The News Launches ‘Back to Voting’ Campaign Ahead of November Elections

Dallas Morning News plans to launch a three-phase initiative Tuesday aimed at increasing voter turnout and providing information to North Texans ahead of the November 2024 general election.

The project, called Back to the Ballot, aims to arm Dallas residents with information before they head to the polls. The centerpiece is a “choose your own path” newsletter that will meet potential voters where they are, the newspaper said in a news release.

“It’s our duty to explain and inform the issues that matter to our readers and communities, and right now, there’s nothing more important than the upcoming election,” executive editor Katrice Hardy said in a statement. “We’ll explain how voting works and why it’s important to be an engaged, empowered voter.”

The impetus for this initiative was low voter turnout in Dallas County.

Nearly 1.4 million Dallas County residents registered to vote in the 2020 presidential election, but more than 480,000 of them, or about 34%, did not cast a ballot, according to the Texas Secretary of State.

Compared to previous years, turnout in 2020 broke records across the U.S., with nearly 9 in 10 registered voters casting ballots nationwide, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But turnout has fallen since then, including in Dallas County.

For example, in the spring elections — both primaries and municipal elections, including runoffs — turnout ranged from 4% to 12%, according to data from Dallas County.

In the 2022 midterm elections, more than 1.4 million Dallas County residents were registered to vote, but more than 795,000 of them, or about 56%, did not vote, according to results.

Reporters and editors in The news spent months developing a personalized online quiz that led to original reporting, helping to cut through the “noise and deliver trustworthy, actionable content,” according to a release.

The newsletter is based on the user’s level of participation in previous elections.

People who have never voted before will receive basic information: how to register, how to vote early and what to expect on election day.

The newsletter for regular readers will provide in-depth information on how voter apathy is affecting communities and what cities and states are doing to address it. It also includes information on early voting and vote centers with the shortest wait times.

Some of the coverage will be explanatory. The News surveyed about 3,000 North Texans in early 2024, asking respondents what was important to them in the upcoming election.

Their answers helped The news create explanatory articles in four areas: firearms legislation, reproductive rights, education, and borders and immigration.

Registration is available at dallasnews.com/back-to-the-ballot

The news will publish its online Voter Guide on Monday.

This resource provides side-by-side comparisons of candidates’ answers to questions on the issues. It was compiled by The news editorial board, whose members developed questionnaires for key offices.

The guide covers 76 races in North Texas. The news 163 candidates were invited to complete questionnaires. Includes a ballot creator tool that allows the user to create a sample ballot that can be printed or emailed for reference on election day.

Available at dallasnews.com/voterguide

Reporters and editors from Al DiaSpanish speaking team in The newsIt will also create a culturally-responsive voter guide that addresses issues facing the region and country.

According to the release, the team’s expertise in understanding the Hispanic community will help create relevant informational materials that will help bridge the gap between diverse communities and public discourse, contributing to a more inclusive and informed electorate.

Check out the guide at dallasnews.com/elecciones