Our nation’s democracy is founded on the right to vote—the right for citizens to collectively decide what is right for their country and communities. It is important that policy decisions represent the will of the people. The degree to which people exercise their right to vote and to collectively influence policies and legislation determines the success of democratic principles. All Dallas residents are encouraged to become informed about civic issues and participate in public dialogue and debate. Participation by the people can influence elections and legislative activities. Voting is an expression of individual conviction and represents an empowerment of the people. High rates of voter participation indicate that citizens are effectively engaged in the decision-making processes that affect them on personal, community, and nationwide levels.
This aspiration presents data and information for one indicator, which is listed in the grey panel on the right side of this page. Specifically, the indicator within this aspiration reports the following:
- Voter participation: Number of registered voters, number of participating voters in mayoral, gubernatorial, and presidential elections