John,
Yesterday, I was back at the University of Texas at Austin, registering students, signing up volunteers, and helping more young people get involved in our democracy.
I heard about the incredible work that young people are already doing on campus. They’re building community, showing up for each other, and getting fired up about voting in the March primary and in November.
I also ran into Astrid from El Paso. I first met her back in 2011 at her mom’s naturalization ceremony. Yesterday, she told me she’s registered and ready to vote. That’s what this work is about—making long, lasting connections with people across our great state.
I met Janelle too. After we helped register her to vote for the first time, she told me that she feels that this is a year of change for herself and for Texas. People like her are going to change the world by getting involved in our political process.
Supporting students like these is one of the reasons I started Powered by People. I know we can win close elections across Texas when young people show up, but first we have to show up for them.
The proof is in the numbers. In 2024, the young voters in our program turned out at a rate of 79% compared to young voters nationally who turned out at a rate of only 42%.
Thousands of you helped us do that voter registration and organizing work. Whether you’ve volunteered your time, turned out to a community event, amplified our message online, or donated a few dollars, you played a part in that.
Now we have to run it back for 2026. I’m doing everything I can, including driving across the state to be with students, but we need your continued support to fuel this program.
We’re up against a February 2nd voter registration deadline (less than half a month away!), and every student we reach and engage with now will be critical to winning races up and down the ballot in November.
Thank you,
Beto
