After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

★ Discuss the barriers to minorities’ voting rights in Texas.
★ Describe the different types of elections held in Texas.
★ Explain the trends of voter turnout in Texas elections.
★ Explain the impact campaign finance has on Texas elections.
★ Assess who wins and who loses when voting barriers exist.
★ Assess who wins and who loses as a result of low voter turnout in Texas.