HOUSTON – They’re too young to cast a ballot, but a group of young Latinas is hoping to convince their parents, grandparents and neighbors to head to the polls.
And they’re doing so with quinceañera dresses, mariachis, food and even a game of lotería.
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The event, called “Quince to the Polls,” is organized by JOLT Initiative, a nonprofit focused on increasing Latino civic participation across Texas.
The celebration takes place Saturday, Oct. 24, in Houston’s East End, during the only weekend of early voting ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
But what do quinceañeras have to do with voting?
Why quinceañeras are getting involved in an election
Jackie Bastardo, executive director of JOLT Initiative, told KPRC 2 the idea often raises questions because the girls participating are not old enough to vote.
“A lot of people get confused because they see quinceañeras and they say, no, they cannot vote. What’s going on? How is this even related?” Bastardo said.
The answer goes back to the significance of a quinceañera in Latino families.
The celebration traditionally marks a girl’s 15th birthday and her transition toward adulthood. JOLT is using the occasion to encourage young women to begin conversations about the decisions affecting their families and communities.
Instead of casting ballots themselves, the teenagers are encouraging eligible adults in their lives to participate in the election.
“Just like we show up for quinceañeras, we should show up to vote,” Bastardo said.
She explained the organization wants young people to become familiar with the voting process before reaching voting age.
The hope is for those conversations to continue at home, particularly in households where elections and politics have not traditionally been discussed.
What is JOLT Initiative, and is the organization affiliated with a political party?
Founded in 2016, JOLT Initiative describes itself as the largest Latino civic engagement organization in Texas.
The group works statewide to register eligible voters, explain the election process and encourage participation.
Bastardo told KPRC 2 the organization is nonpartisan and does not tell people which candidates or political parties to support.
Instead, organizers provide information about voter registration, polling locations, voting rights and the candidates appearing on the ballot.
During our interview, Bastardo showed KPRC 2 a printed voter guide designed to help residents understand where candidates stand on different issues.
The guide is intended to help voters research their choices before arriving at a polling location.
Bastardo said some people the organization meets have never voted before, while others believe their participation will not make a difference.
She understands those concerns personally.
Growing up, Bastardo said voting and civic engagement were not regular conversations in her household.
Now, she wants to help families begin having those discussions.
Organization addresses questions about voter eligibility
During our interview, KPRC 2 also asked Bastardo about accusations previously made by the Texas Attorney General’s Office concerning the organization’s voter registration efforts.
Bastardo said the office had accused JOLT of registering noncitizens to vote.
She rejected the suggestion that the organization was knowingly registering ineligible voters.
Under Texas law, U.S. citizenship is required to register and vote in state and federal elections.
Bastardo explained that the organization provides registration requirements to residents and that election officials are responsible for reviewing voter registration applications and determining eligibility.
She also said JOLT registered more than 100,000 people during the previous election cycle, a figure provided by the organization.
What to expect at Quince to the Polls in Houston
Organizers say the celebration will resemble an outdoor quinceañera, with music, food, community activities and conversations about voting.
The event is open to the public, including people who are not participating in a quinceañera.
Here’s what organizers have planned:
- Mariachi performances and music
- Lotería and community activities
- Food and opportunities to meet organizers
- Nonpartisan voter information and educational materials
- Conversations with young Latinas about issues affecting their future
- An opportunity for eligible voters to head to the polls
Bastardo said organizers want people to enjoy the celebration while learning about the election process.
When and where is the event?
Quince to the Polls is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24.
- Location: By The Wayside, 5644 Navigation Boulevard, Houston, TX 77011
- Time: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Admission: Free
Organizers are encouraging people to review their sample ballots and research candidates before heading to vote.
They also remind voters that cell phone use is prohibited within 100 feet of a voting station under Texas election law.
Why this weekend matters for Texas voters
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 and 25, are the only weekend days available during the early voting period for the Nov. 3 election.
For residents who work during the week, the weekend provides another opportunity to vote.
Early voting continues through Friday, Oct. 30.
Bastardo said the timing of Saturday’s celebration is intentional, giving families an opportunity to attend the event and participate in early voting.
For JOLT, the goal extends beyond this election.
Organizers hope the teenagers participating this weekend will become informed voters themselves when they turn 18 and continue encouraging civic participation within their families.
And while the quinceañeras won’t be voting this year, they’re asking the adults around them to think about the decisions being made for their future.
Have you talked with your children or family members about what’s on the ballot this election? KPRC 2 wants to hear from you.
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