The April 15 Dallas newspaper reported that 39 of the March 1 polling places will be shut down for the May 7 and May 24 elections. The reason was obvious: 71 Dallas County election judges had dropped out! So far, they have not been able to get enough people to staff the polls. The article was shared to our Facebook page.
Election officials are under pressure because Republicans in the last legislature criminalized some ordinary mistakes they might make and gave police powers to volunteer “poll watchers.” One result is fewer polling places, longer lines, and fewer voters – exactly what the vote suppressors want!
Texas has already embarrassed itself before the nation with the large number, as many as 25,000, of seniors and disabled voters who were initially denied their right to vote by mail in the March 1 primary. More future troubles were revealed in a Washington Post article saying that Trump supporters want to get rid of all voting machines. One expert called it “a recipe for chaos.”
Republican vote suppressors try to justify themselves by claiming that there is rampant vote fraud. They may not be entirely happy with a current fraud scandal because it concerned Mark Meadows, former Chief-of-Staff for Donald Trump.
Seniors and disabled Texans are pushing back by continuing to apply to vote by mail. They began voting early this month for the May 7 election. The Texas Alliance for Retired Americans has recommended a “yes” vote on both propositions. Early voting begins April 25. Turnout is everything!
Gerardo Contreras to Help May 1 Picnic
Brother Gerardo Contreras called this morning. He wanted to discuss cooking for the Dallas AFL-CIO May 1 picnic scheduled for 2-6PM at Lake Cliff Park.
“Aren’t you in the hospital?” I asked.
Gerardo said, “Yes,” but he intends to scout the pavilion at Lake Cliff Park as soon as he gets released. For decades, Gerardo Contreras of UAW Local 848 has volunteered to make labor’s public events successful. He has been justly honored as “Labor’s Hero.” He still is!
Jason Tomlinson (jtomlinson.dallasaflcio@gmail.com) reports that we have 20 co-sponsors donating $100 each and they are still coming in!
More Actions Coming Up
Apr 16: Seniors and other eligible voters may apply to vote by mail in all 2022 elections
Apr 16, 4P: Free Movie: Oliver Stone's “Ukraine on Fire” at Pan African Connection, 4466 S Marsalis, Dallas
Apr 21: SPR Flight Attendants will be conducting another informational picketing event in DFW. For info: David Bedene at dbedene@spiritafa.com
Apr 23: The National Nurses United union national day of action to support Medicare for All
Apr 25: Early voting begins for May 7 constitutional referendum & municipal elections. Ends May 3
Apr 26: Deadline to receive vote by mail applications for May constitutional referendum and municipal elections
Apr 28: Workers Memorial Day to commemorate all the workers killed or injured on the job
Apr 28, "Shoot For The Cure" at Greystone Castle Sporting Club in Mingus, Texas. Sponsored by OPEIU 277 and UFCW 1000
May 1, 2-6P: International Workers Day picnic at Lake Cliff Park, 1100 Crawford in Dallas. To support, contact Jason Tomlinson at jtomlinson.dallasaflcio@gmail.com
May 7: May constitutional referendum & local elections, including school board
May 9: Donald J Trump is expected to raise funds in Dallas
May 13: Deadline to receive vote by mail applications for Primary runoff election
May 16: Early voting begins for primary runoff election
May 24: Primary runoff election
Jul 22-24: Young Active Labor Leaders statewide meeting
Sep 9-10: Women's Summit
Oct 28: Deadline to receive vote-by-mail applications for general election
Nov 8: General election