Could Texas Turn Blue Without Straight-Ticket Voting?

OPINION - In a significant shift for the state's electoral landscape, Texas has eliminated straight-party voting, requiring voters to go through each race individually instead of selecting one party at the top of the ticket. This change, passed by the Republican-controlled legislature, may seem like a minor procedural adjustment, but its potential to harm down-ballot candidates, especially Democrats, is profound.

The last day to register to vote in the Nov. 5, 2024 general election is Oct. 7 and early voting begins Oct. 21.  

For decades, straight-party voting allowed Texans to vote for all candidates of their preferred party with a single selection. This method was particularly beneficial in a state like Texas, where elections feature long ballots with races ranging from the President of the United States to local positions such as county commissioner or school board trustee. Now, without the convenience of straight-ticket voting, voters must go race by race—something that could significantly reduce participation in down-ballot races.

Down-Ballot Dangers: How Democrats May Be Hurt

The elimination of straight-party voting threatens to disproportionately harm down-ballot Democratic candidates in Texas. Why? Because voters, particularly in general elections, are more focused on high-profile races—such as those for President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House—while lesser-known candidates in local races often receive little attention. The length of the Texas ballot and the complexity of local governance races make it likely that some voters will simply skip down-ballot races, resulting in under-voting.

Historically, Democrats have benefited from straight-ticket voting in large urban centers like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, where large numbers of voters would select a single party to streamline their choices. These voters, overwhelmingly Democratic in these areas, would thus support both national and local Democratic candidates with one action. Without straight-ticket voting, the concern is that voters who only come to the polls for major national races may skip over local contests, leaving Democratic candidates for county commissioner, sheriff, and school board trustee in the lurch.

Voter Fatigue: A Real Concern

The length of the Texas ballot is notorious, sometimes featuring dozens of races and propositions. With no straight-party option, voters will be asked to wade through each contest, leading to what political scientists call "voter fatigue." When confronted with a long ballot, some voters, especially those less familiar with local candidates, may choose to skip entire sections. In a state where Democrats often find themselves the minority party in non-urban areas, such drop-off will likely further erode their representation in local government.

This is particularly dangerous for Democrats in suburban and rural regions, where many voters may be inclined to vote for Democratic candidates in local races but might not have the time or patience to do so without the simplicity of straight-ticket voting. The result? Down-ballot Democratic candidates in traditionally competitive races could find themselves facing an even steeper uphill battle.

The GOP’s Legislative Win

The Republican-led Texas Legislature passed the bill eliminating straight-ticket voting in 2017, but it only took effect in 2020. The move was framed by supporters as an attempt to encourage voters to engage more thoughtfully with the entire ballot, as well as to reduce partisan polarization by making voters consider candidates individually, rather than through party affiliation alone.

Supporters of the legislation argued that straight-party voting allowed for mindless partisanship, where voters would support candidates they knew nothing about simply because of the “D” or “R” next to their names. By eliminating the practice, proponents claimed, voters would be forced to weigh their options more carefully, potentially leading to more thoughtful and informed choices.

Critics, however, see a more cynical motivation. They argue that the law was passed to disadvantage Democrats, who traditionally benefit from straight-party voting in heavily populated areas like Harris County. The timing is no coincidence—Republicans, feeling the growing political pressure as Texas’ urban areas become increasingly blue, saw this as a strategic tool to suppress Democratic votes in key down-ballot races.

The Stakes for Democracy

This shift in voting procedure could have profound implications for the future of Texas politics. Without straight-party voting, voters are now less likely to complete their entire ballot, and local elections may see less participation as a result. As local offices like county commissioner and school board trustee hold significant sway over community issues such as education funding, infrastructure, and law enforcement, under-participation in these races weakens the very fabric of local democracy.

Worse yet, it sets the stage for local governments that do not reflect the will of the people. In many communities, particularly those in which demographic shifts have favored Democrats, under-voting in down-ballot races could lead to Republican control of local offices that might otherwise have gone blue in a straight-party voting scenario.

As Texas continues to experience rapid demographic changes, the elimination of straight-party voting represents a new battleground in the state’s political future. While some argue that the change will improve voter engagement, there’s little doubt that it disproportionately affects Democratic candidates in the short term—and may ultimately silence the voices of voters who care deeply about their local communities.

In this new landscape, it's critical for voters to recognize the stakes of down-ballot races and remain vigilant, even when the ballot feels overwhelming. If local offices fall victim to voter fatigue and under-participation, it’s not just one party that loses—it’s our democracy.