The Kendall County Republican Party wants to remind you October 7th is the deadline to register to vote. Host: Michael Ethridge / Mike Wheeler CONTACT: kendallcountyGOP@gmail.com P.O. Box 1044, Boerne, TX, United States Headquarters: 624 N. Main Street, Ste 202, Boerne, TX, 78006 Original Air Date: 9/28/24 as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM Transcript Below: Michael Ethridge:Welcome back to Boerne Radio and a segment we’re calling the Grand Old Chat brought to you by the Kendall County Republican Party! My name is Michael Ethridge and today, I’m joined by Mike Wheeler, the Chairman of the Kendall County Republican Party, here to talk about the importance of registering to vote, the upcoming deadlines, and why it’s crucial to not only vote in the major races but also pay attention to those down-ballot elections. Thanks for joining us, Mike. Mike Wheeler:Thank you for having me! It’s a real privilege to be here today. With election season in full swing, we want to make sure that every voter knows how important their voice is, especially this year with so much on the line. Section 1: The Power of the Vote Michael Ethridge:Let’s start with the basics. Voting is something we hear about constantly during election season, but can you explain why it’s so critical for Texans to register and vote, particularly from the perspective of the Republican Party? Mike Wheeler:Absolutely. Voting is, without question, the bedrock of our democratic system. When we vote, we exercise our right to decide who will represent our values, who will work to protect our freedoms, and who will lead our communities and our nation forward. From a Republican standpoint, we believe strongly in principles like individual liberty, smaller government, lower taxes, and economic freedom. Voting gives us the power to ensure that these ideals remain at the forefront of local, state, and national policy. Think about it—every vote is a step toward shaping a future where personal responsibility is valued, where the government serves the people and not the other way around, and where families can thrive without excessive interference. We want Texans to know that their vote is their voice in keeping Texas strong, prosperous, and free. Michael Ethridge:And that’s especially important in a state like Texas, right? Given how politically diverse the state has become, how do you address folks who think their vote won’t make much of a difference? Mike Wheeler:Great question. Texas has certainly grown and changed over the years, but one thing remains constant: Every vote matters. We’ve seen in recent years how elections—even major ones—can be decided by razor-thin margins. It’s the same at the local level. There are countless examples where a school board race or a city council seat was determined by just a handful of votes. Imagine being that one voter who made the difference—your vote is literally deciding the future direction of your community. There was even a dead tie right here in Kendall County back in 2012! Also, people sometimes forget that state policies and local leadership directly impact their day-to-day lives more than they realize. Local tax policies, zoning laws, school budgets, public safety initiatives—these are all influenced by elected officials we often overlook. Voting is how we ensure those positions are filled by people who share our values of fiscal responsibility, public safety, and strong educational standards. Section 2: Down-Ballot Races Michael Ethridge:You mentioned local races, which brings us to an important point. A lot of people tend to focus on the big-ticket races, like the ones for President, Governor, or U.S. Senator. But down-ballot races are just as critical. Can you explain the importance of voting in those down-ballot races? Mike Wheeler:Yes, this is a key point, and it’s something we really need to drive home. Down-ballot races—things like city council, school boards, judicial races, and even bond propositions—can have a direct impact on the everyday quality of life for Texans. Yet, they often receive far less attention than the big, headline-grabbing races. Let me give you an example: most people don’t realize that many of our judges are elected positions. These are the folks who interpret the law and uphold justice, and in some cases, they have the final say on issues related to your freedoms and rights. Voting for conservative judges who understand the Constitution and apply the law as it’s written is incredibly important. It’s about having leaders in place who won’t legislate from the bench but will protect our legal system’s integrity. Michael Ethridge:That’s a great point. I think people tend to overlook how impactful those local positions can be. Do you think enough attention is being paid to these down-ballot races? Mike Wheeler:Unfortunately, no. While turnout for the top-of-the-ticket races tends to be higher, there’s often a steep drop-off when ...
