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Pile of red, white, and blue lapel pins with the word "Vote"

Texas nonprofit works to get more women engaged in elections

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Freda Ross

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(Texas News Service) As the general election in November gets closer, more Americas are showing interest in getting involved in the electoral process.

There is a new energy around the election now that President Joe Biden has dropped out of the race, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic presidential nominee.

The PoliChic Engagement Fund is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization in the state, focused on engaging more women in the democratic process.

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Roadside-style sign with the words "Elections Ahead"

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Executive Director Christina Sanders said it teaches women how to effect change locally, statewide, and nationally.

"It's not that democracy isn't working, it's that when they folded a lot of people into democracy - including Black women - they learned about voting," said Sanders, "but the other parts - the participation - there are still gaps. And I believe that the tools, for like how to fully participate are going to be helpful for them to be able to really have a stake in America."

Through hyperlocal civic clubs in their communities, volunteers hold voter registration events, and work to increase participation in local school board and city council elections.

In addition to informing their neighbors about local ballot issues - volunteers provide information on polling locations, absentee ballots for college students and those serving overseas, and election protection.

Sanders said they also work to combat election misinformation.

"Making sure that they not only are involved, but they're also informed with the right information, and really avoiding misinformation," said Sanders. "And then I think for women making sure those in your household and those who you know that your people are educated, they're informed, they know about the election, and they know about the facts."

Sanders said they have seen an increase in women wanting to get involved now that Harris is in the race. Local civic clubs have been established in 119 counties across the state.