Hi Friend,
Exactly two weeks ago, I officially retired from the Texas Democratic Party.
So far, retirement is swell. I’ve got my garden, and plenty of time to give my chickens the attention they deserve. And as much as I’ve enjoyed being allowed to cuss publicly about Texas Republicans, well, let’s just say I can cuss a whole lot more now.
However, I’ve been a part of our Texas Democratic movement, one way or another, since 1970. What I’ve loved most is getting to mentor young people, and watching them grow into true leaders for Texas. Right now, some of those same incredible young people are launching full-speed into Project Texas -- Texas Democrats’ massive new voter registration strategy for 2022. And suddenly, it’s feeling pretty damn tough to take a back seat.
Voter registration is my passion. I’ve been a deputy voter registrar for over 50 years since the program was allowed by law.
I’ve registered tens of thousands of people over those years. I reckon I hold the world record of signing up the most people to vote after 2AM when the gay bars closed, and most of the nekkid people out at Hippie Hollow. I registered a 98 year old woman who cast her first vote -- after the Voting Rights Act was signed.
You need to get deputized. You need to knock on some doors and sign up your neighbors. You need to make sure every young person you see, the person who delivers your pizza, the Uber driver…hell, your kids and their friends are registered.
So, I’d like to propose a deal. After all, my bees and cat and chickens and cacti need me. And it’s high time for this old man to get more time to sleep (or party). But I’d like to give this team an extra boost as they head out into the next stage of the fight.
That’s why, starting today, I’m launching the Glen Maxey Voter Registration Fund -- to help power the ambitious task this team is taking on to register 2 million Texas Democratic voters by November 2022.
Now, just in case you thought you were rid of me, I want to be clear: when it comes to activism and hell-raising, I’m not going anywhere. Not. Going. To. Happen. I’ll still be yelling at every injustice, registering Texans to vote, and helping make our democracy stronger every way I can.
But those kids I’ve mentored over the years (and decades)? Today, they’re grown adult leaders, fighting with everything they’ve got for the future of our state. I couldn’t be more proud of them -- and the same goes for this entire movement.
Because of your grit and your commitment, I know beyond a doubt that this party is in good hands. Thank you for putting heart and soul into the fight for Texas. Now, will you help this oldtimer out and chip in whatever you can to my fund?
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Never stop giving em hell,
Glen Maxey
Former State Representative
Former Texas Democratic Party Staff
Current Deputy Voter Registrar
