Executive Director

lwv@lwvhouston.org

Lwvhouston.org

Latest News from The League of Women Voters of Houston

Push for Voter Registration in Houston's Black Community

Read the full article from Defender Network

Discussing Voter Registration on Univision

One way to make Houston more resilient? Citizenship.

Never mind Hurricane Beryl's blackout. On July 10, thousands of new citizens took their oaths at NRG.

﻿

League of Women Voters of Houston Hosts Annual Political Pioneers Luncheon

For Immediate Release

Houston Voters Guide Launches to Empower Voters Ahead of Crucial Elections

For Immediate Release; April 22, 2024

Media Contact:

About The League of Women Voters of Houston:

Kinder Institute Voter Data

Voter registration data shows where Houston may have gaps

When it comes to potential voter strength, not all areas of Houston are the same. More densely populated areas generally have more registered voters, and some areas have fewer registered voters than they could have if every adult were accounted for.

Read the article here...

KPRC Houston Election Day Helpline

Houston Election Day Volunteer Photos

Houston November 7th Election Results

November 7th Election - Results & Runoffs

President Claudia Ortega Hogue receives award from Houston Texans

Claudia wins the Houston Texans 2023 Campeón de la Comunidad Award presented by Modelo and $15,000

Board Members discuss election resources with Fernando Renteria Perez, Univision

Irene Núñez and Claudia Ortega Hogue share election resources from the Harris County Clerk and the LWV Houston.

Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth’s statement regarding the Texas Secretary of State’s October 19, 2023, news release:

Secretary Nelson Releases Harris County Audit Preliminary Findings

Secretary Nelson Releases Harris County Audit Preliminary Findings

Multiple issues and need for better training identified

League of Women Voters of Houston Makes History: Voters Guide Now Accessible on Multiple New Platforms