For Immediate Release
Feb. 15, 2022
Contact:
AUSTIN — Jolt Action, the largest Latino progressive organization in Texas focused on building the political power and influence of young Latinos, released its Primary Election Candidate ‘Vibe Check’ today, which rates candidates on their positions on Jolt’s core values, in advance of the March 1 primary.
Of the more than 300 non-judicial statewide and local candidates contacted by Jolt, 86 responded to the ‘Vibe Check.’ The ‘Vibe Check’ is available on Jolt’s website.
“Combing through local, state, and federal candidates, especially during the primary, can be overwhelming for voters. The intention of the ‘Vibe Check’ is to provide voters with a simple, straightforward analysis of how candidates align with their values,” said Jolt Executive Director Gloria Gonzales-Dholakia. “We encourage voters throughout Texas to take the time to educate themselves on who best represents their community’s interests — and then vote on or before March 1.”
Candidate responses were reviewed by a committee of Jolt members, organizers, and senior staff. In order to be equitable with these reviews, candidates’ names were removed from the responses. An internal rubric centered around thoughtfulness, inclusivity, and conciseness allowed for a possible 15 points. Each candidate received a scoring average and was awarded recognition based on that number:
- 1-2: Unfriendly rating
- 3: Neutral rating
- 4-5: Jolt Friendly rating
Candidates were invited to share their perspectives on the following questions:
Good Jobs and Climate Justice
- Do you support or oppose a statewide minimum wage increase? Furthermore, do you support the public listing of salary range on job descriptions?
- In your opinion, do you feel that cities and municipalities should be legally mandated to inform residents of the environmental impacts faced by subsequent developments?
Healthcare for Everyone
- Do you support the expansion of Medicaid in Texas and/or federal policy proposals such as Medicare for All? If not, what would your proposed alternative be?
- Do you support COVID-19 safety protocols such as mask mandates and vaccine mandates?
Education for All
- Do you support the unconditional cancellation of student loans and if not, what would be your proposed alternative?
- Not all students find college to be a suitable option post-graduation and opt to join the workforce instead. How would you work to raise awareness to skilled trades, such as plumbing and auto mechanics?
Respect for Immigrant Families
- Do you support a direct path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, such as the DREAM Act? If not, what would be your proposed alternative?
- In the role you are running for, how would you impact the lives of immigrants and their families?
Protecting Voting Rights
- If elected to the office you seek, what is one thing in your jurisdiction you would do to make voting more accessible for Texans?
- Do you support lowering the voting age? Why or why not?
The statewide primary is on March 1. Early voting runs from Feb.14 to Feb. 25, and Feb. 18 is the last day to request a mail ballot.
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