Another factor that affects turnout is the type of election. Presidential elections draw the highest turnout. The next highest turnout is state elections, such as the governor's race. Local elections attract the lowest turnout.
Minorities in Texas vote less frequently than whites. They have less interaction with government and this may lead to distrust of government and apathy. In addition, family voting tradition has an impact on voting. Minorities have grown in an environment in which they were prohibited from voting in the past. Language can be also a barrier to voter turnout. It makes it difficult for non-English speaking Texans to obtain on registration, voting, issues as well as candidates.
Another group that votes less frequently is young people. Many consider government issues too far removed from their everyday existence to be important. Low voter turnout in Texas can also be attributed to Texas' traditionalistic political culture, one-party state, and voter apathy because things are doing well. Frequency of elections can develop election burnout among voters. There are too many elections held in a given year. Another detrimental effect of turnout out is a long ballot. Too many elected offices at the local and state levels make the ballot long. Instead of picking the wrong candidate, some choose not to vote at all.
What to do to make participation easier? Several states now allow Election Day registration. Other states have experimented with ballot by mail. One reform already enacted in Texas is the no excuses early voting policy. In Texas, early voting begins fifteen to seventeen days prior to the designated day of election. Early voting is popular in Texas. In 2008, early voters comprised 42 percent of total voters. There are several different types of elections in Texas. Primary elections allow voters in a political party to choose the party's nominees for the general election. Texas' primary is called open primary.
