Secretary Wilson Projects Turnout for Constitutional Amendment Election

MIDLAND –Secretary of State Phil Wilson stopped in Midland today as part of a five county swing through West Texas to encourage Texans to vote in the Constitutional Amendment Election on November 6.  During this get out the vote effort Wilson made his prediction for overall voter turnout in the 2007 Constitutional Amendment Election.

“Participation throughout early voting has been much lower than I would like to see” stated Wilson.  “Based on these numbers and other factors I am projecting an overall turnout of 9.5 of registered Texas voters.  This election is important and I encourage Texans to head to the polls and prove me wrong.”

Wilson examined a variety of factors when projecting this year’s turnout including prior levels of voter turnout voter registration numbers and early voting trends to date. Throughout early voting the Secretary of State’s office tracks turnout from the state’s 15 most populous counties 1 which account for more than 60 percent of all registered voters in Texas. 

Secretary Wilson also met with local officials and citizens to discuss the importance of voter participation and reminded residents to take advantage of the last day of early voting or cast a ballot on Election Day November 6. 

 “Each and every election in Texas is important” continued Wilson.  “From national presidential races to local bond elections as Americans it is our duty to protect the democratic processes of our state and our nation and exercise our right to vote.”

As the Chief Elections Officer for the state of Texas Wilson is responsible for ensuring elections in Texas are held in accordance with the Texas Election Code.  His Elections Division provides assistance to county officials in the interpretation application and implementation of election law and has played a significant role in the compliance of the Help America Vote Act passed in 2002. 

Election Day is next Tuesday November 6.  Polling hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.   To determine polling locations visit the Secretary of State’s website at: www.sos.state.tx.us.