Voters Guide Primary Election, Wichita County Tuesday, March 3, 2020

P.O. Box 4034, Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 www.lwvwichitafalls.org | (940) 692-8498 Voters Guide Primary Election, Wichita County Tuesday, March 3, 2020

NOTE: Party affiliations are listed in parentheses after each candidate’s name. The League of Women Voters invited each candidate to respond to several questions for this Voters Guide. Answers are unedited. In contested races, names are listed alphabetically.

This VOTERS GUIDE is published and funded by the League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls (LWV-WF) through donations from League members, citizens of Wichita Falls, and residents of the Wichita Falls area. LWV-WF is affiliated with the League of Women Voters of Texas and the League of Women Voters of the U.S. It is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to promote political responsibility through active and informed participation of ALL citizens in their government. The League DOES NOT support NOR oppose any political party, candidate, or proposition. This VOTERS GUIDE is designed to convey factual information to help prepare citizens to cast informed votes. To conserve space, replies have word limits. WHERE TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 3 WHERE TO VOTE EARLY 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Dates and Hours are given for each location WICHITA FALLS Allendale Baptist Church, 4650 Allendale Rd. WICHITA COUNTY COURTHOUSE TH The Forum, 2120 Speedway Ave 900 7 St., Room 139, Wichita Falls Western Hills Baptist Church, 5107 Ridgecrest & COMMISSIONER 2 BLDG. Faith Lodge # 1158, 3503 Kemp Ave. 102 W. College, Burkburnett First Christian Church, 3701 Taft Blvd. & WICHITA COUNTY TAX Texas Highway Dept., 1601 Southwest Pkwy Wesley United Methodist Church, 1526 Weeks St. OFFICE SUBSTATION First Baptist Church at Sheppard, 2101 Puckett Rd. 400 N. Wall St., Iowa Park

Legacy Church of God, 1420 Loop 11 th st Cameron Gardens VFD, 153 FM1740 Feb. 18 - 21 ...... 8:00 to 5:00 nd 10th & Broad Church of Christ,1319 10th Street Feb. 22 ...... 7:00 to 7:00 Kemp Sunnyside Community Center, 405 Walnut Feb. 23rd...... Noon to 5:00 Region IX Education Center, 301 Loop 11 Feb. 24th - 28th...... 7:00 to 7:00 Martin Luther King Center, 1100 Smith Jefferson St. Baptist Church,401 Jefferson St. HOME DEPOT, 3705 Kell Blvd. First Assembly of God, 3101 McNiel & SIKES SENTER MALL, 3111 Midwestern Pkwy The Bridge Church, 4725 K Mart Dr. th st Life Tabernacle Church, 4350 Seymour Hwy Feb. 18 - 21 ...... 10:00 to 7:00 Floral Heights United Methodist Church, 2214 10th St. Feb. 22nd...... 9:00 to 9:00 KAMAY Feb. 23rd...... Noon to 5:00 Kamay VFD, 8537 SH 258 W. Feb. 24th - 28th...... 9:00 to 9:00 BURKBURNETT Commissioner Pct. 2 Bldg., 102 West College COMMISSIONER 4 BLDG., 2023 SH 25 N, Electra IOWA PARK Feb. 18th - 21st...... 8:00 to Noon First Baptist Family Center, 300 W. Park Feb. 24th - 28th...... 1:00 to 5:00 Faith Baptist Church, 411 S. Wall Haws Rd. Community Church, 2635 Haws Rd. PRIMARY RUNOFF ELECTION ELECTRA If a runoff election becomes necessary, First United Methodist Church, 1107 S. Bailey St. it will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. NOTE: Wichita County uses Voting Centers; therefore, any Wichita County registered voter can vote at any voting location, regardless of precinct.

» QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES Background: What training, experience and background qualify you for Immigration: What are your recommendations to improve the this position? immigration system? Healthcare: What legislation would you support to address access to and Other Issues: What other issues do you believe will be the most pressing cost of healthcare? in the next session of Congress and what are your positions on those issues?

» Catherine “I Swear” Carr (R) No response received by print deadline

» Jamie Culley (R) No response received by print deadline

» Chris Ekstrom (R) No response received by print deadline

» Jason Foglesong (R) Background: The less experience the better - I am not a job first. We do not need low skill/low education manual labor. There is politician. I am a teacher - my subject is US Government. I no such thing as a job Americans won’t do. I support building the wall, have a degree in Political Science. I am a common citizen and would support heavily restricting all immigration for a period of five of common means. It’s time for people like you and me to years while we sort out what kind of labor we have vs. what we lack. take office and take our government back from lobbyists, unions, special Other Issues: Border security. If we don’t get our borders and the interests, and millionaires. rampant voter and benefits fraud that comes with every influx of illegal Healthcare: Repeal Obamacare and promote a competitive market aliens, we Republicans won’t be winning many more elections. Gun between states, which allows people to shop across state lines for the best control - there are more and more violations and infringements against service or value. Pre-existing conditions must be guaranteed coverage, so our rights with every session of Congress, and as Virginia has shown us, that no American is left out in the cold during this transition. many Americans are asleep at the wheel until it’s too late. Taxes - we Immigration: Restrict visas, and heavily vet candidates. We need highly need to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. skilled individuals - but only if we don’t have Americans that can do that

» Timothy W Gassaway (D) Background: My background is in customer service and as Immigration: We need to revamp our guest worker, H1B visa programs a Congressman that is my job to be a voice and to serve my and create a new program to cover the needs of the construction industry. constituents. When working in customer service I worked End all forms of family separation of migrants seeking asylum. Establish diligently to ensure the needs of the clients were met and a pathway to citizenship for migrants seeking to stay in our country. I will be able to do the same as representative for District Other Issues: The issues I think will be most pressing issues are 13. I have experience in problem solving and troubleshooting to address immigration reform, rebuilding infrastructure and caring for families, immediate or future problems by looking at all areas and devise several seniors and veterans. First, immigration reform is long overdue I think solutions. My leadership skills have been honed by leading or being that we need to look at revamping our current visa programs, create involved in several boards where I worked collaboratively with others new programs based on industry needs, and establish a pathway to and have productive discussions despite differing opinions at times. citizenship. Second, infrastructure in the United States was given a D+ Healthcare: America has been struggling with Healthcare issues since by the American Society of Civil Engineers this means we need to begin 1945 when President Harry S. Truman proposed a national healthcare creating legislation that will fund green infrastructure revitalization plan to Congress. It is time we remedy this problem for good by creating plan. Third, caring for our some of our most vulnerable by restoring the world’s best single- payer Healthcare System however, if you or your appropriate levels of funding in programs that affect families, seniors, employer would like to continue with your current insurance that should and veterans. be an available option.

» Lee Harvey (R) Background: As a business man, I know what it’s like to make payroll. Immigration: We need to secure our borders and stop the Drug and Sex Running a business takes lots of training, ie; IRS regulations, State and trafficking. We need to control who comes to our country. Our country local requirements and many more. As your County Commissioner, I depends on migrant workers to help harvest our crops. The Green Card am involved in setting the county budget. I’m responsible to see that program is old and antiquated and needs to be revamped, (using today’s those dollars are spent in the most conservative way. My life experience technology), so that good people can come here and help us. They need has been in the petrochemical industry. As the General Manager for a sponsor that would be responsible for reporting and account for their Turnarounds and Maintenance for the Gulf Coast for a large construction whereabouts. company, I sat at the negotiation table with companies like, Exxon/ Other Issues: I think “Pro Life” needs to be at the forefront of our Mobil, Chevron, Valero, Shell and several other notable companies. conversations. Killing babies has got to stop. We must stop funding Dealing with large contracts were a daily occurrence, and managing a “Planned Parenthood”. On average we see the deaths of 2700 babies per payroll of 20 million, gives you lots of experience. day in America. We have a moral obligation to protect all life, even the Healthcare: I have a list of policy ideas that should be helpful. Tort unborn. We need to support the President and provide the funding needed Reform, Administrative regulatory reduction, Block Grants for States to secure our borders. We need to stop the States, like Virginia from for Medicaid which include efficiency bonuses, high deductibles with destroying the 2nd amendment. Our right to bear arms was put in place tax advantages, health care savings accounts that put patients in control to protect us from our own government. We cannot let them take this and increase skin in the game. There are many other things that can be from us. addressed, just need to put our head down and go to work.

» Elaine Hays (R) Background: I am a small business owner, community sovereignty. You cannot combine an open border policy with a welfare leader, and second term Amarillo City Councilwoman. state and have a sustainable system. Migration from one country to I earned a Master of Science in Finance and Economics another is not a right. It is a privilege, and one that is awarded to those from West Texas A&M, a BBA in Marketing from Texas that show a desire to become Americans and contribute to the success Christian University (TCU) and completed my designation of our country. We must secure our borders to protect our citizens from as a Certified Financial Planner from the College for Financial Planning. those who would intentionally do us harm. We must enforce the laws As a private wealth manager through Hays and Hays Financial Services, on the books, end the incentives for people to cross the border illegally, I work with individuals to help identify, communicate and achieve their and eliminate sanctuary cities across the country. I support a talent-based financial goals. I have also co-authored two financial books, When God immigration system along with securing the border with steel structures, We Trust and Avoiding the Top Ten Money Mistakes. I have served as a enhanced surveillance systems, and increased staffing Republican precinct chair and delegate to the state convention prior to Other Issues: The president has stated that addressing our national debt being a candidate. will be a top priority in the fifth year of his presidency. In just the past Healthcare: I would support expanding health savings accounts and five years, our national debt has ballooned from $17 trillion to nearly $23 allowing consumers to purchase health insurance across state lines, which trillion. Government does not have a revenue problem. It has a spending allows for competition that drives down prices, thus increasing access. problem. Annual deficits exceeding $1 trillion dollars have become De-coupling health insurance from employers, and allowing other entities the norm and are pushing us further and further into insolvency. It is to provide coverage would help end the common occurrence of losing crucial that our federal government live within its means in the confines your health insurance when you lose your job or voluntarily change jobs. of a balanced budget, just as required by cities, states, households, and Immigration: Every country must control its border to protect its businesses.

» Richard Herman (R) Background: I have a unique understanding of the discussed among politicians and congressmen with input from business demographic working needs of our North Texas District; owners and the people. I will push for reform! therefore, I will be an instrumental figure in the growth Immigration: I am proud to support President Trump and push for of our economy. I have not only been successful in reform throughout the current immigration system which includes business but received achieved many national accolades building the wall. This is a serious issue of crisis proportions that has of recognition. I was raised in our district, I reside in our district and been impacting our safety, our economy, education and quality of life am dedicated to supporting the push for economic growth throughout for many years. It is up to me to stand in the gate while addressing this North Texas. I have 35 years leading teams at times managing budgets issue head on, and rally the support needed to make the proper changes involving Hundreds of Millions and getting the job done. I am well necessary for a safer way of life. versed at the law having served as a Judge and keeping all the promises Other Issues: “When we empower our families, we empower Texas. made on the campaign trail. I will serve the people in our district well When we empower Texans, the opportunities are limitless.” It’s time and represent them well. to put families first again, and that starts by supporting measures that Healthcare: I believe that quality medical care, affordable deductibles, make raising children and healthcare for our seniors more affordable. and reasonable prescriptions are issues that affect everyone. This has As a husband, son and father, I believe in the importance of family and been increasingly affecting seniors, business owners, students, and creating better opportunities for our children and grandchildren. I know families alike because it’s simply not affordable. I believe that current that families are stronger when children go to good schools, parents Health Care Coverage should be overhauled to provide relief to the have well-paying jobs, and seniors have high quality health care. If we people, reform to the base structure and provide necessary recovery are truly going to restore our nation, then we must start by strengthening from the failed Affordable Care Act because it was not affordable, not families. I believe our nation must do more to support the family voluntary, and prejudicial to the welfare of businesses and individuals structure and help combat systemic barriers in society. alike. It is an issue that needs to be confronted head on, and heavily

» Ronny Jackson (R) No response received by print deadline

» Diane Knowlton (R) Background: I’m a 5th-generation resident of Clay County, and I on denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions. currently live in Henrietta where I work as an attorney. I have 25 years Immigration: Our immigration system is facing many threats and of experience in business and business law, working for many of the challenges. The most important improvements we need to make are: industries that make up our district’s vast economy, such as oil and (1) Continue building the wall at the border. Our border is our nation’s gas, ranching, government contracting, and banking. I also worked in first line of defense. A wall is the best way to deter illegal immigration Washington, DC for a few years--not on Capitol Hill, and never as a by preventing undetected border crossings. A wall will also make lobbyist--but as a consultant to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, our country safer, by preventing the crossing of known or suspected helping them make their administrative procedures more efficient. So criminals. (2) Improve systems for identifying, locating, and removing I understand how government works, and from my legal training, I visitors who have overstayed their visas. We still have several hundred understand the Constitution, legislation, and regulations. thousand people who have overstayed their visas in our country at any Healthcare: We can provide the best healthcare at the lowest cost to all one time. We must develop new systems that can comprehensively citizens by repealing Obamacare and allowing health insurance to be sold compare and match entry and exit records throughout the country. and purchased on the free market, which will lead to lower premiums Other Issues: Protect our Constitutional rights, including but not limited and improved quality of coverage. We must eliminate the Obamacare to our First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and freedom of “minimum essential coverage” requirements, so that health insurance religion, and our Second Amendment right to bear arms; (2) Continue customers have a choice of what kind of policy they want to purchase- with the goals and achievements of the Trump Administration, such as -ranging from full coverage to a “catastrophic” policy only. We should growth of the economy, tax reform, improved border security, and the enact legislation allowing for health insurance companies to sell policies defeat of terrorism; (3) reduce spending across the entire government across state lines, thus allowing for increased competition and more by requiring all agencies to conduct process improvement to make their choice. The only exception to the free market should be the prohibition procedures more efficient and less costly; (4) fight against the Socialist policies advocated by “progressive” Democrats.

» Matt McArthur (R) Background: I’ve worked in business, specifically oilfield abuse would also have major impacts. construction as a manager. I’ve learned how our energy Immigration: First of all we need the wall and to make sure we know industry runs as well as it’s importance to Texas. In Texas who’s coming into the country. I would support an Everify requirement alone three hundred thousand jobs exist because of oil and for employers as well as require prosecution of employers who break the gas and I’m the only candidate in this race with experience law. I’d also support legislation to add immigration judges to increase the in the field. I also oversaw large numbers of people and millions of number of deportations. I would like to support a guest worker program dollars of materials in a management capacity. I’ve also been a police but I would require that any workers being let in weren’t taking jobs officer. The purpose of the Congress is to write and pass laws, I’m the from Americans. only candidate in this race with actual experience enforcing laws. Other Issues: Supporting the president and making sure his agenda has Healthcare: I want to see health insurance sold across state lines. We an opportunity to succeed will be the major priority. Beyond that I think need more free market in the health care industry, competition is always fixing infrastructure, spending control, protecting the second amendment a good thing. Addressing the cost of medical school as well as civil suit and helping drain the swamp will also be major issues.

» Mark Neese (R) Background: For over 20 years, I have been finding ways who do not purchase their insurance through their job or from the to make life better for others. I learned this by watching government. my father serve in the Air Force and seeing my mother Immigration: To fix the immigration system I recommend: 1. Securing assisting in his absence. This led me to be commissioned as our boarders 2. Enforcing existing immigration policies or developing a Second Lieutenant in the Army by participating in ROTC new ones. 3. Increasing our court systems and boarder patrol to assist in at college where I also ran track and participated in student government. expediency. 4. Developing equitable ways to allow access to the United My majors in political science and psychology have given me the skills States in fair and balanced way. to understand systems and discover ways to work with others. I have Other Issues: I believe the most pressing issues include: 1. The served communities and families as a teacher, Counselor, Assistant dysfunctional partisan political system we currently have in D.C. Principal, and Principal. I have seen education assist in making life Congress needs to find ways to work together to assist our citizens. 2. better for individuals and communities. Both rural and urban areas are Roe-V-Wade I believe abortion is the slavery of our lifetime. Generations greatly improved as education is made a priority. will look back and wonder how we ever supported such evil actions. My Healthcare: For healthcare I support legislation which supports: wife is adopted and we are unaware of the circumstances of her birth. I The ability to keep your doctor if you like your doctor! The ability to will never support a policy where her existence and that of my son would maintain coverage for dependents until the age of 26. The ability for be discarded. 3. Financial Accountability Congress must address their individuals to have options of coverage without being forced to purchase own responsibility of balancing a budget. For these reasons, I stand for something. The ability for pre-existing conditions to be without being the FLAG: Faith Leadership Accountability Gratitude priced out of the market. The ability to promote tax credits for families

» Asusena Resendiz (R) No response received by print deadline

» Greg Sagan (D) Background: BA Political Science WTSU MBA When Donald Trump was inaugurated, immigration from Mexico had Organizational Behavior/Marketing UCCS ABD Industrial been declining, and actually showing a net OUT-migration, for ten years. Relations/Labor Economic/Statistics UT Austin Former The reason was mainly DACA, which finally created a viable middle LCDR USN/Vietnam vet Former US Navy delegate to class in Mexico. America depends on immigrants for skills American SEATO Former human performance consultant to nuclear utilities workers no longer possess and to contribute to federal revenue, Former consultant on leadership, teamwork and corporate culture to especially Medicare and Social Security, so we should welcome these Rocketdyne, New York Life, Bell Atlantic, Showtime Networks, EDS, immigrants and make it easier for them to become citizens. It’s also true HR Textron, Institute for Nuclear Power Operations, American Nuclear that most of the unwanted immigrants from other countries come in by Society, various divisions, of Singer et al 14 years writing weekly Op/Ed air, by sea or through Canada, and we need more powerful tools to stop for Amarillo Globe-News it. Healthcare: Universal, single-payer health care, commonly referred to Other Issues: Education – 1. Spend tax revenue on public schools only. as Medicare for All, or some similar approach is the only way to ensure 2. Upgrade schools and provide adequate materials for all students in adequate health care for all Americans. The University of Massachusetts- all grades. 3. Improve teacher pay. Energy – If it isn’t renewable then it Amherst published a study last year showing that the U.S. economy isn’t sustainable. Enlist energy producers to develop alternative energy would save $5 trillion in the first 10 years of Medicare for All. A study sources. Environment – Climate change is a real danger, not a hoax. The published last summer in JAMA showed that America spent $3.5 trillion current conservative/Republican opposition is false and disingenuous. on health care in 2017, of which between $500 billion and $900 billion Economy – Strengthen unions, increase federal minimum wage Money was wasted. Almost every argument supporting a national military, in politics – Overturn Citizens United; outlaw “vulture capitalism.” instead of a multitude of private militias, can be applied to universal, “Virginia School” of economics – Reverse America’s slide toward single-payer health care. plutocracy. Pension plans – Remove income limits for FICA; rescind the Immigration: If most illegal immigrants are coming over our southern tax bill of 2017; protect private pensions plans. border for economic reasons then the solution must also be economic.

» Vance Snider II (R) No response received by print deadline

» Gus Trujillo (D) Background: I was born and raised in Amarillo, TX where control the border, but this will only grow as time passes. Immigrants I’ve lived my entire life. I went to local public schools will continue coming to our borders to seek better opportunities or and then on to Amarillo College and West Texas A&M to flee a dangerous country. Rather than treating the symptoms of University. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration mass immigration we should attempt to heal the source. It would (B.B.A.) Degree in Management with a minor in Political Science. In be more effective to utilize Foreign Policy and invest in Central & 2013 I was awarded the DC Internship Scholarship at WTAMU which South American countries in order to improve their overall economic allowed me to become a Congressional Intern for Representative Mac conditions. The improved conditions would avert the mass migration Thornberry (TX-13) at the Capitol in Washington, DC. As an intern I that we’re experiencing today. A good example of this is the decreased learned how a congressional office worked for our district. Some of the immigration rate from Mexico to the U.S. as Mexico’s economy duties I completed were researching policy and legislation, attending continues to improve. committee hearings and briefings, preparing reports and assisting the Other Issues: The shrinkage of the middle class will be the main issue. legislative staff. The middle class continues to shrink because wages have not kept up Healthcare: I would support legislation that allows the people a choice with inflation, retirement/pensions are disappearing, opportunities for to either keep their existing corporate provided healthcare plan or to enter young people to earn more & save for the future are harder to come by, into a public option that is affordable and provides quality coverage.A and healthcare costs are rising. I know that after addressing these issues medicare for all plan should not be imposed onto those who don’t wish we can bring back the growth and strength of the middle class which is to accept it. The freedom to choose a private or public option should be what built this great country. For a democracy to work effectively we left up to the people and not the government. In addition to this I would must guarantee that opportunity and fairness are available for everyone support legislation that allows for pharmaceutical drug prices to be and not just a lucky few. This does not mean providing handouts to all completely negotiable as they are currently ridiculously overpriced. indefinitely, rather it means that everyone should have a fair shot at Immigration: The system we have in place to process immigrants is in improving their financial situations. dire need of improvement. Our government may allocate more funds to

» Josh Winegarner (R) Background: Born and raised in this district, I learned at we need to build the wall and outlaw Sanctuary Cities. National security an early age the value of hard work, determination, and an starts with strong border security. Until our border is strong our families entrepreneurial spirit. For the last 14 years, I have worked won’t be safe from crime, drugs and human trafficking. I support using for Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) defending every tool at our disposal to make our border secure and safe, including: and protecting farmers, ranchers and other agricultural • Walls • Stopping Sanctuary Cities • Other physical barriers • Increased producers from environmental and animal rights activists. As a family funding for our border patrol officers • Drones & other technological man of deep Christian faith, I will protect the precious gift of life and force multipliers We must also reform our legal immigration system by defend those who cannot defend themselves. I will stand with President requiring more intensive background checks and a way to monitor who is Trump to protect our constitutional rights, secure our borders, and defend in our country to prevent people from overstaying their visas. our country from the socialist agenda. I am proud to be endorsed in this Other Issues: I believe the far-left will continue to push socialist election by the Texas Farm Bureau and nearly every major agriculture policies, and I will oppose them. I’m 100% pro-life and will continue to organization in the state. defend those who cannot defend themselves. I’m a proud member of the Healthcare: We must work to lower the cost of care, support the right NRA and will vigorously defend the 2nd Amendment. I will continue of patients to choose their own doctor, and keep rural hospitals from to fight tax increases and onerous regulations, and I will stand up to the closing down. To start addressing these needs, I will vote to repeal and coastal elites who want to dictate our agriculture and energy production replace Obamacare once and for all. I will also vote to replace Medicaid practices through environmental policies like the Green New Deal. I expansion with a block grant so that the states can adopt their own health support President Trump’s trade deals, like the USMCA, which protect care plans without interference from the socialists and coastal elites in American interests through free and fair trade. I pledge to be a strong Washington. I will also support legislation to bring an end to surprise defender of Sheppard Air Force Base and our military and will work to medical billing, especially emergency care. ensure that veterans receive the care they deserve. Immigration: I will stand with President Trump and Governor Abbott:

» Monique Worthy (R) Background: The Constitution and the adherence there-of, options to choose from. Because choice and freedom of choice is how the fact that even as an everyday citizen, who just wants you address access to and the cost of healthcare in a very meaningful to live their life without interference from the government way. or those in government who think they may know more Immigration: Place a moratorium on immigration until we can improve about me and the way I should live my life and like those the immigration system and get those who are here illegally OUT. Until from our founding, who weren’t all business owners, college graduates, we can know for sure that those who are coming here, do not plan on people with noble titles, millionaires, or people who may have served in being wards of the state or to do us any harm. Until we can perfect our the military, and probably wouldn’t “qualify” for this position today as immigration laws, customs and regulations there should be no more the elites would call qualifications, I too feel the need to bring regular immigration. everyday people into the decision making positions that so many in the Other Issues: The Debt. If we clear the federal government of issues that days of our founding felt the need to do. And as such, I have the perfect is none of it’s business we could eliminate alot of debt. Some of those background to be qualified. issues include, so called “studies”, welfare, infrastructure, education, Healthcare: Ending the feds stranglehold on healthcare and healthcare healthcare, etc. These are our principal drivers of debt. All of those are innovation. Getting the feds completely OUT of healthcare. Sending issues that need to be at the state level. Period. healthcare back to the states where it belongs. Let the 50 states decide what kind of healthcare system they’d like to provide their citizens. Giving citizens the right to mobility and choice. To have 50 different

» QUESTION TO CANDIDATE Even though your race is not contested, please share your priorities for the next term and how you will address them

» James Frank (R) Unopposed 1) Reducing Health Care Costs- the state can help reduce 3) Guardrails on Government - ensuring that laws are in place to health care costs with smart and efficient Medicaid restrain behavior of governments at local and state levels so that basic operations as well as consumer friendly medical billing constitutional freedoms are not impinged and services are provided and pricing requirements to bring down costs for everyone. efficiently. 2) CPS Reform - though CPS continues to improve, we’ll still be 4) Local Issues - rural job creation and protecting Sheppard AFB monitoring implementation of community based care as well as improving prevention services and the removals process to keep more kids with their families and out of foster care.

WICHITA COUNTY DISTRICT JUDGE, 78TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

» QUESTION TO CANDIDATE Even though your race is not contested, please share your priorities for the next term and how you will address them

» Meredith Kennedy (R) Unopposed My plan is to continue to move cases through the 78th District Court in years. I enjoy being in the courtroom and have a very strong work ethic. a timely and efficient manner. I have already established an uncontested Even though I have moved from being the trial lawyer to the judge, I still docket which will allow attorneys and self-represented litigants to set want to be in the courtroom as much as possible and that is so important uncontested matters quickly. In addition, I will be working diligently to ensure that all parties have their day in court. to ensure cases reach the trial docket. I have been a trial lawyer for 23

WICHITA COUNTY DISTRICT JUDGE, 89TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

» QUESTION TO CANDIDATE Even though your race is not contested, please share your priorities for the next term and how you will address them

» Charlie Barnard (R) Unopposed I intend to continue to push hard to try as many cases as possible if courtroom with respect,and move as many cases as possible. there are no plea bargains. I will continue to work hard, treat all in my

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Annie Dunkelberg Lynette Schillo Annie Dunkelberg Lynette Schillo gratefully acknowledges major contributions in the past year from: »gratefully QUESTION acknowledges TO CANDIDATE major contributions in the past year from: Roxanne Elder Marguerite “Meg” Scott-Johnson Roxanne Elder Marguerite “Meg” Scott-Johnson EvenDEFENDING though your race is not contested, DEMOCRACY please share your priorities for the nextDEFENDING term and how you will address them DEMOCRACY E.W.Dawn Branch Ellison BarbaraDiane Sheridan Hotinski »WhoE.W.Dawn TEXAS elseBranch Ellison but LOCAL the LWV LEAGUES is a nonpartisan,BarbaraDiane political Sheridan Hotinski organization and »Who TEXAS else but LOCAL the LWV LEAGUES is a nonpartisan, political organization and JackMiriam E. Blake, Foshay Jr. TerriDiana Hudler-Hull Tomchick »oneAmarilloJackMiriam Mark of E. 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Houston Area Tyler/Smith County Brazoriaracy work! Houston Area Tyler/Smith County LindaJudy Hollinger Brock Dorothy Marchand LindaJudyWICHITA Hollinger Brock COUNTYDorothy Marchand COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT 3 Cy-FairLearn more about ourIrving thirty-three local TexasVictoria Leagues and how Cy-FairLearn more about ourIrving thirty-three local TexasVictoria Leagues and how Keith Burgess and Freda Ballas Aileen Jacinta McMurrer CollinKeith County Burgess and FredaLake Ballas Houston Aileen JacintaWaco McMurrer Area Collin County Lake Houston Waco Area Special thanks to Margaret “Peg” Hill, PhD, for her generous sup- theySpecial help thanks shape totoday’s Margaret important “Peg” Hill,issues PhD, by visiting for her the generous League’s sup- they help shape today’s important issues by visiting the League’s Grace Chimene John Nolan »ComalGrace QUESTION Area Chimene TO CANDIDATELavaca CountyJohn NolanWichita Falls Comal Area Lavaca County Wichita Falls port of the  Voters Guides. 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County please shareWilliamson your priorities County for the nextCookewebsite term Countyand at www.lwvtexas.orghow you will addressLubbock. them County Williamson County Laura Churchill Carol Olewin Laura Churchill Carol Olewin Corpus Christi Marshall/Harrison Corpus Christi Marshall/Harrison Ruth Davis Jane Pak DallasRuth Davis County Jane Pak Dallas County » Barry Mahler (R) Unopposed No response received by print deadline Mary Decker Charitable Trust Nancy Parra DentonMary Decker CharitableMidland Trust Nancy Parra Denton Midland Annie Dunkelberg Lynette Schillo Annie Dunkelberg Lynette Schillo Roxanne Elder Marguerite “Meg” Scott-Johnson Roxanne Elder Marguerite “Meg” Scott-Johnson Dawn Ellison Diane Sheridan »Dawn TEXASHOW Ellison LOCAL TO USE LEAGUES THISDiane VOTERS Sheridan GUIDE » TEXAS LOCAL LEAGUESDATES The law permits voters to take aids such as this Voters Guide (but not a Miriam Foshay Diana Tomchick AmarilloMiriam Foshay El Paso Diana TomchickMontgomery County FirstAmarillo Day of Early Voting...... El Paso Tuesday,Montgomery February County 18, 2020 cell phone) into the voting booth. You may feel free to do so, as it is a Austin Area Fort Bend County Richardson LastAustin Day Area of Early Voting...... Fort Bend County FridayRichardson February 28, 2020 Ruth Ann Geer Elaine Wiant non-partisanRuth Ann Geer reference to support the intelligentElaine Wiant and informed exercise of »Bay LEAGUE Area OF WOMENGrayson VOTERS County Rio Grande Valley Last»Bay LEAGUE AreaDay to Apply OF for WOMENBallotGrayson by Mail VOTERS ...... County Friday,Rio Grande February Valley 21, 2020 Daniel Herron Nancy Wilson BeaumontaDaniel Constitutional Herron right—theHays right County to vote.Nancy WilsonSan Antonio Area Beaumont Hays County San Antonio Area OF TEXAS VOTERS GUIDE LastOF Day TEXAS for County VOTERS to Receive Ballot GUIDE by Mail...... Tuesday, March 3, 2020, 7 p.m Darlene Hicks Laura Yeager BellDarlene County Hicks Hill Country Laura YeagerTarrant County Bell County Hill Country Tarrant County Voters Guide Coordinator: Carol Olewin Voters Guide Coordinator: Carol Olewin Judy Hollinger BrazoriaJudy Hollinger Houston Area Tyler/Smith County Brazoria Houston Area Tyler/Smith County »Cy-Fair LWV VISION STATEMENTIrving Victoria »Cy-Fair LWV VISION STATEMENTIrving Victoria CollinACCESS County THE INTERACTIVELake Houston VOTERSWaco Area GUIDE CollinTo County view this VotersLake HoustonGuide online orWaco get Area the PDF, Special thanks to Margaret “Peg” Hill, PhD, for her generous sup- AnWeSpecial envisioninteractive thanks a democracy version to Margaret of where this every Voters“Peg” person Hill,Guide hasPhD, is the available fordesire, her the onlinegenerous right, at the www. sup- knowl- We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowl- edgeComal and Area the confi dence to participate.Lavaca County Wichita Falls edgeComal and Area the confi visitdence to www.lwvwichitafalls.org participate.Lavaca County Wichita Falls port of the  Voters Guides. VOTE411.orgCookeport of County the . Enter Voters your LubbockGuide addresss. County and zip code andWilliamson view the races County and Cooke County Lubbock County Williamson County candidatesCorpus Christi that appear on Marshall/Harrisonyour ballot. You will be able to compare the Corpus Christiand click the Marshall/HarrisonVoter Guide Download button candidates’Dallas responses to theCounty questions side-by-side and create a printout Dallas County 24 VOTERS GUIDE | 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION EDITION ofDenton a ballot that24 VOTERSyou© can 2020 take GUIDEMidlandLeague to the of | polls. Women 2020 PRIMARY Voters of TexasELECTION | lwvtexas.org EDITION Denton © 2020 MidlandLeague of Women Voters of Texas | lwvtexas.org

» LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS » LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF TEXAS VOTERS GUIDE OF TEXAS VOTERS GUIDE Voters Guide Coordinator: Carol Olewin Voters Guide Coordinator: Carol Olewin » LWV VISION STATEMENT » LWV VISION STATEMENT We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowl- We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confi dence to participate. edge and the confi dence to participate.

24 VOTERS GUIDE | 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION EDITION 24 VOTERS© 2020 GUIDELeague of | Women 2020 PRIMARY Voters of TexasELECTION | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020 League of Women Voters of Texas | lwvtexas.org JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 1, PLACE 1

» QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES Qualifications: What are your qualifications for office (including your duties of the Justice of the Peace? occupation, education, training and experience? Most Significant: Of all the various duties of the Justice of the Peace Duties: What do you think that the community should know about the office, which do you consider to be most significant?

» James Hughes (R) Qualifications: I was born and raised in Wichita Falls. I graduated from Justice of the Peace Office are truancy hearings, animal cruelty, juvenile MSU with a degree in Criminal Justice. I worked for the Wichita County pleas, emergency protective orders, occupational driver’s license, Juvenile Probation Department for ten years as a Juvenile Probation evictions, debt claims, small claims, and weddings to name a few. The Officer. I currently work in the Justice of the Peace office and have for the JP Office prides itself on assisting the community on important everyday past eight years as the Wichita County Truancy Case Manager. Working issues in a timely manner. with parents, teachers, counselors, and Principals helping students stay Most Significant: Of all the duties that the Justice of the Peace Office in school as they work to earn their diploma. The past eight years have handles, I believe our Truancy Program is the most significant. Working served as direct on the job training. Working in this capacity has allowed hand me to work alongside Judges, Clerks, School Districts, and the Public. in hand with parents, teachers, counselors, social workers, and Principals My experience of working in the Justice of the Peace office sets me apart to ensure every child has the opportunity at success and graduation. from my opponents. Some of the services offered to help assist families are counseling Duties: The Justice of the Peace can assist the public in filing civil paper programs, community service, tutorial classes, makeup work, helping work. The Justice of the Peace Court is a “common mans” court. The students get involved in extra-curricular activities at school, and referring Justice of the Peace Court is a place where the everyday average citizen students to the Community In School Program. Helping these students can file their civil case to be heard by a Judge. It is not a requirement for to earn their diploma is a vital step in a successful future for them, their you to have an attorney present to file paperwork, because that service family, and our community. is offered by the Justice of the Peace office. Other duties tasked to the

» Annetta Pope (R) Qualifications: I graduated from Rider high school in 1985 and later Class C misdemeanor cases punishable by fines are heard in the justice that year joined the USAF. I am a military veteran with over 23 years of court. Furthermore, the community should know that all parties involved military training and experience. Earned a bachelor’s degree from MSU will receive unbiased judgement in all cases. In addition, making sure as a Cum Laude graduate and Master’s degree in Human Relations from the people understand what the justice of the peace court does is very the University of Oklahoma with a 4.0 GPA. Elected as a City Councilor important, since it is the people’s court. in Wichita Falls May 2011 until May 2015; made sound and deliberate Most Significant: I think all duties are significant; however, the cases decisions for the citizens during the worst drought to date. I interned with before me that day will be the most important. I will make sure all the Municipal judge working daily in the justice system. I also observed individuals’ constitutional rights are upheld. As justice of the peace, 3 of the 5 justice of the peace judges over the past year. I am a substitute making sure citizens that do not know the law but have a dispute with teacher for WFISD and sit on the University Kiwanis Club Board, which someone can have their case heard before the justice court which is gives back to the children in our community. not complicated or complex as in higher courts, but still significant. I Duties: The community should know that the Justice of the Peace court will administer each case without fear or favor and treat everyone with is a court that they can use to help them in small claims and present their dignity and respect. I will ensure appropriate judgement is rendered in case before a judge. The justice court handles a wide range of duties, all cases with impartiality and fairness. My final thought of significance; which are aimed to handle some of the most basic level of criminal Psalms 106:3 Blessed are they that keep judgement, and he that doeth justice cases. Landlord/tenant disputes are heard in this court, which righteousness at all time. is the only court that has jurisdiction over evictions. Traffic and other

» Joseph Robeson (R) No response received by print deadline

» QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES Qualification: What are your qualifications for office (including your Most Significant: Of all the various duties of the Justice of the Peace occupation, education, training and experience? office, which do you consider to be most significant? Duties: What do you think that the community should know about the duties of the Justice of the Peace?

» Chris Craig (R) Qualifications: I have over 30 years continuous law on average, 3000 civil papers a year. The fees generated from these enforcement experience, 20 years of that has been with the civil papers cover the operating budget, and on a three-year average has Constable’s Office, 10 of which I have been chief deputy gained Wichita County $100,000.00 per year. I am committed to do our constable. I not only hold the Master Peace Officer License part, if elected, to keep taxes low by working to increase the surplus of but also the Texas Civil Process Proficiency License, a license issued fees our office generates and puts into the general fund. only to experts in civil process. Of the 79,580 active peace officers in Most Significant: A: Of all the duties the Constable’s Office has, I Texas, less than 5% hold this license. I also hold a Court Security Officer believe the most important is protection of life and property. The security Certificate which is required for all Texas bailiffs. of the Justice of the Peace Courts is of utmost importance and, if elected, Duties: The Constable’s Office is the chief process server and bailiff the constable or a deputy will be available any time the courts notify the for the Justice of the Peace Court. We serve civil papers such as child office. When doing evictions, maintaining the peace is critical as we want support, protective orders, and warrants. We also handle evictions and to restore the owner’s rights to their property safely and without damage. provide support for other law enforcement officers. The Constable serves,

» Mike Little (R) Qualifications: **Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice for property seized under such actions. Our Constable’s office is in from Midwestern State University **US Airforce Veteran critical need of leadership and has many ongoing issues that require **20 years of experience in Law Enforcement including an experienced leader. I have over 40 years of experience as a Law Wichita Falls Police Department Officer **2000+ hours Enforcement Officer and Judicial Officer as well as thousands of hours of police training **Experience in patrol, traffic accident investigation of civil and criminal law training. I have the knowledge, experience and and reconstruction, hit and run, crime prevention, and training **DARE leadership abilities necessary to be your next Wichita County Constable. Officer and Licensed Police Instructor for the WFPD and Vernon College Most Significant: The most significant duty of the Constable is to serve Police Academies **Master Peace Officer Certification and hold a and protect the people of our community. The Constable, as a Law current Texas Peace Officer license **Justice of the Peace for 25 years Enforcement Officer, has a duty and responsibility to provide security overseeing the enforcement of civil orders and writs **Implemented the and protection to the people we serve. The Constable is a vital link in the Truancy Intervention Program responsible for keeping kids in school Civil Justice System and is responsible for serving and enforcing civil **Established the Wichita County Teen Court Program. documents to citizens involved in the Texas Civil Justice System. The Duties: The Constable serves a vital role in our community as a Law Constable also has a significant duty to enforce the criminal laws of the Enforcement Officer by protecting the public and keeping the peace.The State of Texas. The position of Constable requires a time-tested leader, Constable is the Chief Process Server of the Justice of the Peace Court, who has the experience, education and proven leadership necessary to serves a variety of judicial processes and notices, and is responsible make the right decisions for the future of Wichita County.

WICHITA COUNTY CONSTABLE, PRECINCT 2

» QUESTION TO CANDIDATE Even though your race is not contested, please share your priorities for the next term and how you will address them

» Jared Burchett (R) Unopposed No response received by print deadline

» QUESTION TO CANDIDATE Even though your race is not contested, please share your priorities for the next term and how you will address them » David Blackerby (R) This office will continue to process the papers received from will also process the delinquent tax statements as quickly as possible. the District Clerk, area Justices of the Peace and the Attorney This office will also provide assistance to the local, county and state law General Office. This office will continue to serve the small enforcement agencies when requested. This office is running smooth and claims debts and subpoenas filed from attorneys and JP’s. It will continue to do so. WICHITA COUNTY CONSTABLE, PRECINCT 4

» QUESTION TO CANDIDATE Even though your race is not contested, please share your priorities for the next term and how you will address them

» James Gowen (R) No response received by print deadline WICHITA COUNTY SHERIFF

» QUESTION TO CANDIDATE Even though your race is not contested, please share your priorities for the next term and how you will address them

» David Duke (R) I am Blessed and Honored to be the Wichita County Sheriff Agency. Protecting our citizens from Narcotics, Robberies, Burglaries, and serve All the Communities in Our County. My priorities Thefts, Crimes against children and Violent Crimes committed by are to Continue to serve our County as a Non-Partisan persons who have no regard of life will be a continual Top Priority. With Sheriff’s Office that will help any resident or person within the opening of the new Jail, Operating and properly staffing the Facility our jurisdiction. This Sheriff’s Office will continue to serve will be the Top priority for the Staff and Inmates to reduce the liability of with Integrity as a Professional, Transparent Proactive Law Enforcement tax dollars.

» VOTERSLWV 100 GUIDETH ANNIVERSARY SUPPORTERS » VOTERS GUIDECENSUS SUPPORTERS

The 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote, was sent to the WHAT IT IS: The U.S. Census is required under the U.S. Constitution to LWV Texas Voters Guides are funded by the League of Women LWV Texas Voters Guides are funded by the League of Women States in June, 1919, and Texas ratified the Amendment later that month. occur every 10 years. It is the process of counting every resident in the TheVoters League of Texas, of Women a (c)() Voters corporation of Texas was that founded is supported on October by contribu- 19, 1919. country.Voters of This Texas, year, a the(c)() Census corporation will be primarily that is digitallysupported based. by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. LWV Texas EMPOWERINGtions from individuals, corporations, andVOTERS. foundations. LWV Texas EMPOWERING VOTERS. Four months later Carrie Chapman Catt founded the United States League WHY IT IS IMPORTANT: The Census numbers are used to make gratefully acknowledges major contributions in the past year from: importantgratefully decisions acknowledges about majorpolitical contributions representation, in education,the past year healthcare, from: on February 14, 1920. DEFENDING DEMOCRACY DEFENDING DEMOCRACY and infrastructure. As populations grow and shift, it is important to get an E.W. Branch Barbara Hotinski WhoaccurateE.W. else Branch andbut completethe LWV count is a nonpartisan, of every Barbaraperson. political Hotinski organization and Who else but the LWV is a nonpartisan, political organization and It was not until August 18, 1920, that the 36th State, Tennessee, ratified the Jack E. Blake, Jr. Terri Hudler-Hull oneJack of E. America’s Blake, Jr. most trusted grassrootsTerri organizations? Hudler-Hull Th e LWV one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations? Th e LWV Amendment which was signed into law on August 26, 1920. WHO USES THE DATA: Local governments (for safety and emergency Connie Born Kathleen Irvin . . .Connie encouraging Born active participation inKathleen government Irvin . . . working to . . . encouraging active participation in government . . . working to preparedness), Businesses (to decide where to locate factories, offices, LeaguesElaine Bridges across the country will celebrateJohn a Day Jaggers of Action on February 14, increasestores,Elaine etc.),Bridges understanding Real estate developersof major public (toJohn build policy Jaggers new issues homes . . . and infl revitalize uencing increase understanding of major public policy issues . . . infl uencing th 2020,Amber in Brigglehonor of the 100 Anniversary.Julie Lowenberg publicoldAmber neighborhoods), policy Briggle through and education Residents and (to Julie advocacysupport Lowenberg community . . . making initiatives democ- public policy through education and advocacy . . . making democ- racyinvolving work! legislation, quality-of-life, and consumer advocacy). racy work! Linda Brock Dorothy Marchand Linda Brock Dorothy Marchand Learn more about our thirty-three local Texas Leagues and how Learn more about our thirty-three local Texas Leagues and how Keith Burgess and Freda Ballas Aileen Jacinta McMurrer Keith Burgess and Freda Ballas Aileen Jacinta McMurrer they help shape today’s important issues by visiting the League’s they help shape today’s important issues by visiting the League’s Grace Chimene ©2020 League ofJohn Women Nolan Voters of Texas lwvtexas.org Grace Chimene VOTERS GUIDE John 2020 Nolan PRIMARY ELECTION EDITION 12 | website at www.lwvtexas.org. | website at www.lwvtexas.org. Laura Churchill Carol Olewin Laura Churchill Carol Olewin Ruth Davis Jane Pak Ruth Davis Jane Pak Mary Decker Charitable Trust Nancy Parra Mary Decker Charitable Trust Nancy Parra Annie Dunkelberg Lynette Schillo Annie Dunkelberg Lynette Schillo Roxanne Elder Marguerite “Meg” Scott-Johnson Roxanne Elder Marguerite “Meg” Scott-Johnson Dawn Ellison Diane Sheridan »Dawn TEXAS Ellison LOCAL LEAGUES Diane Sheridan » TEXAS LOCAL LEAGUES Miriam Foshay Diana Tomchick AmarilloMiriam Foshay El Paso Diana TomchickMontgomery County Amarillo El Paso Montgomery County Ruth Ann Geer Elaine Wiant AustinRuth AreaAnn Geer Fort Bend CountyElaine WiantRichardson Austin Area Fort Bend County Richardson Bay Area Grayson County Rio Grande Valley Bay Area Grayson County Rio Grande Valley Daniel Herron Nancy Wilson BeaumontDaniel Herron Hays County Nancy WilsonSan Antonio Area Beaumont Hays County San Antonio Area Darlene Hicks Laura Yeager BellDarlene County Hicks Hill Country Laura YeagerTarrant County Bell County Hill Country Tarrant County Judy Hollinger BrazoriaJudy Hollinger Houston Area Tyler/Smith County Brazoria Houston Area Tyler/Smith County Cy-Fair Irving Victoria Cy-Fair Irving Victoria Collin County Lake Houston Waco Area Collin County Lake Houston Waco Area Special thanks to Margaret “Peg” Hill, PhD, for her generous sup- Special thanks to Margaret “Peg” Hill, PhD, for her generous sup- Comal Area Lavaca County Wichita Falls Comal Area Lavaca County Wichita Falls port of the  Voters Guides. Cookeport ofCounty the  Voters LubbockGuides. County Williamson County Cooke County Lubbock County Williamson County Corpus Christi Marshall/Harrison Corpus Christi Marshall/Harrison Dallas County Dallas County Denton Midland Denton Midland

24 VOTERS GUIDE | 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION EDITION 24 VOTERS© 2020 LeagueGUIDE of | Women 2020 PRIMARY Voters of Texas ELECTION | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020 League of Women Voters of Texas | lwvtexas.org VOTERS GUIDE PRIMARY ELECTION » MARCH 3, 2020

U.S. President » U.S. Senator » Railroad Commissioner » Texas Supreme Court » Texas Court of Criminal Appeals » State Board of Education » Court of Appeals

EARLY VOTING: Feb. 18–Feb. 28, 2020 » ELECTION DAY: Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., March 3, 2020

» ABOUT THIS VOTERS GUIDE » EMPOWERING VOTERS. Th is Voters Guide is funded and published by the League of Women Voters of Texas. Th e League never supports or opposes candidates for offi ce or political DEFENDING DEMOCRACY. parties. For one hundred years, the League has been helping voters cast an informed vote when they go to the polls. » VOTING IN TEXAS PRIMARIES » ONLINE VOTERS GUIDE Th e upcoming Texas primary is an extremely important election in Texas! Voters in the Texas primaries and conventions choose who will run for offi ce For additional information on candidates for President, U.S. House of Repre- in the General Election. For many communities in Texas, their elected offi cials sentatives, Texas House of Representatives, and Texas Court of Appeals, go to are chosen in the primary election because many districts heavily favor one party VOTE.org. In communities where there is a League of Women Voters, volun- over the other. teers work to provide additional information on local elections. Th e Republican and Democratic Parties choose their candidates in a primary election. Th e Libertarian and Green Parties choose their candidates in party conventions. Texas has open primaries. Th at means that ALL Texas voters can participate in one of these events. Voters who don’t strongly identify with any political party can and should carefully consider the choices and participate in one of the primaries or conventions. But you can only participate in one. Once a voter has voted in one party, that voter cannot participate in another party’s primary election or convention. Th e League encourages all registered voters to participate in the Texas Pri- mary Election and vote for the best candidates. Don’t forget, voting in a primary does not commit you to vote for a particular candidate in the general election. » SIGN UP FOR VOTING REMINDERS! BE A TEXAS VOTER! Text LWVTX to  to receive voting reminders on your phone. https://my.lwv.org/texas/get-voting-reminders » VOTERS GUIDE CONTENTS U.S. President 3 Judges of the Court of Appeals of U.S. Senator 3 Texas 21 » SUPPORT THE VOTERS GUIDE Railroad Commissioner 8 Th e  Census and Voting for Judges in Texas 9 Redistricting 22 Support the Voters Guide with a contribution to the League of Women Voters of Justices of the Supreme Court of Provisional Voting 23 Texas,  Guadalupe #, Austin, TX , or make a secure donation online Texas 10 Registering to Vote 23 at www.lwvtexas.org. Judges of the Court of Criminal Student Voters 23 Appeals of Texas 13 Voter Identifi cation 23 DONATE Vote by Mail 15 Where and When to Vote 23 State Board of Education 16 Sponsors 24

©2020© 2020League League of Women of Women Voters Voters of Texas of Texas | lwvtexas.org | lwvtexas.org VOTERSVOTERS GUIDE GUIDE | | 2020 2020 PRIMARY PRIMARY ELECTIONELECTION EDITION EDITION 131 » HELPFUL CONTACTS AND WEBSITES League of Women Voters of Texas » VOTER ID: WHAT TO lwvtexas.org VOTE411.org TAKE TO THE POLLS Th e League’s online Voters Guide Secretary of State Bring your ID to Vote Texas! VoteTexas.gov All citizens wishing to vote must be on the offi cial list of registered voters. Voters may use one of seven () forms of photo ID, listed below. IDs may be expired up Election Protection Voter Hotline! to four years. Persons seventy years of age or older may use an expired ID. ID • -OUR-VOTE English address does not have to match the voter registration address. • -Ve-Y-Vota Spanish • -API-VOTE English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Bengali, • Texas driver license Urdu, Hindi, and Tagalog • Texas Election Identifi cation Certifi cate (EIC) Republican Party Democratic Party • Texas Personal Identifi cation Card issued by the Department of Public texasgop.org txdemocrats.org Safety (DPS) • Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS Libertarian Party Green Party • US military identifi cation card containing the person’s photograph lptexas.org txgreens.org • US citizenship certifi cate containing the person’s photograph » LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF TEXAS • US passport (book or card) • Th e League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for offi ce Registered voters without photo ID, who cannot reasonably obtain one, may sign or political parties. a form and present the original or a copy of one of the following documents with • Any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or lit- the voters name and address to vote a regular ballot: erature has not been authorized by the League. • Texas voter registration card • Th e LWV Texas Voters Guide is nonpartisan, fair, and balanced. • You may print the Voters Guide to bring into the voting booth! • Certifi ed birth certifi cate • Mobile electronic devices are prohibited in the voting booth, so be sure to • Current utility bill bring what you need on paper, not on your phone. • Bank statement • An interactive version of this Voters Guide is available online at VOTE.org. • Government check Enter your address and zip code and view the races and candidates that appear • Paycheck on your ballot. You will be able to compare the candidates’ responses to the • Any other government document such as an out of state driver license or questions and create a printout of a ballot that you can take to the polls. expired Texas driver license » LWV TEXAS VOTERS GUIDE POLICY Th e form is called “Voter’s Declaration of Reasonable Impediment or Diffi culty.” • Candidate replies are printed without editing or verifi cation. Th e voter must mark on the form one of the following reasons for not providing a photo ID. • References to opponents or specifi c persons are not allowed. • In place of the inappropriate response, the guide will state, “Candidate’s re- • Lack of transportation sponse did not meet the criteria listed in this Voters Guide.” • Disability or illness • Videos that do not comply are removed. • Lack of birth certifi cate or other documents needed to obtain an acceptable • Candidates are listed alphabetically by party. form of photo ID • Th is Voters Guide is organized by offi ce. • Work schedule • Th e names of unopposed candidates are also listed. • Family responsibilities • Questionnaires are sent to all candidates unless they are unopposed. • Candidates with no photo did not submit a photo by the print deadline • Lost or stolen identifi cation • Candidates who do not respond to our questionnaire by the print deadline • Acceptable form of photo ID applied for but not received are listed with the notation, “No response received.” Th eir information may or “Substantially similar name” may not be in VOTE.org. • Ballot order at the polls will vary from county to county. Th e name on the photo ID should match the voter registration card or be “substantially similar.” If the names don’t match exactly but are substantially similar, the voter will initial a box for similar name when signing in to vote. Voter harassment

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142 VOTERS ©2020 GUIDE League |of 2020 Women PRIMARY Voters of ELECTION Texas | lwvtexas.org EDITION VOTERS GUIDE | 2020 PRIMARY ELECTION EDITION The following candidates qualiﬁ ed for the Texas ballot according to the Secretary of U.S. PRESIDENT State and will appear on the Republican and Democratic ballots.

» REPUBLICAN PARTY » DEMOCRATIC PARTY » Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente (R) » Michael Bennet (D) » Amy Klobuchar (D) » Zoltan G. Istvan (R) » Joseph R. Biden (D) » Deval Patrick (D) » Matthew John Matern (R) » Michael R. Bloomberg (D) » Bernie Sanders (D) » Bob Ely (R) » Cory Booker (D) » Tom Steyer (D) » Donald J. Trump (R) » Pete Buttigieg (D) » Elizabeth Warren (D) » Joe Walsh (R) » Julián Castro (D) » Robby Wells (D) » Bill Weld (R) » John K. Delaney (D) » Marianne Williamson (D) » Tulsi Gabbard (D) » Andrew Yang (D)

For additional information on presidential candidates, go to VOTE411.org.

Six-year term. One of two members of the U.S. Senate from Texas. The Senate has the exclusive power to advise and consent on presidential nominations to executive and judicial ofﬁ ces, to ratify U.S. treaties, and to try impeachments. With the U.S. House, the Senate U.S. SENATOR adopts budgets, levies taxes, borrows money, regulates interstate commerce, provides services, adopts regulations, and declares war. Current annual salary: $174,000

» QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES Background: What training, experience, and background qualify you for this Gun Violence: What are your recommendations to curb gun violence in our position? country? Immigration: What are your recommendations to improve the immigration Other Issues: What other issues do you believe will be most pressing in the system? next session of Congress, and what are your positions on these issues? Health Care: What legislation would you support to address access to and cost of healthcare?

» Virgil Bierschwale (R) Gun Violence: Hold people accountable for what they did Try them by a jury, and if found guilty, carry out the sentence. Background: I’ve been studying the eff ects of Free Trade Other Issues: we need jobs for our citizens so that they can provide for their Agreements and the tidal wave of non-immigrant guest work- families. Th e top  job groups if we compare  against  are nurses aides, ers since it fi rst happened to me in  and I can show you food service, and truck driving. Can you build a better future for your family if why our homeless population is increasing and all of the holes those are the only jobs you can fi nd? in the employment/unemployment propaganda which will have an impact on your business or organization. Education:  years Military Technical Schools Licensed Realtor Immigration: In  we had , legal immigrants. During that same year Campaign Website: http://bierschwaleforussenate.com/ we issued ,, non-immigrant visas to take the jobs that your family needs Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Virgil-Bierschwale-for-US-Senate to provide for themselves. We need legal immigrants who come to America and -/?modal=admin_todo_tour make America better for everybody, not just themselves. Illegal immigration is il- Twitter: twitter.com/VBierschwale legal, and that is all that needs to be said about that. Video: https://youtu.be/fXFdnbZPBDQ Health Care: I believe health care will resolve itself if we take the “Profi t” out of it and make it available to everybody

» John Anthony Castro (R) Gun Violence: Guns are not the problem. More than % of all school shooting can be traced back to anti-depressants. Do the research yourself. Th e solution is Background: My current net worth is in the mid-$ million plain and simple: if you’re prescribed anti-depressants, you’re not permitted to be range. I am an OPM Fellow at Harvard Business School, and I in the same home as someone who owns or possesses a fi rearm. Th is would have earned two law degrees: a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation prevented % of school shootings in the past  years. with Certifi cation in International Tax from Georgetown Uni- Other Issues: Expanding public education to cover Pre-K to Ph.D. Achiev- versity Law Center in Washington DC, and a Doctor of Juris- ing energy independence with the use of GSE manufacturers and construction prudence (J.D.) from UNM School of Law. I know what needs to be fi xed. companies to mass produce wind turbines, solar panels, and hydroelectric dams. Immigration: Our immigration system is critical to national strategy. Are A new Entrepreneur Tax Credit to fuel small business growth. Expansion and we bringing in anyone so we have a suffi cient supply of low-cost labor with the more strategic use of the R&D Tax Credit. Introduction of tax-free retirement risk that wages stay artifi cially low, or our we bringing in only the best to grow post-. our economy with the risk that we share the limited economic pie with non- American-born immigrants? I choose a point-based merit system. Education: OPM, Harvard Business School LL.M., Georgetown University Law Health Care: Tackling health care requires a multi-faceted approach. Th e short Center J.D., UNM School of Law B.A., Texas A&M Int’l University answer is an unlimited tax credit for student loan debt for MD degrees, a govern- Campaign Website: http://www.JohnCastro.com ment-sponsored entity (GSE) health insurance company to keep private insurers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjohnanthonycastro accountable to the people, and mandatory use of generic brands aft er patent expi- Twitter: twitter.com/realJohnACastro ration of name brands. All of this will signifi cantly drive down costs.

» John Cornyn (R) No Response Received

» Dwayne Stovall (R) Gun Violence: Th e Constitution of the United States off ers the federal government no authority whatsoever to be involved in the issue. As with healthcare, Background: I’m a  yr old native Texan, husband, father, leave it to the citizens of the individual States to manage this issue according to business owner, w/ a deep historical knowledge of the offi ce of their will. Th at is the only constitutional answer. U.S. Senator. I’m in construction & the oilfi eld. I’ve traded con- Other Issues: Th e continued disregard for the constitutional limitations placed struction equipment internationally since the s & have a solid on the federal government, and the perpetual centralization of power in the grasp of monetary policy. I have fi rsthand experience of what hands of a few. We must - MUST - elect people who understand the authority of- that policy does to US Citizens as well as to other countries’ economies fered them in Article III to divest power away from the federal back to the States. Immigration: Build the wall in every location possible, allow the border patrol I understand that authority. to stop and turn around illegal aliens, make employers of illegal aliens come to the table for their part in this problem, and remove any and all access to tax payer Education: Attended Kilgore Jr. College and SWTSU funded programs (healthcare / education / welfare of any kind). Campaign Website: http://www.DwayneStovall.com Health Care: Th e Constitution of the United States off ers the federal govern- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/texansforstovall.com ment no authority whatsoever to manage the healthcare industry, or any other in- Twitter: twitter.com/DwayneStovall dustry for that matter. Th e only correct legislation would be to remove it from the Video: https://youtu.be/fnfaFGzu-Dk issue altogether and allow the citizens of the individual States to manage this issue according to their will.

» Mark Yancey (R) ALL health insurance providers before Congress and understand the disparity among high premiums and record insurance company profi ts. Background: Mark Yancey, a longtime Dallas resident, is Gun Violence: Enforce current laws. Guns do not kill people. Mentally ill peo- a veteran of the fi nancial services industry. He has helped ple kill people with guns. I will fi libuster any Bills Democrats introduce that Re- build four successful investment management fi rms, which publicans perceived as a threat to Second Amendment rights, including expanded in turn, created hundreds of well-paying jobs. Th e four fi rms background checks. combined managed north of $ billion in assets for in- Other Issues: ). Fiscal responsibility and accountability. Congress’s spending stitutions and sovereign wealth funds. Mark is currently the CEO of Attacca behavior is out of control. ). Term-Limits. Two terms and you’re out. International. Immigration: • Build the wall - all  miles. • Stop the fl ow of illegal drugs and Education: University of Oklahoma - Finance Harvard University fi nd the cartels operating in the U.S. • Support our Border Patrol and ICE agents. Campaign Website: http://voteformark.com • Immediately deport illegal immigrants who have committed crimes. Facebook: https://facebook.com/votemarkyancey Health Care: I would abolish the aff ordable Health Care Act - ALL OF IT. I Twitter: twitter.com/votemarkyancey support private pay healthcare. Th e insurance companies have been gouging the Video: http://www.facebook.com/votemarkyancey/videos// American public since the inception of ACA on March , . I would bring

164 VOTERS ©2020 GUIDE League | of 2020 Women PRIMARY Voters of ELECTION Texas | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020 LeagueVOTERS of GUIDE Women | Voters2020 PRIMARYof Texas |ELECTION lwvtexas.org EDITION U.S. SENATOR (continued)

» Chris Bell (D) Gun Violence: - I support universal background checks and red fl ag laws that % of Americans fully support. - I would close the Charleston and Gun Show Background: Th e only candidate in this race with experience Loopholes. - Would take a step further and support a ban on assault weapons and in Congress and running statewide - Served  years on Hous- a mandatory buyback program that would allow citizens to give up their weapons ton City Council (–), chairing the Ethics Committee of war, otherwise under civil penalties. and Customer Service and Initiatives. - Served as US Congress- Other Issues: - Reforming the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We must make a more man (TX-) as a member of the Whip Team. - Earned the  equitable tax system that requires the ultra-rich to pay their fair share. - Establish Democratic Nomination for Governor, coming the closest any Dem since Gov. a $ minimum wage indexed to infl ation. - Rejoin the Paris Climate Accord and Ann Richards enact measures to fi ght Climate Change. - Invest in Education and make college Immigration: - Pass the DREAM Act and create a pathway to citizenship for debt dischargeable. undocumented immigrants and DREAMers. - End family separation and border detention facilities - Decriminalized unauthorized border crossings and mi- Education: B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from South gration. - Reform CBP and ICE in order to best protect our borders while treating Texas College of Law immigrants with dignity and integrity. Campaign Website: http://electchrisbell.com/ Health Care: - Create an automatic enrollment public option, otherwise Facebook: https://facebook.com/ChrisBellForSenate/ known as access to Medicare for All. - Lower prescription drug prices by mak- Twitter: twitter.com/BellForSenate ing generic drugs more accessible and mandating the government to negotiate di- Video: https://youtu.be/QEztdORg rectly with pharmaceutical manufacturers. - Protect access to women’s health providers. Texas is the number one state in maternal mortality. Th is must end.

» Michael Cooper (D) No Response Received

» Amanda K. Edwards (D) Gun Violence: Universal background checks and nationwide “red fl ag” laws are crucial fi rst steps. Limiting the availability of high capacity weapons and and am- Background: For the last four years I have represented munition also should be considered. While mass shootings receive a great deal of . million Texans as a Houston City Council Member, where attention, most gun deaths occur in less high profi le ways, and a majority are sui- I spearheaded eff orts on Hurricane Harvey recovery and tech- cides. A comprehensive approach must proceed with that in mind. nology & innovation, and oversaw a multi-billion dollar budget. Other Issues: Growing income and wealth inequality are huge concerns. With Prior to public service I practiced as a municipal fi nance lawyer, Texas being number  for rural hospital closures and number  for uninsured and was involved in numerous non-profi t activities. My focus is achieving results. Americans, we much ensure that sustainable wage jobs with benefi ts are available Immigration: Comprehensive immigration reform is long overdue. We can in urban centers, suburbs and rural communities across America. We must also have a secure border, treat people with dignity and respect, keep families together make available portable job training credits for those in manufacturing. and reduce the years-long backlog of those waiting to lawfully enter. Enforcement should focus on serious criminal activity like drug and human traffi cking, and Education: B.A. Emory University,  J.D. Harvard University,  the US should work to stabilize nations that are sources of immigration. Campaign Website: http://www.amandafortexas.com Health Care: Health care is a life or death issue for many. We should strengthen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandafortexas/ the ACA to cover more people. Th e federal government should off er an aff ordable Twitter: twitter.com/amandafortexas public option and lower costs of premiums & prescription drugs. Texas should Video: https://youtu.be/PNSyBwpPM expand Medicaid, which would cover more than  million uninsured residents. Th ose who are satisfi ed with their current coverage should keep it

» Jack Daniel Foster, Jr. (D) Gun Violence: I do not want to encroach on anyone’s Second Amendment rights, I know it’s not right for criminals to be armed better than law enforce- Background: Article , Section , Clause ; States you must ment, therefore I would press hard for manufactures to begin putting fi nger- be  years of age and a nine year resident of the state you live. print technology on all weapons. We also need federal legislation for back- Th ere is no real experience that prepares a person to be an ground checks on all purchases, assembled weapons bought on-line as well, “air elected offi cial at any level, but I have waited all my life for our tight” laws. “experienced politicians” to come up with big ideas for us all Other Issues: The three pillars of our society are education, healthcare, and re- and they have failed us. So, I ask, “What has experience did for us? tirement; nothing will ever be more pressing than these issues in any session of Immigration: While a person awaits their asylum claim, a property-homeowners Congress. My economic model addresses these issues through incentives, allow- should be able to invest in immigrants, within Texas Counties, for skilled voca- ing property-homeowners to invest in people, who live in their county, for skilled tional trades- welding, plumbing, wind turbine technology, water technology, so- vocational trades. Creating personal security is paramount for all. lar panel technology, etc. Whether asylum is granted or not, an immigrant will have the ability to take care of themselves. My economic model bears this. Education: B.S. Clinical Laboratory Science, ASCP Master’s Degree in Finance Health Care: I support ACA Medicaid expansion, but I have other big ideas State Certifi ed Teacher- Secondary Ed. Economics, Biology Certifi ed Retirement about access and cost. Th e most expensive aspect of healthcare is hospitalization; Counselor we address this by allowing counties to team up and negotiate in their regions, Campaign Website: http://www.votejackdaniel.com these are their neighbors, not Washington. I also want to use the IRS codes for Twitter: twitter.com/JackDanielFost exclusionary income, so people can obtain insurance for the uninsured.

» Annie ‘Mama’ Garcia (D) Gun Violence: More Americans die every WEEK from guns than most countries experience in a YEAR. Th is Is Not Normal. It’s a trade-off between the GOP Background: I’m not a politician. I have built  small busi- & NRA- GOP power for gunmaker profi ts, paid for yearly in the blood of ,. nesses and a non-profi t, all profi table. Our family relies on We must do it all & more. Gunowners must carry gun liability insurance, like we all our paychecks to live. I speak  languages & have lived in do for cars. Let insurance companies access risk. More @ www.runannierun.com.  other countries. I am a ‘fed-up mama’ with  small kiddos. Other Issues: Th ere are so many existential threats that have been made worse I’m running because we are running out of time. I have the by this administration, I can’t pick one. Poverty. Crappy healthcare. Domestic moral clarity, political courage & work ethic to do what no politician will. terrorism. Climate change. Security. Voter suppression. What I know is that we Immigration: Th is is personal. My husband is a naturalized citizen, we have can overcome all of this, if we have the moral clarity, political courage & work Cuban family & I practice immigration law. Politicians lack the courage to fi x it ethic. Email me at [email protected]. & now we separate families & kids die in our care. Th e irony is that our success is a direct product of our diversity. We must rebuild the system so we honor our Education: Rice University (Houston) University of Texas School of Law (Aus- values & benefi t our economy. More @ www.runannierun.com. tin) Humboldt Universität (Berlin, Germany) Estudio Sampere (Cuenca, Ecua- Health Care: My daughter nearly died from a heart defect. We didn’t have in- dor) Escuela de Español Santa Barbara (Madrid, Spain) surance. She lived thanks to $,, in treatment. Here, we would be bankrupt, Campaign Website: http://www.runannierun.com but she was born in Spain, where healthcare is a right. Americans deserve the Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunAnnieRun same. Here it costs xs as much, doesn’t cover ¼ of Americans & up to , pa- Twitter: twitter.com/RunAnnieRun tients die annually from medical error. Read more @ www.runannierun.com. Video: https://youtu.be/ZnctebfrLzM

» Victor Hugo Harris (D) No Response Received

» Mary “MJ” Hegar (D) Gun Violence: We must pass common-sense gun safety legislation to require background checks on every single gun sale, stop the sale of assault weapons, Background: I’m a combat veteran and working mom who un- pass red fl ag laws and close the “boyfriend loophole” to block access to fi rearms derstands the challenges facing Texas families and has never for domestic abusers, and strengthen laws preventing gun traffi cking. I am also backed down from standing up for what’s right. I served  calling for state and local offi cials to end open carry. tours in Afghanistan as a medevac pilot, receiving the Purple Other Issues: I believe climate change is the greatest threat to my children’s fu- Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, and built a bi- ture, and will advocate for aggressive action and investment in new clean energy partisan coalition to open hundreds of thousands of jobs to women in the military. production, infrastructure and manufacturing to address the climate crisis. I Immigration: We need to permanently end child separation, ensure asylum will also make it a priority to protect reproductive rights and pass comprehensive claims are properly processed, secure the border with eff ective procedures and campaign fi nance, voting rights and ethics reforms. technologies instead of robbing our military and seizing land from Texans to waste billions on an ineff ective wall, and build a path to citizenship for undocu- Education: B.A., University of Texas at Austin, ; AFROTC Detachment ; mented residents that refl ects our core values as Americans. E.M.B.A., University of Texas at Austin,  Health Care: Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation, and that’s un- Campaign Website: http://www.mjfortexas.com acceptable. We must protect the progress made by the Aff ordable Care Act while Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MJforTexas/ making much-needed improvements, including a public option to make Medi- Twitter: twitter.com/mjhegar care available for all who want it. We should also lower the cost of prescription Video: https://youtu.be/bIYHzfPAgo drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies.

» Sema Hernandez (D) Gun Violence: I will use the Commerce Clause to regulate gun sales and manufacturing, introduce and/or support legislation which will require manda- Background: I’ve been a community advocate & organizer for tory universal background checks, close gun-show loopholes, outlaw the sale over  years. I’m a fenceline community resident in a sacrifi ce of assault weapons, end the manufacturing of ammunition for assault weap- zone, exposed daily to the hazards and risks posed by the fos- ons, and protect the rights of gun owners, while off ering voluntary buy-backs of sil fuel industries. I am a co-founder of the Texas Poor People’s weapons. Campaign & co-founder of an environmental justice coalition Other Issues: Voting Rights: I will introduce legislation to create uniform re- working with local & statewide organizations to enforce regulations. quirements for voting, in order to ensure equal protection of voting rights under Immigration: I will introduce and/or co-sponsor legislation that will provide the laws. Indigenous Rights: Honor all treaties and tribal sovereignty. Criminal permanent resident status to all DACA & TPS registrants, as well as for their Justice Reform: I will vote to repeal the  Crime Act and de-fund states which family members & extend permanent resident status to persons who were denied maintain sentencing mandates that were enacted in response to it. DACA status due to registration deadlines. I will introduce legislation to abolish ICE and restore immigration enforcement to the Department of Justice. Education: Acute Medical Training and Certifi cate Program Dual Licensed In- Health Care: I support Medicare For All, US Senate Bill S.. Th is is the di- surance Agent rect way to provide full healthcare benefi ts for everyone and raising the standard Campaign Website: http://www.semafortexas.com of healthcare. Th e bill provides everyone with the same coverage, regardless of Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SemaForTexas gender, socioeconomic status, race, religion, and other demographic status, while Twitter: twitter.com/_SemaHernandez_ eliminating premiums, copays, deductibles, and the Donut Hole.

186 VOTERS ©2020 GUIDE League |of 2020 Women PRIMARY Voters of ELECTION Texas | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020 VOTERSLeague of GUIDE Women | Voters2020 PRIMARY of Texas |ELECTION lwvtexas.org EDITION U.S. SENATOR (continued)

» D. R. Hunter (D) No Response Received

» Adrian Ocegueda (D) panding coverage, through some form of public sponsored insurance may help promote cost changes more swift ly, but the impacts will vary. Background: My professional background is both in lo- Gun Violence: Most of the discussion related to this issue has been to impose cal government and in private equity. Th e issues that we face some restriction or added regulation to reduce access to & the number of weap- today are exceedingly complex and an honest assessment of ons. I believe we can also adopt a public-health approach that seeks ways to de- these issues suggests that collaboration beyond one person couple the availability of arms from circumstances where the use of fi rearms will be required. My candidacy places a premium on the ap- leads to lethal violence, such as safety modifi cations & data-driven alerts. proach to policy development rather than simply advocating for one position over Other Issues: Two additional issues that will face our nation in future legisla- another. tive cycles is the inequality of our economy and climate change. Both of these is- Immigration: A limited view of improving our immigration system would sues are highly complex, interrelated, and face trend & structural headwinds that simply be to improve our system for processing requests for asylum. However that will require a collaborative and constructive political environment, that de- long-term concerns should also be addressed, this requires an evaluation of presses mis-information and places a premium on facts. our foreign policy, from support for emerging economies, to supporting international agencies eradicating corruption or addressing regional climate change Education: Princeton University, BA- Political Economy Southern Methodist impacts. University, Masters in Business Administration Health Care: I believe there is an opportunity to build bi-partisan support for Campaign Website: http://www.texasreason.com initiatives to reduce costs, as many in both the public and private sector have Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TexasReason/ come to the realization that we are at a tipping point on healthcare costs. Ex- Twitter: twitter.com/TXReason

» Cristina Tzintzun Ramirez (D) Gun Violence: Every  hours, we lose a Texan to gun violence. I have endorsed the March for Our Lives Peace Plan and I will advocate for gun legisla- Background: I have spent over a decade leading some of tion that the majority of Americans support, including universal background Texas’ most important labor and voting rights organizations. checks, banning and buying back assault weapons like AR-s and AK-s, I have helped change laws at the local and state level for work- and holding the gun lobby accountable for the harm they have done to our ers and have traveled across the state registering and mobilizing communities. young voters in our state, empowering them to tackle the prob- Other Issues: Climate Change: I support the Green New Deal because it will lems that we face. I will continue to advocate for everyday Texans in the Senate. create millions of new jobs, and will support oil and gas workers as we transition Immigration: I support extending citizenship to DREAMers, but I also believe from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. Education: I support funding our ed- that we need to legalize the status of the millions of hardworking immigrants ucation system from kindergarten through college, and investing in our greatest that have been part of our communities for years. We need an immigration sys- asset: our people. Th is means universal Pre-K and free public college. tem that allows future generations to come here safely and legally, that fi lls our labor needs, and that empowers all immigrants to live their full lives. Education: BA in Liberal Arts & Latin American Studies, Th e University of Health Care: I want to ensure that Texas families are healthy. I support Medi- Texas at Austin care for All because it is the most effi cient and cost eff ective way to make sure ev- Campaign Website: http://cristinafortexas.com ery American has quality healthcare, and it will allow small businesses and entre- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TzintzunCris/ preneurs to accelerate their growth instead of trying to worry about how to cover Twitter: twitter.com/cristinafortx the cost of healthcare for themselves and their employees.

» Royce West (D) ing at a number of ways of removing politics from this to stop future Administra- tions from gutting the ACA. Background: I have been a practicing attorney for more than Gun Violence: I am for restoring the ban on assault rifl es and instituting a ban  years and I’ve owned my own practice for  years. I know on magazines that hold more than  rounds. I support a national background what it takes to own and operate a business. I have also served check system that closes all loopholes, even individual sales. in the Texas Senate since  which gives me an unmatched Other Issues: I believe criminal justice reform, a woman’s right to choose, depth of knowledge about the legislative process. equal pay for women, student debt relief, and employment non-discrimination Immigration: First, we have to dramatically increase the number of judges will be key issues in the next session. I favor a multitude of criminal justice re- available to hear asylum cases. Second, we need to pass DACA and get the forms, favor a woman’s right to choose, support equal pay for women, support a Dreamers back on solid ground. Th ird, we need comprehensive immigration re- comprehensive student debt relief program, and will vote to pass ENDA. form to simplify the process and give everyone here without citizenship a path to it if they want it. Education: University of Texas at Arlington, BA, MA University of Houston, JD Health Care: I would support strengthening the ACA with a public option. I Campaign Website: http://roycewest.com/ do not believe nationalizing insurance is the best path forward. We need compe- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoyceWestTX/ tition on standard products so that people can decide for themselves. I am look- Twitter: twitter.com/roycewesttx

©2020© League2020 League of Women of Women Voters Voters of Texas of Texas | lwvtexas.org | lwvtexas.org VOTERSVOTERS GUIDE GUIDE || 2020 2020 PRIMARYPRIMARY ELECTION ELECTION EDITION EDITION 197 Six-year term. The railroad commissioner is one of the three-member Texas Railroad Commission. The commission has no regulatory authority concerning railroads. RAILROAD Instead, it regulates the oil and gas industry, gas utilities, pipeline safety, safety in the liqueﬁ ed petroleum gas industry, and surface coal and uranium mining. Current salary: $137,500 COMMISSIONER » What does the railroad commissioner do? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5uZASQUUOs&feature=youtu.be

» QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES Background: What training, experience, and background qualify you for this Natural Resources: How do you plan to balance oil, gas, and mining interests position? with protection of natural resources? Pipelines: What are your recommendations relating to regulation of Other Issues: What other issues do you believe will be most pressing for the pipelines? Railroad Commission?

» Ryan Sitton (R) No Response Received

» James ‘Jim’ Wright (R) more involved in using the volume of resources that are available under today’s technology. Background: I own fi ve businesses and am associated with Other Issues: — Implement and use proven technology for better communi-  other businesses that deal with environmental and transport cation with citizens and members of the oil and gas industry. — Stronger self- issues in a wide range of industries, including the oil and gas policing actions and reporting by Natural Resource producers. — Life cycle business. I have been involved in these businesses since . I analysis and development to ensure that future generations are reliant on best en- am also a rancher. vironmental management practices by the Industry. Pipelines: — Increased automated leak detection systems. — More pipelines developed as part of our state’s infrastructure to deliver our natural resources in a Education: Calallen High School in Corpus Christi safer and more economically feasible method.. . Campaign Website: http://www.wrightfortexas.com Natural Resources: Implementation of better rules and the way that waste Facebook: https://imwrightfortexas byproducts are handled currently are crucial to balancing the public interests Twitter: twitter.com/JimWrightTexas and the economic needs of our citizens. Th e Railroad Commission needs to be

» Roberto R. “Beto” Alonzo (D) Natural Resources: Review and update provisions to allow development, reduction of waste while protecting the environment. Ensure that the public has Background: As a former State Representative, I know notice of development and impactful changes in their area and opportunity to the law, legislative and the budget process which funds the submit input on the proposals. Study cost eff ective methods to reduce fl aring in RRC and other state agencies. As an experienced litiga- order to reduce waste and increase access to pipelines. tor, I can rule on appeals regarding oil and gas, pipeline, util- Other Issues: Monitor the relationship between drilling and seismicity and ity and environmental issues before the RRC an. Originally support innovation in drilling processes including the use of water in fracking. from Crystal City, I know the oil and gas issues impacting both rural and urban Encourage the use of alternative fuels. Review agency processes for award of con- communities. tracts, compliance with HUB and diversity in hiring at all levels. Monitor prac- Pipelines: Th e Legislature should enact laws to ensure that regulation of pipe- tices in the fi eld to increase worker safety. lines is meaningful. An application for a permit should require comprehensive information regarding routes , economic, environmental and historical impact, Education: University of Texas at Austin Th urgood Marshall School of Law and not based on a simple form. Th e exercise of Eminent Domain should be fair Campaign Website: http://alonzotxrrcommissioner.com/ to all . Monitor compliance with rules and regulations by industry. Twitter: https://twitter.com/alonzo_for

» Chrysta Castaneda (D) revenues away from our state and causes environmental and health concerns. I will use my expertise to deploy alternative technologies that will reduce the Background: I am an engineer, oil and gas attorney, com- amount of fl aring, convert it to usable electricity and clean up our air. munity organizer and mom, with over  years of experience Other Issues: We need to reduce harmful methane emissions. Methane escapes working in and around the oil and gas industry. I know both through leakage, aging equipment, and intentional venting, which is against the the law and the business of oil and gas and will work tirelessly law. I will improve the detection and enforcement programs. We can use drones to get the Railroad Commission back on track in enforcing our equipped with infrared cameras to detect leaks. Education can improve preven- environmental protections and safety regulations. tion and we will need to better enforce existing laws. Pipelines: Th e Commission oversees pipeline safety for intrastate pipelines and we need to update those regulations to meet today’s standards. Laying new pipe- Education: SMU Dedman School of Law, J.D. cum laude,  Kansas State Univer- lines creates challenges beyond the Commission’s powers, and addressing those sity, B.S. Industrial Engineering,  Harvard College, Applied Math major, – challenges will require the Legislature to act. I’ll use my expertise to press for a Campaign Website: http://chrystafortexas.com framework that includes transparency and public input. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrystaForTexas/ Natural Resources: We must enforce existing laws prohibiting fl aring, the Twitter: twitter.com/ChrystaForTexas harmful practice of burning natural gas. It wastes our natural resources, takes Video: https://youtu.be/ikCIa_vGew

208 VOTERS ©2020 GUIDE League | of 2020 Women PRIMARY Voters of ELECTION Texas | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020 VOTERSLeague of GUIDE Women | Voters2020 PRIMARY of Texas |ELECTION lwvtexas.org EDITION RAILROAD COMMISSIONER (continued)

» Kelly Stone (D) for fl aring & committing to the initiatives of the GND, transitioning to healthy outcomes & full employment as we eliminate crude oil export by . Background: As an educator, I’ve implemented harm re- Other Issues: We must change the name of the Railroad Commission. Com- duction strategies to improve health, taught capstone college prised of -statewide elected offi cials, the RRC has nothing to do with railroads courses regarding policies, laws, & regs aff ecting individuals & & everything to do with oil, gas, & pipelines. Until it becomes more transparent families at local, state, & fed levels. As an environmental activ- to voters, the intentionally confusing name continues to allow the tyranny of Big ist, I’ve worked to clean up litter & pollution, encourage waste Oil, regulating itself w/o regard for the climate crisis or our environment consciousness, change consumer behavior, & advocated for environmental policy. Pipelines: Kinder Morgan & Whitewater Midstream & all pipeline companies Education: HS Diploma—Aldine Senior High School (th in class); BS in Fam- must conduct environmental impact studies fi rst. Construction & Operation of ily and Consumer Sciences—Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas these pipelines could impact health at Jacob’s Well, Cypress Creek, Blanco River, State University) GPA=.; MA in Health Education/Health Promotion—Th e Barton Springs, San Marcos River and Pecos, Dimmit, Kenedy, Maverick, La University of Texas at Austin GPA=. Salle, Duval, Jim Wells, Nueces, Gillespie, Blanco, Hays & Caldwell counties. Campaign Website: http://votekstone.com Natural Resources: Balancing interests vs. protections? Th e RRC’s protection Facebook: https://Facebook.com/votekstone of oil & gas interests have far outweighed that of our natural resources. In order Twitter: twitter.com/teamkstone to fi nd balance, I’d increase protections of natural resources by denying permits Video: https://youtu.be/IVoxmbA

» Mark Watson (D) Natural Resources: Protecting Texas energy resources and the environment is a primary objective of the RRC. Th e intelligent and safe production of energy re- Background: I have directly participated in drilling oil and sources overlaps with best practices in the oil patch. I will err on protecting the gas wells in Texas. I have worked for Exxon, J. Ray McDermott, environment and the health of Texas energy resources. Th e RRC will ensure that and the EPA. In the last twenty years I have watched the grow- smart energy practices take priority in the Texas Oil and Gas Industry. ing infl uence of the energy industry on the RRC. Texas has a Other Issues: We need smart energy practices. Flaring is the practice of burn- proud history of protecting her natural resources. I will pro- ing unused gas from oil wells causing air pollution in beautiful West Texas skies mote smart energy production to help hardworking men and women of Texas. and elsewhere. Coal mining reclamation decisions by RRC allow mining compa- Pipelines: Safety fi rst. Pipelines account for % of oil transport in the US. I nies to leave behind toxic material, destroying value and causing dangerous con- will ensure that companies regularly inspect and maintain pipelines to prevent tamination. Today’s RRC favors big business over hardworking Texans. environmental hazards. Care must be taken to protect property owners from abusive use of eminent domain. Pipelines are absolutely essential to the Texas Oil Education: JD, Tulane University BA, Tulane University Economy. Adopt newest pipeline technology and materials. Campaign Website: http://Watsonforrailroadcommission.com

» VOTING FOR JUDGES IN TEXAS

Although in some states judges are appointed, most judges in Texas are elected. • Judges should be constrained to perform their duties in a manner Judges make decisions about fundamental issues that aff ect all of us—family that justifi es public faith and confi dence in the court. life, education, health care, housing, employment, fi nances, discrimination, civil Unlike candidates for most political offi ces, judicial candidates cannot make rights, public safety, and government actions. It is critical that our judges make promises about decisions they would make when certain issues or types of cases fair decisions based upon open-minded and un biased consideration of the facts come up in their court. Questions posed to judges, therefore, focus on improve- and the law in each case. Judges must know the law and not be infl uenced by any ments they would make to their court, the need for impartiality and how they external political and economic factors. would increase access to justice. What should voters look for when electing judges? How is the Texas court system organized? According to the American Bar Association, principles to consider in selection of Th e Texas court system is made up of a statewide network of trial courts and ap- judges include: pellate courts. In trial courts, judges and/or juries evaluate the facts and the law • Judges should uphold the rule of law. and make a decision in a civil or criminal legal dispute. When decisions in most • Judges should be independent and impartial. trial courts are appealed, they are sent to an appellate court where judges con- • Judges should possess the appropriate temperament and character. sider what happened at the trial court, evaluate legal arguments, and then decide • Judges should possess the appropriate capabilities and credentials. if a mistake was made. See https://www.txcourts.gov/media//court • Judges and the judiciary should have the confi dence of the public. -structure-chart-october-.pdf for a chart of the Texas court structure. • Th e judicial system should be diverse and refl ective of the society it serves. Learn more https://www.txcourts.gov/about-texas-courts/.

©2020© League2020 League of Women of Women Voters Voters of Texas of Texas | lwvtexas.org | lwvtexas.org VOTERSVOTERS GUIDE GUIDE || 2020 2020 PRIMARYPRIMARY ELECTION ELECTION EDITION EDITION 21 9 Six-year term. A member of the court that hears only civil cases. The Supreme Court CHIEF JUSTICE, issues ﬁ nal decisions on civil and juvenile appeals, issues writs of mandamus/ habeas corpus, and has jurisdiction over orders or judgments of trial courts if the Supreme Court determines them important to the jurisprudence of the state. Cur- TEXAS SUPREME rent salary: $171,000 » What does the Texas Supreme Court do? COURT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuRlMQt57Xo&feature=youtu.be

» QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES Background: What training, experience, and background qualify you for this Responsibility: Which responsibility of a Texas Supreme Court justice is your position? highest priority and how do you intend to accomplish it? Judicial Selection: Texas is one of a few states that elects judges. What Other Issues: What other issues do you believe will be most pressing for the changes in the judicial selection process would you recommend, if any? Supreme Court? Standards: What changes, if any, are needed to provide better protection to the public regarding rules and standards for the legal profession?

» Nathan Hecht (R) Unopposed

» Amy Clark Meachum (D) Government Code, just  of  are public members. Also, persons who fi le griev- ances against lawyers should be allowed to participate throughout the process. Background: For almost a decade, I have presided over Responsibility: Th e Code of Judicial Conduct requires a judge to perform du- thousands of proceedings and trials in the types of cases for ties “impartially and diligently” and to be “faithful to the law.” We need to restore which the Texas Supreme Court has jurisdiction: civil, fam- a balanced judiciary on the Texas Supreme Court. I am committed to deciding all ily and administrative appeals. I am a guest lecturer with the cases fairly and impartially, rather than on a result-oriented, partisan basis that Texas Center for Legal Ethics, a member of the Administrative favors special interests. Texans—and the law—deserve no less. Law Council, and before taking the bench, practiced at two of the best fi rms in Other Issues: Th e ethics rules governing Texas lawyers are  years out of date. Texas. Th at’s because the rule-making process overseen by the Texas Supreme Court has Judicial Selection: Th e State should help voters by sending an informa- failed repeatedly. Texas last adopted major rule changes in . By contrast, the tion packet to each voter and providing that information at polling locations. American Bar Association has amended the Model Rules of Professional Conduct Th e packet should contain background information, qualifi cations, and a state- almost  times since then. Th e Court must do a better job. ment of judicial philosophy for each candidate. Th at information would assist voters to make an informed selection and would reduce campaign costs for Education: University of Texas School of Law, J.D. with honors (), Texas candidates. Law Review. Southern Methodist University, magna cum laude () B.A. Jour- Standards: Texas should increase public membership and participation on nalism, B.A. Political Science. Lorena High School (). the Committee on Disciplinary Rules and Referenda, which reviews and recom- Campaign Website: http://amymeachum.com mends proposed changes in Texas lawyer-ethics rules. Currently, under the Texas Facebook: https://facebook.com/JudgeAmyforChiefJustice/

» Jerry Zimmerer (D) eff orts to protect the public from unscrupulous acts by members of the legal profession. Background: I have a broad legal and business background. Responsibility: Th e highest responsibility of the Supreme Court is to en- BA-Houston Baptist University, JD-South Texas College of Law sure fairness and balance in the interpretation and application of law. For far too Houston, LLM. International Law-UofH, LLM. Health Law- many years, only Republicans, most appointed by Governor Abbot or Perry, sit UofH. Ethics Internship-MD Anderson Cancer Center, Ad- on the Texas Supreme Court as this guardian. I will help bring balance to the visory Board - UofH Health Law & Policy Institute, Law fi rm Texas Supreme Court. with broad litigation experience. What others are saying http://tinyurl.com Other Issues: I believe gerrymandering and public education may come before /wJerryZimmererYouTube the Texas Supreme Court. Judicial Selection: Texans want balance on the courts. Our founding fathers did not trust lawyers, judges or politicians. Th e only way to keep judges respon- Education: BA – Houston Baptist University JD – South Texas College of Law sive is to make them accountable to the voters. Today, as Democrats start win- Houston LL.M. International Law – UofH LL.M. Health Law – UofH Ethics In- ning elections, Republicans are seeking to change the selection process to keep ternship: MD Anderson Advisory Board: UofH Health Law & Policy Institute themselves in offi ce. I believe Texans see this for what it is. Led law fi rm with real litigation exp. Standards: Th e Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct are con- Campaign Website: http://www.JerryForJustice.com stantly undergoing changes, including some amendments earlier this year. Th e Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JerryForJustice intent is to increase protections for the public. As Chief Justice, I will support Twitter: twitter.com/JerryForJustice

2210 VOTERS ©2020 GUIDELeague of | 2020Women PRIMARY Voters of ELECTIONTexas | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020 VOTERSLeague of GUIDE Women | Voters2020 PRIMARY of Texas |ELECTION lwvtexas.org EDITION Six-year term. A member of the court that hears only civil cases. The Supreme Court issues ﬁ nal decisions on civil and juvenile appeals, issues writs of manda- JUSTICE, TEXAS mus/habeas corpus, and has jurisdiction over orders or judgments of trial courts if the Supreme Court determines them important to the jurisprudence of the state. Current salary: $171,000 SUPREME COURT » What does the Texas Supreme Court do? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuRlMQt57Xo&feature=youtu.be

» JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT, PLACE 6

» Jane Bland (R) Unopposed

» Kathy Cheng (D) Responsibility: Being an effi cient, fair justice who upholds the law and educate our citizens of the signifi cance of the judicial system are my top priorities. By Background: For over nineteen years, I represented clients in understanding and practicing the true meaning of the phrase, “justice for all” so complex commercial litigation matters, contested divorce and justice is truly aff orded to all regardless of ethnicity, race, gender, faith, age, sex- probate cases, tax matters and real estate cases, which are some ual orientation, etc., I am achieving chose priorities. of the potential types of cases that the Texas Supreme Court Other Issues: With the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to refrain from hears. I also served as adjudication offi cer for the City of Hous- hearing challenges of partisan gerrymandering, partisan gerrymandering cases ton for the past six years. will now go before the Texas Supreme Court, which is an example of how this Judicial Selection: Th e beauty of democracy is that citizens can vote for indi- Court impacts its citizens even though the citizens themselves may never go be- viduals who they believe refl ect their values, which in the State of Texas includes fore this Court. the election of judges. If that choice turns out to be a bad choice, being able to vote elected offi cials out of offi ce is a mechanism to hold said offi cials account- Education: Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law Houston (); able. As such, I see no need for change at the present time. Bachelor of Science-Biology from Louisiana State University-Shreveport () Standards: As time evolves, the means of disseminating the rules and stan- Campaign Website: http://www.chengforjustice.com dards for the legal profession shall also evolve. With the ease of digital accessibil- Facebook: https://chengforjustice ity, there should be more educational information available to the general public Twitter: twitter.com/chengforjustice by digital means of the rules and standards governing said profession so that the general population are better informed as to their rights.

» Larry Praeger (D) would recommend that the state commission on judicial conduct remove the cat- egory of “private reprimand.” Background: I have been practicing law for more than Responsibility: All of the duties of the Supreme Court Justice are important.  years. I have extensive trial experience and have ar- Th e overriding duty of the Supreme Court Justice, however, is to see that an indi- gued before every civil court in the state. I am A-V rated by vidual trial has been conducted fairly in accordance with the rules and constitu- Martindale-Hubbell and Board Certifi ed in Family Law by the tional protections. A Supreme Court Justice is the ultimate guardian of the trial Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I represented individu- process, and the protector of an individual’s liberties. als and small business. I have served fi ve years on the grievance committee of the Other Issues: Th e Supreme Court also has the duty to establish and amend State Bar. rules governing trial procedure in the trial in appellate courts and the rules of ev- Judicial Selection: In the small counties, the current system works well with idence. I would use my experience and familiarity with the trial courts to empha- the voluntary restrictions on campaigns. In the larger counties, where much size pre-trial practice and request that trial judges rule on admissibility of exhib- more money is needed, the current system does not work well. I would recom- its prior to a jury being empaneled. mend that the state publish a listing of all the statewide judicial candidates, their background, and experience, and send it to each registered voter. Education: Simon’s Rock College, BA South Texas College of Law Houston, J.D., Standards: My experience tells me that there should be additional investigative May  and legal staff to serve the committee. Th is would shorten the time between when Campaign Website: http://www.larrysc.com/ a citizen fi les a complaint against an attorney and the time that it is adjudicated. I Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larrysc/

©2020© League2020 League of Women of Women Voters Voters of Texas of Texas | lwvtexas.org | lwvtexas.org VOTERSVOTERS GUIDE GUIDE | | 2020 2020 PRIMARY PRIMARY ELECTION EDITION EDITION 2311 JUSTICE, TEXAS SUPREME COURT (continued)

» JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT, PLACE 7

» Jeff Boyd (R) Unopposed

» Brandy Voss (D) Responsibility: In today’s toxic political environment, public confi dence in all our civic institutions is falling. I will prioritize strengthening judicial indepen- Background: I have practiced appellate law for seventeen dence-courts should be free from political attacks and intimidation. Also, our years. I have been board certifi ed in civil appellate law by the state’s highest court needs more debate, more diversity, and more dissent before Texas Board of Legal Specialization for ten years. I spent fi ve overturning the decisions of juries performing their civic duty. years working as a staff attorney at the Texas Supreme Court Other Issues: Th e need to fund legal services to ensure our courts are accessi- and at the Th irteenth Court of Appeals. I estimate that I have ble to all, especially the most vulnerable, has been advocated by both parties’ ju- participated in nearly , appellate proceedings during my career. rists and political leaders. Th is call to action requires a greater sense of urgency, Judicial Selection: I believe there is no perfect system for selecting judges. I or our courts risk being even further removed from the most vulnerable and un- support a thorough exploration of various methods and the benefi ts and draw- dermining trust in the principle of justice of justice for all. backs of each before any change to the judicial selection process is made. I do trust our voting public to make the correct choice if that remains as the Texas Education: Baylor University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, ; Texas method for selecting judges. A&M University, B.A., Anthropology  Standards: Juries are the voice of our communities in the courtroom, and the Campaign Website: http://www.brandyvoss.com Constitutional right to a jury trial is the public’s last defense against governmen- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrandyVossforTexas/ tal oppression. While I believe the ethical rules prohibit me from speaking pub- Twitter: twitter.com/brandy_voss licly about specifi c proposed rule changes, I believe any rule changes must be geared toward protecting the right to a jury trial.

» Staci Williams (D) what the perceived problems are, whether existing rules and standards will address the issue and, if they don’t, formulate rules that are narrowly tailored to ad- Background: I am in my second term as a trial court Judge dress the issues. in the st District Court. I have served as an arbitrator for Responsibility: To impartially apply the law to cases that come before the DART, USPS, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Court, in a way that delivers real justice. NASD/FINRA, and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Other Issues: Th ere are a number of them, but I do not wish to violate the Board. My experience includes in-house corporate counsel po- Canon of Judicial Ethics by taking a position on any particular issue. sitions in multiple industries, as well as a trial attorney and administrative judge for the EEOC. Education: Th e Hockaday School; Smith College, BA; Georgetown University Judicial Selection: Ideally, I would like to see the money come out of judicial Law Center, JD races and have the State send out materials to registered voters detailing the expe- Campaign Website: http://judgestaci.com rience and qualifi cations of candidates for judicial positions. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudgeStaci/ Standards: Before proposing any changes it is important that we fi rst identify

» JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT, PLACE 8

» Brett Busby (R) Unopposed » Peter Kelly (D) No Response Received

» Gisela D. Triana (D) Responsibility: Being just and fair. Opinions should be based on the Rule of Law, not on personal or political bias. Texans deserve a level playing fi eld, to be Background: For over  years, I have served as a judge in treated equally and to have their constitutional rights protected regardless of Texas. I worked my way up from Municipal Court to Justice race, religion, nationality, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or economic of the Peace, to County Court, to District Court, and most re- status. I have striven to do this for  year and will continue. cently, to the Appellate Court. If elected, I will be the only per- Other Issues: Restoring balance to the Court. Currently, all members are Re- son on the TX Supreme Court who has served at every level of publican.  of the , were initially political appointments by a Republican Gover- the judiciary. Most of my -year legal career has been devoted to public service nor. Our founders were wise to create a jury system that brought people from dif- Judicial Selection: A legitimate discussion, if there was a nonpartisan way to ferent walks of life, with diff erent experiences to judge a case. We need diversity select judges that Texans could trust. Th e problem is the timing: aft er the party of thought on the Court, as well. It makes for better jurisprudence. that has been in power for decades (and the benefi ciary of partisan elections of judges) begins to lose that power, it makes the concern seem self-interested. Tex- Education: University of Texas School of Law, J.D., ; University of Texas at ans have clearly shown a preference for electing judges, I support that. San Antonio, B.A. in Political Science, magna cum laude,  Standards: I believe the legal profession should emulate the medical profes- Campaign Website: http://JudgeTriana.com sion and prohibit lawyers from becoming romantically involved with their clients Facebook: https://JudgeTriana.com while their case is active. Th ere is great risk for confl ict of interests and the par- Twitter: twitter.com/JusticeTriana ties are not in equal positions.

2412 VOTERS ©2020 LeagueGUIDE of | Women 2020 PRIMARY Voters of ELECTIONTexas | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020 VOTERSLeague of GUIDE Women | Voters2020 PRIMARY of Texas |ELECTION lwvtexas.org EDITION Six-year term. A member of the court with ﬁ nal judgment in all criminal cases. The court must review all cases in which the death penalty JUDGE, TEXAS COURT is assessed. It also exercises discretionary review in other criminal cases and issues writs of habeas corpus. Current salary: $171,000 » What does the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals do? OF CRIMINAL APPEALS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdspUkvqoZ4&feature =youtu.be

» QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES Background: What training, experience, and background qualify you for this Responsibility: Which responsibility of a Court of Criminal Appeals judge is position? your highest priority and how do you intend to accomplish it? Mental Health: How should the Court of Criminal Appeals address mental Other Issues: What other issues do you believe will be most pressing for the health issues of those who come before the court? Court of Criminal Appeals? Access to Justice: What opportunities are there, if any, to improve the state’s indigent defense system in criminal cases?

» JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, PLACE 3

» Gina Parker (R) and accountability at the local level will ensure fairness, eliminate confl icts of in- terest and cronyism. Pro bono work is a way to provide counsel. Background: Over  years handling felony, misdemeanor, & Responsibility: Above all other duties, judges should uphold the rule of law. juvenile cases. Private practice since . Also, served as City Additionally, they should be independent and impartial, and they should dem- Attorney, Assistant CA, Assistant DA. As TDLR Commissioner onstrate appropriate temperament by respecting all parties to a case and should & Chair, a quasi-judicial capacity, ruled on over a  admin- have good character. istrative appeals. Other Issues: Keep pace with the ever-changing challenges of technology in or- Mental Health: Th e Judicial Committee on Mental Health assesses the re- der to appropriately address DNA issues. Also, make sure the Michael Morton law sources available; recommends ways to improve communication between the is properly enforced, so the right persons are charged for criminal off enses. courts, attorneys, clients, and mental health providers; provides training to judges; and continues to make recommendations for improvement of the current Education: Baylor School of Law,  BBA, Baylor University,  system. Unquestionably, these eff orts should continue. Campaign Website: http://www.GinaforJudge.com Access to Justice: Th e rule of law is undermined when defendants cannot af- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GinaParkerCampaign/ ford counsel. Th e Fair Defense Act was established to administer appropriations Twitter: twitter.com/GinaParkerTX and policies to help counties with indigent defense programs. Also, transparency Video: https://youtu.be/VACHjYsPWzA

» Bert Richardson (R) total number of cases in any given year is in the thousands. Timely disposing of these cases for all parties is my highest priority. Background: ) I have practiced criminal law full-time for Other Issues: Post conviction writs (including actual innocence claims) consti- over  years. ) Former State and Federal prosecutor with tute the largest number of cases the TCCA reviews. Given the changes in modern substantial trial and appellate experience. ) Board Certifi ed day science and technology that can be used in the courtroom, it is imperative in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. that our court keep up with these changes and recognize those that can have both ) Judge for over  years and appointed by Gov. Bush. ) Ad- negative and positive impacts on cases before the TCCA. junct Law Professor + years. ) Distinguished  Law Graduate StMU. Mental Health: Early intervention is critical in cases dealing with mental Education: BYU, B.S., August  St. Mary’s University School of Law, J.D. health issues, as such, trial courts are in a better position to assist the immedi-  ate needs of citizens in those cases. Th e Court of Criminal Appeals and Texas Su- Campaign Website: http://www.electjudgerichardson.com/ preme Court are part of a joint commission that provide training to professionals Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JudgeBertRichardson/ assisting those with mental illnesses. Twitter: twitter.com/None Access to Justice: The TCCA oversees funding to train those organizations Video: https://youtu.be/sXRzRpPDgs that represent indigent defendants. Th at is a starting point. However, in order to improve the system, both counties and the State must commit to providing the fi - nancial resources necessary to staff offi ces in counties with lawyers that have substantial experience in the criminal justice system. Putting defense lawyers on the same pay scale as prosecutors would encourage more to apply for those positions. Other opportunities from the legislature, such as passing procedural and discovery rules, as they accomplished in recent sessions would contribute to improving the system. Responsibility: Th e TCCA is the busiest appellate court in our country review- ing all death penalty cases, post conviction writs (including claims of actual innocence) and appeals from  intermediate appellate courts across the State. Th e

» William Pieratt Demond (D) defense community), and providing reliable resources for investigators, scientifi c testing, and mental health evaluations. Background: One of three  Texas Super Lawyers in con- Responsibility: Protecting the People’s constitutional rights (especially in stitutional law; established constitutional rights in Turner v. death penalty cases and for unrepresented inmates in habeas corpus proceed- Driver,  F.d  (th Cir. ) (recording police) and Za- ings); by retraining (or replacing) my staff , by prohibiting the closure of the deh v. Robinson,  F.d  (th Cir. ) (pre-compliance courthouse to those seeking emergency relief, and by adjusting technological pol- review of subpoenas to doctors); fi led - at the Supreme icies to facilitate communication when emergency relief is sought. Court; pierced grand jury secrecy; & CLE instructor regarding constitutional law. Other Issues: Actual innocence standards, the Court’s  elimination of fac- Mental Health: Th e Court should dispense with its unconstitutional “adaptive tual suffi ciency review (despite its existence under Texas law since ), death functioning analysis” in death penalty cases involving mental health issues, fol- penalty jurisprudence, and ineff ective assistance of counsel. low the medical community’s adaptive-functioning inquiry on adaptive defi cits, and voluntarily honor U.S. Supreme Court jurisprudence concerning the death Education: B.A., Asian Studies, Furman University; J.D. (international law penalty (rather than being repeatedly reversed because it refuses to do so). concentration) and M.A., Diplomacy and International Relations, Seton Hall Access to Justice: Monitoring appointments to ensure caseloads do not ren- University. der appointed counsel ineff ective, establishing public defenders’ offi ces in coun- Campaign Website: http://williamdemond.com ties that do not have them (thereby facilitating additional training to the indigent Facebook: https://facebook.com/williamforjustice

» Elizabeth Davis Frizell (D) attorneys to handle an increased case load, while giving indigent defendants and civil respondents much needed legal representation. Background: • Criminal District Court , Presiding Judge, Responsibility: Death Penalty Cases. My priority is to ensure defendants sen- Dallas County, Texas, Felony Court; • County Criminal Court tenced to capital punishment, have cases reviewed regardless of the date the , Presiding Judge, Dallas County, Texas, Family Violence death penalty is scheduled to be implemented. Rather than implementing Stays Court; • City of Dallas, Associate Municipal Court Judge; • City of execution, the sentence should be commuted to life imprisonment until the ap- of Princeton, Municipal Court Judge; • City of Lucas, Municipal pellate process is complete. Court Judge; • City of Balch Springs, Municipal Court Judge; • Th e Frizell Firm Other Issues: Wrongful convictions. We should examine the case law premise Mental Health: The Court of Criminal Appeals should ensure that trial courts that there are many trials which occur at the state court level that have errors, but examine mentally ill defendants for their capacity to know the diff erence between frequently the errors are not considered to be reversible error. Th is prevents many right and wrong as well as whether a mental illness aff ected their judgement and defendants from receiving a fair trial. was properly asserted and applied for sentencing purposes. Access to Justice: We should require internships similar to internships in the Education: Prairie View A&M University- B.A. Th urgood Marshall School of medical fi eld where newly licensed attorneys work for government agencies, fi rms Law- J.D. and solo practitioners doing trial work and appellate work for at least one year Campaign Website: http://www.FrizellJudge.com prior to becoming licensed. Th is will give non-profi t and pro bono agencies more Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frizelltxjudge

» Dan Wood (D) No Response Received

» JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, PLACE 4

» Kevin Patrick Yeary (R) Unopposed

» Tina Clinton (D) of Criminal Appeals also funds education programs and grants for judges, lawyers and prosecutors. I believe that expanding that funding for increased mental Background: I am currently the presiding felony state dis- health education in law would make a vast diff erence. trict judge of the oldest Criminal District Court in the Access to Justice: I believe there are two avenues of improvement. First, to re- State of Texas, the Criminal District Court, located in Dal- view cases of ineff ective assistance closely and with a critical eye. One consider- las County. I have been a misdemeanor county court judge, ation might be outright ineff ective assistance for not doing one’s job. Th e other a municipal court judge, a criminal defense attorney and a can possible be because attorneys are carrying too high of a caseload based on prosecutor specializing in criminal cases in Texas. I have experience with over assignments. Both instances should be reviewed carefully. Second, the Court of  trials. Criminal Appeals funds education, programs and grants for judges, lawyers who Mental Health: Th e Court of Criminal Appeals is an appellate court so issues work in indigent defense and prosecutors as well as court personnel. I think the of mental health raised on appeal are the issues that may be addressed. Th e Court administering of these grants, programs and eduction liberally and requesting

2614 VOTERS ©2020 GUIDELeague of | 2020Women PRIMARY Voters of ELECTION Texas | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020 LeagueVOTERS of GUIDE Women | Voters2020 PRIMARYof Texas | ELECTION lwvtexas.org EDITION JUDGE, TEXAS COURT (continued) OF CRIMINAL APPEALS

» Tina Clinton (D) (continued) Other Issues: One of the tasks of the Court is to help provide () grants for technical assistance projects to judges and court personnel, and () grants for in- more funding from the legislature so we can robustly tackle education through- nocence training programs. I believe these areas needs to be aggressively admin- out the system would improve the state’s criminal justice system on indigent istered and expanded to help access to justice throughout the State. Many areas defense. do not have funds for technical assistance or education otherwise. Responsibility: () Speak to the Legislature about their attempts at bail reform laws. () I believe the Court receives  habeas writs plus per year. Th is work is Education: Juris Doctorate from SMU School of Law; Bachelors of Art in Phi- tasked to staff attorneys. Th ese cases raise issues of actual innocence, ineff ective losophy from University of Texas at Austin assistance, and other reviews. We should review the need to increase staff so each Facebook: https://facebook.com/JudgeTinaClinton case may be given full consideration. Twitter: twitter.com/JudgeTClinton

» Steven Miears (D) ment of competent criminal defense lawyers. A plan’s use of fl at fees paid to appointed attorneys and investigators encourages and rewards ineff ective assistance Background: I am Board Certifi ed in Criminal Law and of counsel. Th e development everywhere of online portals for appointed lawyers Criminal Appellate Law. For  years I have been named a “Su- to access the court’s fi le and DA discovery is needed. And ability to talk to in- per Lawyer” in criminal law by Texas Monthly. I have handled mates on webcams would assist communication. over  cases as lead counsel on appeal. I have represented per- Responsibility: Th e highest priority of a CCA judge is to review cases where sons at trial and on appeal in many death penalty cases. My the death penalty has been given. Th is occurs on direct appeal from the trial and website has a link to watch an oral argument I did, and opinions of my cases on on writs of habeas corpus. I will not leave this duty to clerks. I will personally appeal. read every record. I will not “go along to get along” with other judges on the CCA Mental Health: Th e Court must address how to defi ne intellectual disability for who refuse to examine the death penalty under current laws. purposes of the death penalty. It has failed to do this even though directed to by Other Issues: Th e most pressing issue for the CCA will be processing writs of the Supreme Court. Th e Court fails to make sure that indigent inmates with men- habeas corpus fi led by inmates. Last year the CCA handled over , writs. Each tal illness are appointed lawyers at every stage of the writ of habeas corpus proof these writs deserves personal attention from the Judge it is assigned to. Th ese cess. Many of these inmates have no access to attorneys. writs continue to bring to the attention of the CCA pervasive incompetence by Access to Justice: Th e Texas Indigent Defense Commission has no authority appointed lawyers, prosecutorial misconduct, and bad forensic experts to sanction counties which have failed to implement or follow a proper indigent defense plan. While each county must have a plan, there is no enforcement au- Education: I graduated Madison High School in Houston, Texas. I received a thority to police these plans. Th e good ol’ boy system still encourages trial judges B.A. with honors from Austin College. I have a doctorate of jurisprudence from to not follow a wheel system for appointments of competent lawyers, especially Texas Tech University School of Law. in death penalty cases. Th e creation of state-wide standards for the appointment Campaign Website: http://SteveMiearsForJudge.com of attorneys in felony cases would assure competent representation and develop- Facebook: https://SteveMiearsForJudge

» JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, PLACE 9

» David Newell (R) Unopposed » Brandon Birmingham (D) Unopposed

» VOTE BY MAIL ceived at your county election offi cial’s offi ce by Friday, February , . Who can vote by mail in Texas? Note: postmarks don’t count. • Over  • A ballot will be mailed to you. Th en Vote! • Sick or disabled • Return your completed ballot to your county elections department by  p.m. • Out of the county on election day or early voting, on Election Day, March , . If mailed, the ballot must be postmarked by • In jail but otherwise eligible to vote Election Day and received by the next business day. Apply to Vote By Mail! • *If you are mailing your ballot from outside the United States, the county elec- • Applications to Vote By Mail are available from your county election offi cial. tion offi cial must receive your ballot by the fi ft h day aft er Election Day. (It For the Texas General Election your application to Vote By Mail must be re- must be postmarked no later than  p.m. on Election Day.)

©2020© League2020 League of Women of Women Voters Voters of Texas of Texas | lwvtexas.org | lwvtexas.org VOTERSVOTERS GUIDE GUIDE | | 2020 2020 PRIMARY PRIMARY ELECTIONELECTION EDITION EDITION 2715 Four-year term. The ﬁ fteen-member board decides curriculum, standards, student testing, special education programs, and textbooks for Texas public schools. It also oversees the STATE BOARD Permanent School Fund. Members of the board do not receive pay, but are eligible for reimbursement for expenses incurred in the course of ofﬁ cial business. OF EDUCATION » What does the State Board of Education do? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XZK4qoFFlU&feature=youtu.be

Gunter Trenton GUE Rowley-15 COOKEValley GRAYSON Van View Alstyne DALLAM SHERMAN HANSFORD OCHILTREE FANNIN LIPSCOMB Pilot Point Leonard

Sanger Anna Celina Weston Blue HARTLEY Aubrey Ridge MOORE HUTCHINSON ROBERTS HEMPHILL Melissa Krugerville Krum State Board of Education Districts Cross DENTON Prosper Roads COLLIN Lincoln New Hope atur Denton Park WISE McKinney Princeton OLDHAM Oak POTTER CARSON GRAY WHEELER Lowry Point Little Farmersville H Ponder Shady Elm Crossing 1 G. Perez Shores Hackberry Fairview Corinth Lakewood Frisco 2017-2018 Lake Village 2 Cortez New DISH Copper Dallas Allen Lucas Fairview Argyle Canyon Hickory Miller-12 Corral Creek The City Highland Colony Ca 3 M. Perez DEAF SMITH ARMSTRONG COLLINGSWORTH Justin Village Josephine M RANDALL DONLEY Boyd Bartonville Double Parker Northlake Nevada Oak Hebron Plano St. Paul Aurora Lewisville 4 Allen Rhome Murphy Lavon Flower Wylie Mound Roanoke Trophy Newark Club 5 Mercer Sachse Royse Westlake Carrollton Richardson City PARMER CASTRO Haslet Southlake Grapevine Coppell Unio SWISHER BRISCOE HALL CHILDRESS Addison Fate Valle 6 Bahorich Mobile Reno TARRANT Farmers Rowlett (Parker) City Keller Branch Garland Pelican ROCKWALL 7 Bradley nctuary Bay Hardy-11 Rockwall HARDEMAN Azle Colleyville McLendon- Saginaw Watauga Heath 8 Cargill Euless University Chisholm BAILEY LAMB North Park HALE FLOYD MOTLEY COTTLE Blue Mound Richland Bedford Irving WILBARGER Hills Highland Park WICHITA Lakeside Lake Haltom Hurst 9 Ellis FOARD (Tarrant) Worth City Richland Sunnyvale Mesquite Sansom Hills Ellis -9 K Park 10 Maynard CLAY Westworth River DALLAS LAMAR Forney Village Oaks Terrell MONTAGUE RED RIVER White Arlington Cockrell Dallas Rowley-15 GRAYSON SettlementWestover Hill Balch 11 Hardy COCHRAN HOCKLEY ARCHER COOKE FANNIN Hills Springs LUBBOCK CROSBY DICKENS KING KNOX BAYLOR Fort Pantego Grand Talty BOWIE Worth Prairie Dalworthington Beltran-13 Oak Ri 12 Miller DELTA edo Gardens (Kaufm FRANKLIN Seagoville Benbrook Forest THROCKMORTON TITUS Edgecliff Hill Hutchins Post Oak Be 13 Beltran COLLIN Village Kennedale Duncanville Crandall City JACK WISE DENTON HOPKINS MORRIS Everman YOAKUM TERRY LYNN GARZA KENT YOUNG CASS Wilmer Combine 14 Melton-Malone STONEWALL HASKELL Miller-12 HUNT DeSoto Lancaster Kaufman Cedar CAMP Hill Crowley Glenn Mansfield Heights 15 Rowley Oak ROCKWALL RAINS Ovilla Ferris MARION Scurry Grove WOOD Cresson Burleson Red TARRANT DALLAS UPSHUR JOHNSON Oak Leaf Oak PALO Hardy-11 GAINES DAWSON BORDEN SCURRY FISHER JONES SHACKELFORD PARKER Briaroaks Midlothian ELLIS Grays PINTO Beltran-13 Ellis-9 Cross Melton-Malone -14 Pecan Prairie HARRISON Timber Hill Rosser Cottonwood KAUFMAN Joshua GREGG G dl W h hi STEPHENS VAN ZANDT SMITH HOOD JOHNSON EASTLAND ELLIS ANDREWS MARTIN HOWARD MITCHELL NOLAN TAYLOR CALLAHAN PANOLA Bulverde ERATH SOMERVELL HENDERSON RUSK

KENDALL NAVARRO Fair HILL Oaks COMANCHE Ranch ANDERSON COMAL New EL PASO CHEROKEE SHELBY Braunfels LOVING BANDERA WINKLER ECTOR MIDLAND GLASSCOCK STERLING COKE RUNNELS Melton-Malone-14 BOSQUE FREESTONE COLEMAN BROWN SAN Mercer-5 HAMILTON Garden NACOGDOCHES AUGUSTINE Ridge HUDSPETH LIMESTONE Schertz MCLENNAN Grey WARD Forest CULBERSON SABINE Hollywood Santa CRANE MILLS Park Selma Shavano Clara TOM GREEN CORYELL HOUSTON Park Hill Country UPTON REAGAN ANGELINA Helotes Village Marion CONCHO LEON Live Oak Cibolo IRION FALLS GUADALUPE REEVES MCCULLOCH Castle Universal LAMPASAS NEWTON Hills City SAN SABA TRINITY Windcrest Converse ROBERTSON Alamo BELL MADISON Leon Balcones Heights Valley Heights Olmos Terrell JASPER San Park Hills SCHLEICHER MENARD MILAM POLK TYLER Antonio BURNET WALKER Kirby BEXAR JEFF DAVIS PECOS CROCKETT Maynard-10 MASON LLANO BRAZOS Cargill-8 St. WILLIAMSON GRIMES Hedwig G. Perez-1 SAN JACINTO China BURLESON Grove SUTTON MEDINA KIMBLE HARDIN LEE MONTGOMERY La Vernia GILLESPIE BLANCO astroville TRAVIS ORANGE M. Perez-3 WASHINGTON WALLER LIBERTY TERRELL Mercer-5 Bradley-7 LaCoste KERR BASTROP PRESIDIO HAYS Bahorich-6 JEFFERSON Von Ormy EDWARDS AUSTIN KENDALL HARRIS Elmendorf BREWSTER VAL VERDE FAYETTE REAL COMAL CALDWELL CHAMBERS Lytle Somerset WILSON BANDERA Allen-4 COLORADO GUADALUPE FORT BEND Natalia BEXAR GONZALES GALVESTON LAVACA G. Perez-1 ATASCOSA Floresville e KINNEY UVALDE MEDINA WHARTON BRAZORIA WILSON DEWITT

Conroe JACKSON Magnolia Patton Plum Shenandoah Woodbranch Village Grove ATASCOSA KARNES MATAGORDA Dayton MAVERICK ZAVALA FRIO VICTORIA Oak Ridge Lakes North Stagecoach MONTGOMERY Kenefick GOLIAD Cortez-2 CALHOUN To m ba ll Cargill-8 Dayton airie DIMMIT ew LIBERTY Lib MCMULLEN BEE Waller LA SALLE REFUGIO LIVE OAK Bahorich-6 Humble ARANSAS M. Perez-3 SAN PATRICIO

Bradley-7 JIM WEBB NUECES Old DUVAL WELLS Jersey River-Wi Village Maynard Mont HARRIS Belvieu -10 KLEBERG Allen-4 C WALLER Pattison Katy Houston Jacinto City PineyHunters Brookshire Point Creek Galena BROOKS VillageVillage Baytown ZAPATA JIM HOGG West Park Beach University Place City KENEDY Deer Bellaire Park Morgan's La PortePoint CHAMBERS Fulshear South Pasadena Houston Simonton Meadows Weston Place Lakes Shoreacres STARR Stafford WILLACY FORT 16R3490 01/03/17 Taylor BEND Sugar HIDALGO Land Brookside Lake Orchard Village Village Seabrook Richmond Nassau Missouri Pearland Clear Lake City Bay Shores Webster CAMERON Rosenberg BRAZORIA Kemah League Te Arcola City GALVESTON C Manvel Alvin Friendswood 2010 Census Pleak Thompsons Iowa Colony Dickinson PLANE120 Texas Legislative Council

» QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES Background: What training, experience, and background qualify you for this Education Funding: What is your opinion about the Texas Supreme Court position? decision that Texas education funding is Constitutional but inadequate and Civic Education: What would you recommend to better prepare students for ineffi cient? their civic responsibilities? Other Issues: What other issues do you believe will be most pressing for the Instruction: What is your position on issues related to student testing? State Board of Education?

» STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 1

» Jennifer Ivey (R) Unopposed » Georgina Perez (D) Unopposed

» STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 4

» Larry McKinzie (D) Unopposed

2816 VOTERS ©2020 GUIDELeague of | 2020Women PRIMARY Voters of ELECTION Texas | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020 LeagueVOTERS of GUIDE Women | Voters2020 PRIMARYof Texas | ELECTION lwvtexas.org EDITION STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION (continued)

» STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 5

» Inga Cotton (R) Education Funding: In its  decision, the Texas Supreme Court correctly gave deference to the legislature as the policy making branch of government. Background: When our family began looking at schools for During the  session, the legislators listened to voters and passed HB, mak- our children, one of whom has a disability, we were apprehen- ing changes to outdated funding formulas and appropriating $. billion to pub- sive. I was able to fi nd a public school nearby that worked for lic education. our children. During my research I heard from parents across Other Issues: Adoption of curriculum standards is one of the most important the state who were not as lucky. I made the choice at that time duties of the State Board of Education. Providing students with knowledge-rich to be a voice for parents and students, advocating for stronger Texas schools. classrooms is a powerful way to close achievement gaps. As the parent of a child Civic Education: Eff ective civics education requires both rigorous instruc- with special needs, I understand the importance of providing resources for stu- tion in history and hands-on experiences about government in action. Students dents with disabilities so they can reach their full potential. who gain a deep knowledge of United States history-both the failures and the tri- umphs-should develop a strong sense of patriotism and a love of liberty, freedom, Education: B.A. in History from Trinity University () and J.D. from Th e and the rule of law. University of Texas School of Law () Instruction: We need to reform standardized testing practices and support pol- Campaign Website: http://ingacotton.com icies that promote greater competition and accountability in our schools. Schools Facebook: https://facebook.com/ingaforschools should not teach to the test, and students should not fear the tests. Twitter: twitter.com/ingaforschools

» Robert Morrow (R) Instruction: Mandatory statewide testing should be eliminated. Let local school districts decide how they want to test student. Background: Th e Republican party has come the cult of an Education Funding: It is a complete joke. Th e taxpayer is being screwed over authoritarian lunatic. I do not think GOP or Democrats should yet again by judges acting like legislators. I am for ending Robin Hood and re- be supporting political criminals who had close associations placing it with nothing. Poor school districts can put up GoFundMe accounts. with a mega child molester [Candidate’s response did not meet Other Issues: I think that high school students should be off ered elective the criteria listed in this Voters Guide]. I oppose any politician classes on the safe use of AR-s. I think all high school senior girls should be of- who is a Russian or Zionist stooge & traitor to the USA. I am against criminals in fered spring semester elective classes on pole dancing and twerking. I say only both parties. girls for those classes because it would too homo for the boys. Th ey need to be Civic Education: Every Texas high school student should read Roger Stone’s playing sports and learning team work. book “Th e Man Who Killed Kennedy: Th e Case Against LBJ” as well as Dan- iel Hopsicker’s “Barry and the Boys” which is about the murder of CIA drug Education: Tuscaloosa Academy  Princeton - A.B. History  Univ. of smuggler Barry Seal by GHW Bush and Oliver North. Also, I would make Nick Texas - MBA -  Bryant’s book Th e Franklin Scandal mandatory reading for all high school Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Robert.Morrow. seniors. Twitter: twitter.com/DCPolitics

» Lani Popp (R) No Response Received

» Rebecca Bell-Metereau (D) Education Funding: Hailed by some as a small step in the right direction for acknowledging the inadequacy of our state funding, this ruling says it’s consti- Background: I taught as a Peace Corps volunteer in Chad, in- tutional, putting the responsibility with the legislature, which has been reducing terpreter US Air Force grain fl ights, Assistant to Director of its support steadily over the years. Th e legislature needs to increase funding by First Year Studies at Indiana University, training new instruc- at least %. One representative rightly criticized the state for “neglecting its re- tors. At TX State, I’ve led teacher training, developed & di- sponsibilities, failing to pick up its fair share of the school fi nance tab, and push- rect Media Studies Minor, chaired Environment & Sustain- ing the costs down to overburdened local taxpayers.” Abbott’s decision to support ability, Faculty Senator. San Marcos Planning & Zoning, Bond, and Recycling quality pre-K education is a wise investment, but the legislature must also allo- Commissions cate adequate funds to educate the other  grades and plan for a future that di- Civic Education: Historical context helps students value citizen responsibili- versifi es funding for public education from a mix of resources. We must see ed- ties and privileges, with curriculum including practical lessons in how govern- ucation as an investment rather than a cost, since it produces an educated work ment works, and how to research and vote in city, county, state, and national force, contributes to a stable economy, and improves the health and well-being of elections. Let’s teach how local, state, and national governments function, with all citizens. For those who wish to abandon public education in favor of for-profi t nonpartisan information on voting practices ranging from local to worldwide. systems for education, health, and prisons, this may seem like a just ruling, but Instruction: Studies indicate high-stakes testing is not only ineff ective, but those who see an educated citizenry as the bedrock of democracy view it as side- actually detrimental to student learning. Responsible teachers use various mea- stepping a responsibility that will have unfortunate consequences in the future. sures of student knowledge and skills and avoid teaching to the test. Nationally- Inadequate funding of special needs students may lose Texas up to $ million normed tests, sparingly administered every other year can off er reliable compara- in federal funding. SBOE oversees $. billion, but only about $. billion was tive and longitudinal data, used for formative, not punitive purposes. released in –. SBOE can tell our leaders to do better.

» Rebecca Bell-Metereau (D) (continued) Education: BA, MA, PhD, degrees in English, Indiana University, specializa- tions in fi lm, rhetoric and composition, pedagogy. Dissertation published by Co- Other Issues: SBOE needs to provide guidance to districts that participate or lumbia University Press as Hollywood Androgyny merge with charters under SB , passed in the th session. It’s unclear who Campaign Website: http://voterebecca.com/ is responsible for schools at the local level aft er a charter contract is executed, af- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voterebecca/ fecting  districts and  campuses. Let’s update literacy in statistics, civil dis- Twitter: twitter.com/voterebecca course, coding, fi nance, sustainability, health life skills. Video: https://youtu.be/olUQkiAak

» Letti Bresnahan (D) Education Funding: The role of the legislature is to pass laws that benefi t its citizens, thus the responsibility to adequately fund public schools belongs to the Background: I have lived in San Antonio for  years and ob- legislature. However, I disagree with theTexas Supreme Court’s ruling that the tained my MBA from UTSA. Our children graduated from states portion of funding for education is constitutional. Th e legislature’s $. bil- public schools where I spent  years volunteering. I served as lion cut in public school funding should have been ruled as unconstitutional be- PTA and Booster Club President. I was elected to the NEISD cause it was unreasonable. Board of Trustees - –, serving as VP and President. Other Issues: We must prepare all students with the knowledge and skills to I am a Board Member for Texas’ Region  ESC. I work in medical education at succeed in our communities. Curriculum must be factual, objective, and sup- UT Health SA. ported with high quality instructional materials. Educators must be skilled and Civic Education: Civic responsibilities must be taught to our students from the trained to meet the needs of all students. Oversight of the permanent school fund beginning and reinforced and built upon throughout their schooling. Learning and charter school applications is critical. formats should be engaging, hands on, and enhanced with modern technology. Real world classroom civic engagement such as meeting with public offi cials, and Education: Bachelor of Arts - Spanish Bachelor of Science - Business St. Louis participating in legislative activities helps our students understand civics. University -  Masters of Business Administration University of Texas at San Instruction: Student testing is critical as a diagnostic tool and to provide feed- Antonio -  back to our parents/teachers about what our students know. Testing can serve as Campaign Website: http://lettisboe.com a tool for teachers/administrators to review and reassess their instruction. How- Facebook: https://lettisboe ever, testing should not be excessive or used for punitive purposes. Testing should Twitter: twitter.com/LettiSBOE not serve as the sole measure of student performance.

» STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 6

» Will Hickman (R) Unopposed

» Debra Kerner (D) Education Funding: Th e TX Supreme Court made it clear that the legislature needs to improve the way we fund our public schools. We also need to in- Background: Debra is a lifelong educator and former VP of crease the amount of money our public schools receive. We need to con- the Harris County Dept of Education, elected countywide. She’s sider the cost of educating all our students, including factors like high poverty a speech language pathologist who has worked w/ children of rates, English Language Learners and the cost of educating students in special all ages. She’s active in the Anti-Defamation League and other education. organizations. Other Issues: Th e Permanent School Fund is a very pressing issue. Th e Hous- Civic Education: Students should start learning about civics in early grades, ton Chronicle pointed out just how broken the system is and that it is fraught learning about and experiencing voting and governing in the classroom, carrying with mismanagement by high paid fund managers who made risky investments. it through to registering to vote in high school. Th ey should learn critical think- Prop.  increased the money which can come from the fund. We need an inde- ing skills to evaluate what they hear and read to be able to make their own con- pendent, outside audit to maximize this $ Billion fund. clusions about what is happening in the government. Instruction: We need to teach to the student, not to the test. Teachers should Education: M.S. Columbia University B.S. Syracuse University teach students critical thinking skills and not focus on test taking strategies for Campaign Website: http://KernerForSBOE.com a single high stakes test. Th ere are multiple ways to measure student success Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebbyKerner throughout the year. Students and educators should not be judged based on high Twitter: twitter.com/DebbyKerner stakes testing.

» Kimberly McLeod (D) nationally and internationally. I actively work with many groups in advocacy for Texas public school children and the educators that lead them. Background: I am a career educator with experience at ev- Civic Education: Civic Education can leave a life imprint on a learner. Th e ery level of education. I have worked in early childhood, public students that organized aft er the mass shooting at Marjory High School in schools and higher education & I’m president of an Ed. Assoc. Florida were able to learn, apply & advocate for themselves. Civics is a lesson that I have written  academic books and support school systems not only addresses how the democratic process works, but how students

3018 VOTERS ©2020 GUIDELeague of | 2020Women PRIMARY Voters of ELECTIONTexas | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020 VOTERSLeague of GUIDE Women | Voters2020 PRIMARY of Texas |ELECTION lwvtexas.org EDITION STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION (continued)

» Kimberly McLeod (D) (continued) cently increased its funding to public schools to %, but until the State pays at least % of the costs required to educate students and reviews the .% revenue engage in it. We should teach civics alongside real time national & community cap applied locally, we will continue to be constitutional but inadequate and in- issues. effi cient. Th e only way to make Texas future ready is to invest in Texas children, Instruction: Testing & accountability is a high stakes, high-pressure distracter and the professionals that lead them - now. from instruction. A benefi t of testing is that it illuminates blind spots. Why not Other Issues: . Review the avenues to graduation that create options that use this diagnostically for individual students and campuses. We should reexam- speak to the unique needs students may have based on the career pathway they ine the purpose of testing and the high stakes attached to it. We should support wish to explore; . Th e PSF is geared to fund schools both today and tomorrow. schools that have needs rather than punish them. We need to ensure future generations can rely on equitable funding from either Education Funding: Adequate school funding, especially those that are work- the state or PSF; . Testing, accountability and teacher certifi cation. ing to educate some of the most marginalized populations should be a mantle for Texas in promoting equity, engagement and opportunity. I do believe that in or- Education: B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies; M.Ed. Counseling; M.Ed. Education der for Texas to graduate students that are prepared to compete on a national and Administration; Ed.D. Counselor Education international level, Texas will have to invest in its public schools. I support any Campaign Website: http://www.DrKimTx.com legislative action that requires Texas in increasing its state contribution levels to Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKimTX/ ensure that no shortfall exists in per-student funding and educator pay. Texas re- Twitter: twitter.com/DrKimTx

» Michelle Palmer (D) Education Funding: With the new funding from SB, Texas is $K below the national average per student. We need to reach at least the national aver- Background: I have been a teacher for over a decade and have age. In addition, charter schools are draining millions of dollars from Texas pub- taught middle school math as well as high school social studies. lic schools every year without transparency or accountability. We also need to I understand the curriculum that is used in Texas classrooms look at the Permanent School Fund management. It is costing millions extra and have studied the various Texas curricula in depth. I have per year. been a public education advocate for several years and know Other Issues: Bringing fi delity to the facts back to the curriculum standards how the system works and can work within that system. should be the number one goal of the SBOE. Moses should not be in the US His- Civic Education: We now require a “peaceful police offi cer interaction” as a tory curriculum and climate change science should be in the science curriculum. graduation requirement. We should also require an interaction with an elected Rape should not be taught by blaming victims in the health curriculum. LGBT offi cial. I bring elected offi cials to speak to my government classes every semester history should not be completely ignored in the history curriculum. and it is eye-opening for the students. In addition, civics should either be a separate course or a much larger part of the government curriculum. Education: BA Political Science from the University of Houston, Graduate Instruction: Standardized tests do not improve student achievement. Th e US classes in Education at the University of St. Th omas has gone from th to st in math since NCLB was instituted. Teaching to the Campaign Website: http://palmerfortexased.com/ test has become the norm and our students are suff ering. Higher-order thinking Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/palmerfortexased/ skills are in decline and the economy of the future depends on the students of to- Twitter: twitter.com/palmertexased day knowing how to think outside the box not take a multiple-choice test. Video: https://youtu.be/fpAGDSNAsQI

» STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 8 » STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 9

» Audrey Young (R) Unopposed » Brenda Davis (D) Unopposed

» Keven M. Ellis (R) Unopposed

» STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 10

» Tom Maynard (R) Unopposed

» Marsha Burnett-Webster (D) is a civic responsibility. Secondary school students must take civics classes for graduation. Additionally, I believe students should complete mandatory commu- Background: I am a native Texan and a career educator. I have nity service projects. worked as a teacher and an administrator in middle schools, Instruction: Standardized testing should be used only as a diagnostic tool to high schools, and colleges across the United States. I have seen guide the student learning process - a process that should take into account that what happens when we give our students the best we have to of- not all students learn the same way. Th at is not how these biased tests are used to- fer. And I have seen what happens when we neglect their educa- day, however. Instead, they are largely being used to drive student graduation re- tional needs. Our student deserve the best. Help me make that possible. quirements, assess teacher abilities, and school performance. Civic Education: Civic responsibility begins in the home; schools have a re- Education Funding: I wholeheartedly agree that public education funding is sponsibility as well. Primary grade school students are coached on sharing, which ‘inadequate and ineffi cient.’ Th e Texas Supreme Court did not and does not write

» Marsha Burnett-Webster (D) (continued) review and adoption of textbooks, and establishment of regional education service centers. Each is predicated on adequate and effi cient funding. or amend the Texas Constitution. Only the Texas Legislature can initiate that. If we want to fi x our broken education funding problem and provide the best pos- Education: Doctor of Education, California Coast University; Master of Educa- sible education for students, then we must elect candidates (irrespective of party) tion, Prairie View A&M University; Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts, Prai- who will fi x this problem - and not candidates who will make it worse. rie View A&M University Other Issues: Th e SBOE must be involved in designing instructional materi- Campaign Website: http://www.webstertxsboe.com/ als (vocational programs), teacher retention and salary improvements (as well as Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Marsha-Burnett-Webster-for-Texas- healthcare for retired teachers), special needs programs, safe and healthy schools, State-Board-of-Education-District--/

» Stephen Wyman (D) Other Issues: Text books and curriculum based on academic/professional academic’s assessment... Review/audit of Texas Permanent School Fund Background: Raised by Secondary School Teachers; Bachelors degree; Substi- management. tute Teacher; School Bus Driver... Civic Education: Perhaps Civics could replace/supplement Social Studies. Education: BA, Indiana University,  Instruction: Texas Schools do way too much testing; over utilize test scores for Campaign Website: http://blueboomerhd.blogspot.com/ over simplifi ed ratings of schools and their success/lack thereof. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.wyman. Education Funding: It is a reasonably correct assessment of Texas education funding... Is it Constitutional?.

» STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 14 » STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 15

» Maria Berry (R) No Response Received » Jay Johnson (R) Unopposed

» Sue Melton-Malone (R) No Response Received » John Betancourt (D) Unopposed

» Greg Alvord (D) Unopposed

3220 VOTERS ©2020 LeagueGUIDE of | Women 2020 PRIMARY Voters of TexasELECTION | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020VOTERS League ofGUIDE Women | 2020Voters PRIMARY of Texas ELECTION | lwvtexas.org EDITION Six-year term. Hears appeals on civil and criminal cases from lower courts in its district. JUDGE, COURT Current Salary: $154,500. See VOTE411.org for Court of Appeals candidates in your district. OF APPEALS Compare candidates at www.VOTE411.org

DALLAM SHERMAN OCHILTREE LIPSCOMB HANSFORD

HARTLEY HEMPHILL MOORE HUTCHINSON ROBERTS

OLDHAM POTTER CARSON GR AY Courts of Appeals Districts WHEELER Effective September 1, 2005 ARMSTRONG RANDALL COLLINGS- DEAF SMITH DONLEY 7 WORTH

PARMER CASTRO HALL CHILDRESS SWISHER BRISCOE

HARDEMAN

LAMB HALE COTTLE BAILEY FLOYD MOTLEY WILBARGER FOARD WICHITA

CLAY MONTAGUE COOKE GR AY SO N LAMAR RED RIVER COCHRAN FANNIN LUBBOCK DICKENS KING KNOX BAYLOR HOCKLEY CROSBY ARCHER BOWIE DELTA 2 6 5 TITUS TERRY THROCK- JACK DENTON YOAKUM STONEWALL YOUNG HOPKINS FRANKLIN CASS LYNN GARZA KENT HASKELL MORTON WISE COLLIN HUNT MORRIS CAMP

ROCKWALL RAINS MARION

PA R KER DALLAS WOOD GAINES UPSHUR DAWSON SCURRY 11 SHACKELFORD STEPHENS PALO PINTO TARRANT BORDEN FISHER VAN ZANDT HARRISON JONES KAUFMAN GREGG SMITH HOOD JOHNSON ELLIS ANDREWS MARTIN HOWARD MITCHELL NOLAN TAYLOR CALLAHAN EASTLAND ERATH SOMERVELL HENDERSON PA N O LA RUSK NAVARRO CHEROKEE HILL COMANCHE SHELBY EL PASO WINKLER GLASSCOCK COKE BOSQUE ANDERSON LOVING ECTOR MIDLAND STERLING RUNNELS COLEMAN BROWN 12 FREESTONE NACOGDOCHES HAMILTON 10 SAN MCLENNAN HUDSPETH WARD AUGUSTINE CULBERSON MILLS LIMES TONE CRANE TOM GREEN CORYELL HOUSTON SABINE UPTON REAGAN LEON ANGELINA REEVES CONCHO IRION FALLS MCCULLOCH LAMPASAS SAN SABA TRINITY NEWTON BELL ROBERTSON MADISON TYLER JASPER SCHLEICHER MENARD POLK PECOS MILAM WALKER JEFF DAVIS 8 BURNET WILLIAMSON CROCKETT MASON LLANO BRAZOS 9 GRIMES SAN JACINTO 3 BURLESON SUTTON KIMBLE HARDIN MONTGOMERY TRAVIS GILLESPIE LEE BLANCO WASHINGTON ORANGE TERRELL WALLER LIBERTY

BASTROP PRESIDIO KERR H AY S EDWARDS JEFFERSON KENDALL AUSTIN VA L VER D E FAYETTE 1 and 14 CALDWELL BREWSTER REAL COMAL CHAMBERS HARRIS BANDERA COLORADO GUADALUPE FORT BEND GALVESTON BEXAR GONZALES LAVACA KINNEY UVALDE MEDINA WHARTON BRAZORIA 4 WILSON DE WITT JACKSON ATASCOSA KARNES ZAVA LA FRIO VICTORIA MATAGORDA MAVERICK GOLIAD

CALHOUN DIMMIT BEE LA SALLE MCMULLEN LIVE OAK 13 REFUGIO

ARANSAS SAN PATRICIO

JIM WELLS WEBB NUECES DUVAL

KLEBERG Overlap of Districts 5 and 6

JIM HOGG BROOKS ZAPATA KENEDY Overlap of Districts 6 and 12 12R114 02/02/2012

STARR WILLACY HIDALGO

CAMERON

Texas Legislative Council Source: Section 22.201, Government Code, as amended by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., ch. 542

» TEXAS COURT OF APPEALS SERVES THE FOLLOWING TEXAS COUNTIES:

The 1st Court of Appeals: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, The 10th Court of Appeals: Bosque, Brazos, Burleson, Coryell, Ellis, Falls, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Waller, and Washington Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Johnson, Leon, Limestone, Madison, McLennan, Navarro, Robertson, Somervell, and Walker The 2nd Court of Appeals: Archer, Clay, Cooke, Denton, Hood, Jack, Montague, Parker, Tarrant, Wichita, Wise, and Young The 11th Court of Appeals: Baylor, Borden, Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Dawson, Eastland, Ector, Erath, Fisher, Gaines, Glasscock, Haskell, The 3rd Court of Appeals: Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Howard, Jones, Knox, Martin, Midland, Mitchell, Nolan, Palo Pinto, Scurry, Comal, Concho, Fayette, Hays, Irion, Lampasas, Lee, Llano, McCulloch, Milam, Shackelford, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, and Th rockmorton Mills, Runnels, San Saba, Schleicher, Sterling, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson The 12th Court of Appeals: Anderson, Angelina, Cherokee, Gregg, The 4th Court of Appeals: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Brooks, Dimmit, Duval, Henderson, Houston, Nacogdoches, Rains, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Smith, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood Kimble, Kinney, La Salle, Mason, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Menard, Real, Starr, Sutton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Webb, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala The 13th Court of Appeals: Aransas, Bee, Calhoun, Cameron, De Witt, Goliad, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Jackson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Lavaca, Live Oak, The 5th Court of Appeals: Collin, Dallas, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman, and Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Wharton, and Willacy Rockwall The 14th Court of Appeals: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort The 6th Court of Appeals: Bowie, Camp, Cass, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Waller, and Washington Gregg, Harrison, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Panola, Red River, Rusk, Titus, Upshur, and Wood The 7th Court of Appeals: Armstrong, Bailey, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, Childress, Cochran, Collingsworth, Cottle, Crosby, Dallam, Deaf Smith, Dickens, Donley, Floyd, Foard, Garza, Gray, Hale, Hall, Hansford, Hardeman, Hartley, Hemphill, Hockley, Hutchinson, Kent, King, Lamb, Lipscomb, Lubbock, Lynn, » PARTY PROPOSITIONS Moore, Motley, Ochiltree, Oldham, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Roberts, Sherman, Voters in the Texas Primary may provide feedback to their party via ballot prop- Swisher, Terry, Wheeler, Wilbarger, and Yoakum ositions. Th ese propositions do not impact or create law. Th ey will be at the end of The 8th Court of Appeals: Andrews, Brewster, Crane, Crockett, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Loving, Pecos, Presidio, Reagan, Reeves, Terrell, the ballot. Th e Texas Republican Propositions and the Texas Democratic Proposi- Upton, Ward, and Winkler tions can be found on VOTE.org or on your party’s website. The 9th Court of Appeals: Hardin, Jasper, Jeff erson, Liberty, Montgomery, Newton, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, and Tyler

What is the Census, and how does it impact you? What the Census will send you in the mail • Th e Census is a count of all persons living in the U.S. It is conducted every  years by the federal government, and it is mandated by the Constitution. On or between You’ll receive • Resources for the Community: We track changes in our population in order March – An invitation to respond online to the  Census. to know where to send resources and federal services. Census data is used to (Some households will also receive paper distribute over $ billion in federal funds annually. States use this money to questionnaires.) pay for services and programs that are absolutely vital to the community, such as healthcare, highway funding, and education. Each person counted in your March – A reminder letter. community means additional federal dollars in your community. If you haven’t responded yet: • Basis for Representation: Th ese population changes also have an aff ect March –April  A reminder postcard. on our democracy. Th e Census count is used to determine how many seats April – A reminder letter and paper questionnaire. each state gets in Congress and how district lines are drawn at every level of government. April – A fi nal reminder postcard before the Census follows up • Community Development: Census data impacts planning and development in person. in your community. It guides decisions on where to build businesses, subdi- visions, schools, and roads. It is used by healthcare offi cials to plan resources Are Census Responses Conﬁ dential? Yes. and appropriate care for the surrounding population. • All Census data are protected by federal law to be kept confi dential for  years. When will the Census be conducted? • Th e Census Bureau cannot share data with any other federal agency. • All Census Bureau employees swear to a lifetime oath to protect respondent Starts: March  information and will be fi ned $, and/or face up to  years imprison- Ends: July  ment for wrongful disclosure.

How can people complete the Census questionnaire? “It is your right to be counted! Filling out the form is fast, easy, and secure.” • Online —Grace Chimene, President, League of Women Voters of Texas • Over the phone • Th e paper form For more information about the  Census: • Or, by responding to a Census worker at your home https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations//comm/-everyone.html

» REDISTRICTING—NEW DISTRICT MAPS TO BE DRAWN AFTER 2020 CENSUS

Once we know how many people live in Texas, the state legislature will start the a transparent process. You can fi nd guidance for how to testify on the League redistricting process and redraw the boundaries of the state legislative and con- webpage, see below. gressional districts so that they are equal in population. Th ese election maps will If you are unable to attend a hearing and would still like to provide testimony, be used for the next decade. you may email or call legislators on the Redistricting Committee. A list of com- Because of partisan gerrymandering, the way the district boundaries are mittee member information can be found here: http://bit.ly/KrYkN drawn determine the power of your vote. Th e boundaries determine how you are Th e League of Women Voters of Texas, working with Fair Maps Texas, is pro- represented, which other communities are included in your district, and ulti- viding training in advance of many of the hearings. mately, who will be elected to represent you. Th ose elected offi cials then go on to make important decisions that impact you and your family on a daily basis, such More Information: as the quality of the air you breathe, the quality of your child’s school, and how Th e League of Women Voters of Texas: much you pay in taxes. https://my.lwv.org/texas/advocacy-issues/redistrictingcensus Fair Maps Texas: https://www.fairmapstexas.org/ What Can You Do to Inﬂ uence the New District Maps? Th e Texas Legislative Council: https://redistricting.capitol.texas.gov Th e Legislature has already begun the process for the  redrawing of state Texas Legislature’s website: https://capitol.texas.gov and federal legislative districts. In the fall of , the Texas House Redistricting Committee started holding Public Input Hearings for the  redistricting. Th e Texas Senate Redistricting Committee will begin holding hearings in March of . (Schedules can be found below.) Public comments at the committee hearings will be used to assist the Legisla- ture when it draws district boundaries. Public Input Hearings Schedule You are invited to attend a local public hearing to let your state legislators know your concerns, where your community is located and encourage them to conduct

3422 VOTERS ©2020 LeagueGUIDE of | Women 2020 PRIMARY Voters of TexasELECTION | lwvtexas.org EDITION © 2020 VOTERSLeague of GUIDE Women | 2020Voters PRIMARY of Texas ELECTION | lwvtexas.org EDITION » REGISTERING TO VOTE precinct, but you believe you are registered, the election judge will attempt to de- • You must register to vote at least  days before the election date. Th e last day termine if you are registered somewhere in your county. you can register to vote for the  General Election is MONDAY, Febru- If your registration cannot be found, you may cast a provisional vote by fi lling ary , . out an affi davit and casting a provisional ballot. Th is ballot is kept separate from • All eligible citizens wishing to vote must be on the offi cial list of registered the regular ballots, and the case will be reviewed by the provisional voting ballot voters. If you moved or changed your name you must re-register! board. Th e ballot will be counted only if the voter is determined to be a registered voter in that precinct. Provisional voters will receive a notice in the mail by the Who Can Register to Vote? tenth day aft er the local canvass advising them if their provisional ballots were • a citizen of the United States, counted and, if they were not counted, the reason why. • a resident of the county, and » WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE •  years  months old (to vote you must be at  years old on Election Day). • You must not have been declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law. Vote early! • If you have been convicted of a felony, you may register to vote only aft er you • Early Voting begins Monday, February –February , . have completed the punishment phase of your conviction, including any terms • All registered voters may vote early in person at any early voting location in of incarceration, parole, supervision, or period of probation ordered by the their county. court. • Check with your local newspaper or your county clerk or election administrator Suspended Voter for early voting times and locations. You can still vote if your voter registration is in suspense! “Suspense” means that Where do I vote? your county voter registrar needs to confi rm your voting address. • Contact your County Election Offi cial. Th ey can tell you where you can vote. Update your voter registration if you have . . . or • Use VOTE.org. Enter your address and fi nd where to vote. • Moved • Changed name » PHOTO ID DETAILS AND EXCEPTIONS • Not voted in the last four years See WHAT TO TAKE TO THE POLLS on the front page for a list of accepted Voter Registration Facts: photo IDs. Additional information about voter IDs: • You do not need to register before every election. • IDs may be expired up to  (four) years. Persons  years of age or older may use an expired ID. • Your county voter registrar can help you with voter registration concerns. You may ask your county registrar to keep your address off the public record if you • Th e name on the photo ID should match the voter registration card or be “sub- are a peace offi cer or a victim of domestic abuse. stantially similar.” If the names don’t match exactly, but are substantially simi- • If you are registered to vote, you will receive a new voter registration card in lar, the voter will initial a box for similar name when signing in to vote. the mail every two years. • Th e address on the ID does not have to match the voter registration address. • You must register to vote at least  days before the election date. • Voters with a documented disability from Social Security or Veterans Aff airs can apply for a voter registration certifi cate exempting them from the photo » STUDENT VOTERS: ID requirement. AWAY AT COLLEGE? BE A TEXAS VOTER! • Voters without another acceptable ID can obtain an Election Identifi cation Certifi cate (EIC) from Texas DPS at no cost by providing proof of citizenship You must be registered to vote. and identity and registering to vote at DPS or showing a voter registration • Find out at votetexas.gov card. Requirements for the EIC can be found at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us • Register to vote! (Note! We don’t have online voter registration in Texas) /DriverLicense/electionID.htm. Th ere is no charge for the EIC but the necessary documentation may have a cost. I am registered at my parents’ address! Photo ID is generally not required to vote by mail. Voters may apply for a mail bal- • Drive home! Early vote or vote on Election Day lot if  or older, ill or disabled, or absent from their county during early vot- • or Vote By Mail ing and on Election Day. In some cases, fi rst time voters will be asked to supply a I am registered at my college address! copy of an ID to vote by mail. • Skip the lines! Vote Early! • Voters who do not show an acceptable ID and do not sign the reasonable impediment declaration can vote a provisional ballot and have six days to show • or vote on Election Day! the required photo ID. You must show an ID to vote! You can’t use your student ID. Your ID address does not have to match the voter registration address. • Voters who lack a photo ID because of a religious objection to being photo- graphed or because of a natural disaster declared by the president will be al- » WHAT IS PROVISIONAL VOTING? lowed to vote a provisional ballot and complete an affi davit within six days of the election. Th e Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of  provides for provisional voting if a voter’s name does not appear on the list of registered voters due to an ad- Check the League’s website for other helpful information about elections, voting ministrative error. If your name is not on the rolls of registered voters in your and issues: www.lwvtexas.org.

LWV Texas Voters Guides are funded by the League of Women Voters of Texas, a (c)() corporation that is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. LWV Texas EMPOWERING VOTERS. gratefully acknowledges major contributions in the past year from: DEFENDING DEMOCRACY E.W. Branch Barbara Hotinski Who else but the LWV is a nonpartisan, political organization and Jack E. Blake, Jr. Terri Hudler-Hull one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations? Th e LWV Connie Born Kathleen Irvin . . . encouraging active participation in government . . . working to Elaine Bridges John Jaggers increase understanding of major public policy issues . . . infl uencing Amber Briggle Julie Lowenberg public policy through education and advocacy . . . making democracy work! Linda Brock Dorothy Marchand Learn more about our thirty-three local Texas Leagues and how Keith Burgess and Freda Ballas Aileen Jacinta McMurrer they help shape today’s important issues by visiting the League’s Grace Chimene John Nolan website at www.lwvtexas.org. Laura Churchill Carol Olewin Ruth Davis Jane Pak Mary Decker Charitable Trust Nancy Parra Annie Dunkelberg Lynette Schillo Roxanne Elder Marguerite “Meg” Scott-Johnson Dawn Ellison Diane Sheridan » TEXAS LOCAL LEAGUES Miriam Foshay Diana Tomchick Amarillo El Paso Montgomery County Ruth Ann Geer Elaine Wiant Austin Area Fort Bend County Richardson Bay Area Grayson County Rio Grande Valley Daniel Herron Nancy Wilson Beaumont Hays County San Antonio Area Darlene Hicks Laura Yeager Bell County Hill Country Tarrant County Judy Hollinger Brazoria Houston Area Tyler/Smith County Cy-Fair Irving Victoria Collin County Lake Houston Waco Area Special thanks to Margaret “Peg” Hill, PhD, for her generous sup- Comal Area Lavaca County Wichita Falls port of the  Voters Guides. Cooke County Lubbock County Williamson County Corpus Christi Marshall/Harrison Dallas County Denton Midland

» LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF TEXAS VOTERS GUIDE Voters Guide Coordinator: Carol Olewin » LWV VISION STATEMENT We envision a democracy where every person has the desire, the right, the knowledge and the confi dence to participate.