Let’s Talk About Voting

Biden and Julian

In the most consequential election of our lives, we have to do everything we can to make sure everyone who can vote does vote. And a big part of that is getting people excited and informed. TOP is taking part of several online discussions to connect voters of color, talk about the issues we care about and talk about what it will take to win in November.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, our executive director, Michelle Tremillo, will join Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sec. Julián Castro for a town hall with Univision titled Destino 2020: Votar es Poder (Destiny 2020: Voting is Power) on the importance of the Latino vote. Catch the livestream at 6 p.m. at live.berniesanders.com.

On Wednesday, our deputy director, Brianna Brown, will join activists, organizers and lawyers from around the country to talk about the work being done right now to grow the electorate and secure our democracy. Join us at 8 p.m. on Facebook for the Rise Up for Justice: Voter Suppression and the Right to Vote panel hosted by Black Voters Matters and the Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. Share the Facebook event here. Spanish translation will be provided.

Last week, Crystal Zermeño, TOP’s director of electoral strategy, joined a panel on the Texas Tribune Festival to discuss TOP’s efforts to grow the Latino electorate. This year, TOP will connect with and engage more than 800,000 Latino voters who have rarely or never voted across five counties in Texas. Joining Crystal on the panel was Voto Latino President and CEO Maria Teresa Kumar. Watch the panel here.

Election Day is nearing. Make sure you are registered to vote here, and once you are registered to vote, sign up here to get important updates and reminders to help you cast your vote.

If you have any questions about voting or want to volunteer to help others vote, call or text Tempestt McHenry at 214-704-8114.

Crucial Budget Vote Coming Up in Dallas

Working with In Defense of Black Lives Dallas, we have demanded transformational change to policing in the streets and at City Hall. We can’t let up now. A final vote on the city budget takes place this Wednesday.

We have to continue urging our elected city leaders to deliver that transformational change through a budget that reallocates funds away from the police department toward programs that build up and heal our communities.

If you’re a Dallas resident, sign up to speak at this Wednesday’s City Council meeting to let our elected leaders know that we can build a safer community by divesting from policing and investing in our communities.

Call the Dallas City Secretary’s Office at 214-670-3738 to sign up to speak on agenda item #92 or on the open mic portion. The deadline to sign up is Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 5 p.m.

For more information, call or text Carvell Bowens at 214-934-8558.