Permian Votes Campaign works to increase voter registration across the Basin
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A campaign to increase the number of residents voting across the Permian Basin was recently launched by the Permian Strategic Partnership after statistics showed the lack of voters in the region.
"Alarming statistics reveal that in recent elections, decisions in the Permian Basin have been made by less than 10% of the area residents. This year, we're making it our mission to see that change."
– Permian Strategic Partnership
The campaign, led by the Permian Strategic Partnership, was launched on September 9th and is working to target both English and Spanish speakers in counties across both West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico to encourage participation in the November election.
According to Erin Bailey, Communications at Diamondback Energy in Midland, there is a serious need for voter registration in the area.
"One of the stats with this is that less than 10% of the population in the Permian Basin voted in the last elections," Bailey said. "These are the elections at the local level that the people we put in these seats are deciding what happens in the Permian Basin for the next three, six years, depending on how they roll off."
According to PSP, the campaign efforts take a multichannel approach by including various forms of videos, advertising, and in-person voting events, while also targeting both English and Spanish speakers.
Another vital approach the campaign is taking includes going to more rural areas.
"Going to the locations that are maybe a little more rural in the Permian Basin, where they don't have as much access to the amenities that we have in Midland or Odessa," Bailey with Diamondback said, adding that the campaign is "making sure that they're (rural populations within the Basin) aware of what's happening and that they're ready and prepared for the election in November."
Adrian Carrasco, former chairman of the Midland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce also highlighted the importance of going out to vote, especially for local elections.
"That's how we're making decisions in our communities. So the county commissioners, the school board, the college races, all those races, city council, are very important because you're putting the people in that are going to shape your future and shape this community," Carrasco said. "We want to make sure that we are doing our part by getting citizens involved...because we know that their voice does matter...we need them to be a part of that decision-making."
For more information about the Permian Votes Campaign and all its voter outreach information, visit this website – and for more information on this upcoming election, visit the Vote 2024 section on our website, or click here .
