Early Voting begins on February 16
By Emily Chenevert, TAR North Texas Field Representative

Early voting in person may be easier than you think. Early voting is fast, easy and convenient. You don't have to stand in long lines on Election Day. There is likely to be high turnout at the polls on Election Day. It is our civic duty to vote, so don't get stuck in line Election Day: Vote Early! With 87,000 REALTORS® in Texas, we are a strong voice, but only if we participate in the process and vote.

Registered voters may vote early at any voting location in your county from Tuesday, February 16 to Friday, February 26. For locations and times to vote in your county, check your county's election website. If you choose to vote on Election Day, March 2, you must vote in your voting precinct.

Primary Election News - TREPAC Supported Candidates and Opportunity Races
Texas REALTORS® know that the key to protecting their businesses and their pocketbooks from government intrusion is to ensure that their elected officials are supportive of issues affecting their industry, like protection of private property rights and standing strong against new taxes directed at the industry or homeowners. That's why Texas REALTORS® engage in grassroots support for various elected officials and candidates through TREPAC and a political affairs initiative called the Opportunity Race Program. The basic goals of the Opportunity Race Program are to elect Texas REALTOR®-supported candidates through the grassroots involvement of local REALTORS® in a targeted legislative district.

To learn how you can get involved and lend your grassroots support for these pro-REALTOR® candidates contact your local association or your TAR Field Representative.

Make a real difference as a REALTOR® delegate precinct chair
You can play a vital role in the passing of the American Dream Resolution. As we enter the Primary election season, Texas REALTORS® have a tremendous opportunity to help make a lasting impact on the real estate industry and owners of private property in the state of Texas. By electing state officials who understand the importance of private property rights and the American dream of homeownership, we can ensure that an impending state budget deficit will not be filled on the backs of homeowners, or potential homeowners.

Did you know that through the REALTOR® Delegate Program we can ensure that these priorities are included as priorities of the state Democratic and Republican Parties as well? By attending your precinct, county and state party conventions and passing the American Dream Resolution at each level, both parties will be expressing their support for homeowner and their encouragement for the state to not pass real estate transfer taxes or sales taxes on commissions of REALTORS®.

Winter Meeting is just around the corner, February 19-23
For more information and the schedule for all the events, forums and education session, please visit the following link: http://www.texasrealtors.com/TopLevel/Events/WinterMeeting.cfm