We Must Be Present to Win

Below you will find the first ATPE News piece from Sara Sturtevant, ATPE’s new grassroot advocacy specialist. You will hear much more from her in the coming months in her new role as she helps members like you engage in the public education issues that interest and impact you, as well as helps to grow the ATPE Political Action Committee (ATPE-PAC) so ATPE can get more done for you in Austin. Today, Sara has a few words of encouragement about one of the easiest but most impactful opportunities to engage: voting!
—ATPE Governmental Relations Director Monty Exter

As Texas educators, you see every day how legislative and policy decisions affect students, classrooms, campuses, and our profession. The 90th Texas Legislature will make important funding and policy decisions in 2027 that will directly affect you and your classroom. That’s why now is the time to make sure you vote for those candidates who will act in the best interests of Texas public education.

The Texas Legislature’s purview covers pivotal issues including educator liability in cases of alleged misconduct, student discipline policy, testing and accountability, and whether to divert public funds to vouchers. Make sure your vote is cast for candidates who will put public education first.

The easiest way to learn more about candidates and their education views is to visit ATPE’s TeachtheVote.org, where you’ll find a profile of every candidate running for the Texas House and Senate, the State Board of Education, and the statewide offices of governor and lieutenant governor. Candidate profiles include contact information, responses to the ATPE candidate survey, and, for incumbents, voting records on important education issues.

Remember: Your vote decides how much support public education receives. Now is the time to elect officials who will support the professionals like you who make public education possible.

Make your plan for voting success

Don’t wait until Election Day to make your plan!

• Look at your calendar and mark the best dates now.
• Find your polling locations and hours and plan your route.
• Decide whether you’ll vote before work, after school, this upcoming weekend during early voting, or on Election Day. Consider wait times, and plan accordingly.
• Create a backup plan should something come up.

Early voting is ongoing and continues through Friday, Oct. 30. Polling locations and hours can vary by county, so always check your county’s elections website before heading to the polls.

Here are a few other key dates to remember:

Oct. 23: Deadline to apply for a ballot by mail—Your application must be RECEIVED by this deadline.

Oct. 24: Save Our Schools Saturday—Educators statewide are being encouraged to grab three friends and head to the polls to vote for public education on this early voting day.

Oct. 27: TXEdTuesday—This is another day when educators statewide are encouraged to make sure three friends get to the polls.

Nov. 3: Election Day—Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check your county elections website for polling locations.

Once you’ve vote, be sure to mark yourself “Present to Win” through ATPE’s get-out-the-vote initiative!