San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones visited Texas A&M University-San Antonio recently to speak with students at the University’s “Get Out the Vote” event. Held in Patriots’ Casa, the event featured stations where students were able to write postcards to their representatives, create yard signs, and check their voter registration information.
Jones, the city’s first Asian American female mayor, spoke about the importance of civic engagement and participation in upcoming elections. She emphasized that voting is not only a right, but a responsibility, especially for young voters whose voices shape the future of their communities.
The event also emphasized that A&M-San Antonio will serve as a polling site, which is a win-win for students, employees, and the community, said Adriana Contreras, Ph.D., assistant vice president and executive director of the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement.
“Giving voters options and providing convenient polling sites increases the likelihood that students will vote, especially first-time voters,” said Conteras. “The goal is to reduce any barriers and offer flexibility when deciding when and where to vote.”
Lori Day, assistant director of civic engagement at the Mays Center, reiterated the importance of having a polling site on the University’s South Side campus. “With communities like VIDA right in front of us and Toyota just behind us, having a polling site on the South Side helps expand access and encourages broader community participation,” said Day.
During her speech, Jones reminded students that leadership—and the policies it produces—are shaped directly by elections. She connected national, state, and local issues to the power of the vote. She stressed that local elections often have the most immediate impact on students’ daily lives, from housing affordability to public infrastructure and education funding.
“We’ve got to make sure we’ve got good laws and good policies at the local level,” she said.
Jones also discussed current issues in the San Antonio community, including immigration enforcement and access to education. She pointed out that these outcomes are tied directly to electoral participation.
Jones also highlighted the recent decision to move San Antonio’s municipal elections from May to November. She explained that holding elections in November increases participation, reduces costs, and addresses historical barriers that suppressed turnout among working-class and Latino voters.
“This government works better when you hear more people,” Jones said. “It’s not enough for you to vote. I need you to encourage every family member, every person in your life.”
A&M-San Antonio will serve as a polling site for the upcoming primary elections. Local, statewide, and federal races will be on the ballot, including Bexar County offices, the U.S. Senate, State Executive positions, and the U.S. House.
When: Early Voting: Feb. 17–27
Election Day: March 3
Where: STEM, Mays Center Community Room (Suite 111)