#VOTE YOUR MIND: An Art Project around Independent Thinking

Houston Voters!! Nov. 8 = Election Day | Early Voting = Oct. 24 - Nov. 4, 2022

Voting is a right that we take for granted in the USA. But it is also a very serious responsibility.

It takes time to do the research and form the opinions necessary to vote our individual minds, rather than what our families, parties or demographics tell us to.
But unless you do the research yourself, you are voting blind.

​Here are some resources to help you #Vote Your Mind — and see for yourself.
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The links will take you directly to the websites, but in many cases you’ll have to poke around to find the information you’re looking for. It’s not as easy as it should be to be informed when you go to the polls.

Keep in mind that upcoming elections in Houston in 2022 include a special constitutional amendment election to the Texas constitution on May 7. And a runoff for the primary elections on May 24. But these sites are updated with information as the year progresses. They are always a good place to start.

HarrisVotes.com • This is a county-wide office that provides specifics on voter registration, poll locations, vote-by-mail information, a vote-casting calendar, and specific ballot finders. The site also covers voting machine operation and info for voting overseas and for people with disabilities. 

LWVHouston.org • LWVHouston is a nonpartisan organization that seeks to engage people in politics through access and information. For every election they provide a VOTERS GUIDE with details on issues and candidate information. The website also contains voting guidelines and coverage on developments in redistricting and voting laws.

Vote411.org • Vote411 is a “one stop shop” for voter and election related information. In addition to polling, registration and individualized ballot info, Vote411 also lists debate and candidate information. 

VoteTexas.gov • This is a state-wide reference powered by the Texas Secretary of State. In addition to legislative and legal information on voting rights and regulations, the site contains election statistics and filing complaints. It also provides access to ballot information, polling locations, and guides to becoming a registered candidate.
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apps.TexasTribune.org • As a Texas-centric newspaper, the Tribune has numerous articles on Texas politics, but searching for upcoming elections will lead to very specific coverage. 

​HoustonChronicle.com •  This local publication is a good resource for general election information (search “upcoming election” for current local coverage). The site provides info on candidates and the Editorial Board makes recommendations on specific candidates that can be taken into consideration.

Testing the installation at the studio April 27, 2022.

The original #VoteYourMind installation took place on April 30, 2022 in Houston TX. Although prompted by the upcoming elections, the concept encourages us all to break free from the herd and become educated, self-governing, and frequent voters. ​​
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