Politics in the Lone Star State: How Have They Changed and Why?

Date

2022-05

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Florida Southern College

Abstract

The political spectrum, throughout American history, has always been fluid - never concrete; though most people in their respective parties share common core beliefs, they do not all entirely agree. Therefore, it is fair to say that the same goes for divisions between parties within the states. Both Democrats and Republicans have different beliefs once one crosses state borders. Not only this, but political issues are also changing with time and altered demographics. It can be seen within each individual state that not only are some people changing how they vote, but new voters are constantly entering the fray, sometimes upsetting what had been a relatively solid balance. There are also voters who may not have been regulars at the polls, who are attracted to vote on issues that affect them. Taking the 2020 election as an example, many states have changed the way that they have voted in recent years. One of the most prominent exemplars of this is the political alignment (or realignment) in Texas. Texas has typically been described as a solidly conservative – and therefore Republican state. Though Texas may have been won by the Republican party as was expected, it can also be seen through voting numbers that a solid rightwing vote may not always be the case. This analysis will be addressing the shifts in voting patterns of both existing and new voters, and the reasons for why this seemingly strong conservative state may be taking strides towards the left.

Description

Honors Thesis Spring 2022

Keywords

Voting, Texas

Citation

DOI

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