Category Archives: Campaign Services

Texas REALTORS® Bring Clarity to Voting Process

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In a democracy, it's in everyone's best interests that ballots are clear and straightforward. But when the names of propositions are duplicated on other propositions on the same ballot, as was happening in Texas, voters can become confused.

The Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) recognized that the commonsense solution was to mandate a simple system of naming conventions for all propositions admitted to a ballot in the state. The association had little difficulty convincing state lawmakers, and in late May, the Texas Senate and House of Representatives unanimously approved Senate Bill 957. 

The good news continued on June 1, when Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill into law, effective immediately.

In Texas, the governor has up to 20 days after the legislative session ends to sign or veto a bill—bills that are not vetoed by then automatically become law. That date this year is June 18, so the governor’s quick action was notable.

“Historically, bills can take a while to make their way to the governor’s desk after receiving the Legislature’s support, and the governor often takes all 20 days,” says TAR Director of Legislative Affairs Daniel Gonzalez. “It’s unheard of that a bill like this would be signed in five business days, but that just reinforces the across-the-board support for this legislation.”

The new law will distinctly differentiate ballot propositions, bringing much-needed clarity to the voting process. Starting in the upcoming November election,

  • state propositions will appear first on the ballot, followed by local propositions;
  • all state propositions will have numerical names, while local propositions will have letters of the alphabet; and
  • all propositions will begin with name of the entity ordering the election.

In the Texas Senate, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick described SB 957 as a “little bill with a big impact.”

The bill received bipartisan support throughout the legislative process. It was co-authored by two senators, one Republican and one Democrat; it was sponsored by representatives of both parties; and, in a rare display of unity, it was supported by the entire legislative body.

“We appreciate that every member of the 85th Texas Legislature voted in support of this bill all the way through the legislative process,” says TAR Chairman Vicki Fullerton. “SB 957 received bipartisan support in both chambers because lawmakers know voters deserve clarity about what’s on our ballots.”

This solves a years-long problem, adds Brandon Alderete, TAR’s Director of Political Affairs.  As a recent example, he cites the November 2015 election, when REALTORS® were supporting a proposed amendment to the state constitution, known as "Proposition 1," which would increase the homestead exemption and ban real estate transfer taxes.

At the same time, however, a highly controversial local "Proposition 1" was on the ballot in Houston, the nation's fourth-largest city.  The identical names muddied the waters and threatened the success of the constitutional amendment, which actually had substantial legislative and popular support.

With help of the REALTOR® Party, TAR launched an energetic voter awareness campaign to cut through the confusion and ensure the voting public in Houston could distinguish between the two ballot measures called "Proposition 1."

"In that case," says Alderete, "we had a political interest in the outcome of the vote.  But in the bigger picture, the situation shined a light on the need for election transparency.  No matter what issues are at stake, confusion at the polls is detrimental to the democratic process. The REALTORS® know, and clearly the legislators agree, that this is good for all Texas voters."

To learn more about how the Texas Association of REALTORS® took the initiative to bring clarity to the voting process, contact Brandon C. Alderete, Director of Political Affairs, at 512-370-2124.

Central Oregon Restores Balance to City Council with IE Program

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The city of Bend, Central Oregon's principal metropolis, was already growing at a rapid rate when Men's Journal singled it out in 20

15 as one of the "Ten Best Places to Live Now." The latest projection is that Bend will gain approximately 30,000 residents in the next twenty years, a statistic supported by the current reality of about five people arriving to live in Bend every day.  Yet, responsible growth in Bend has been deterred by one of the more restrictive land use systems in the country, and by a City Council that was largely anti-growth and out of touch with issues affecting its citizens. The recent election presented an opportunity for much-needed change, and the Central Oregon Association of REALTORS® (COAR) threw all its weight behind a REALTOR® Champion who would bring balance and sound judgment to the governing body. 

Tyler Neese, COAR's Government Affairs Director, explains why the association backed candidate Justin Livingston with funds from its own PAC as well as a substantial Independent Expenditure grant from the REALTOR® Party. "With this type of growth taking place—and a further boom in population on the horizon—it’s critical for us to have leadership in the community that understands key issues like land use, transportation and affordable housing.  Justin is passionate about making Bend an affordable place to live and raise a family. He's had successful careers in real estate, manufacturing and construction. He has served on several municipal committees, focused on matters from street maintenance to affordable housing. His depth of understanding and his connection to the community are just what Bend needs."

Oregon is one of the few states that allows independent expenditure campaigns to be coordinated with the candidate, which, Neese points out, enabled COAR to make the most efficient use of the support it received from the REALTOR® Party. "We were able to provide resources and support where Justin's campaign needed it most," says Neese, listing radio ads, Facebook and pre-roll video as the big budget items funded by the grant. 

The National Association of REALTORS® identified target sites for the online advertising.  It also advised COAR on strategic timing for some of the campaign's communications, which Neese notes is especially important in a state like Oregon, where voting is all conducted by mail. "You want to get your message in front of your target universe at the critical moment, but about one-third of voters send in their ballots on the first day, another third sometime mid-cycle, and the last third drop them off at the last minute. NAR's strategists had the sophistication it takes to understand these complexities of voter behavior, and helped us plan accordingly."  

When the ballots were counted, Justin Livingston had handily won a four-year term on the Bend City Council, receiving 76% of the vote.  COAR had also backed another candidate for the City Council with funds from its RPAC and a more modest Independent Expenditure campaign, as well as RPAC support for the re-election of one incumbent. Both candidates also won their races.  "We're optimistic," says Neese. "It was critical to restore balance to City Council. We're proud to have helped that happen, with the support of the REALTOR® Party. We look forward to smart growth, fiscal responsibility, and sound solutions to the challenges our growing city faces.  It's a tall order, but the right people will be at the table to make it happen."

To learn more about how REALTORS® in Central Oregon are strengthening the city of Bend and helping to achieve balance on its City Council, contact Tyler Neese, Government Affairs Director, at 541-382-6027.