After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

• Summarize the role and requirements of voting.
• Discuss the barriers to minorities’ voting rights in Texas.
• Assess who wins and who loses when voting barriers exist.
• Describe the different kinds of elections held in Texas.
• Explain the trends and implications of voter turnout in Texas elections.
• Discuss the role of electoral competition in Texas politics.
• Relate the impact campaign finance has on Texas politics.
• Assess who wins and who loses when Texas elections receive low voter turnout.