By Michael Gutierrez
Something significant is happening in El Paso and it deserves attention across Texas.
According to early voting data from El Paso Matters, primary turnout increased across every age group compared to 2022. This broke records across the board, but the most dramatic push came from young voters.
The number of voters ages 18 to 29 who cast ballots early nearly tripled compared to previous election cycles. Among voters ages 30 to 44, turnout more than doubled. These numbers aren’t just some accidental spike. They suggest a generational shift in civic engagement that could reshape the political future of not only the region, but the entire state.
For years, young voters have been described as politically interested but unreliable when it comes to showing up at the polls. Analysts often point to lower turnout rates among younger age groups as evidence that youth engagement fades when election day approaches because of structural barriers such as voter registration deadlines, identification requirements, or simply navigating the voting process for the first time.
In El Paso, that wasn’t the case. What we are seeing now is a generation that is not waiting quietly for the future.
Speaking as a college campus organizer, one of the biggest shifts I have seen is in students’ drive and ambition. They aren’t just reacting to current events, but taking action.
Over the past year alone, we have seen large youth-led demonstrations and walkouts across Texas. These actions were not spontaneous. They were organized by young people who care deeply about the direction their communities are headed. As they reach voting age, many have decided activism isn’t enough. Participation must also include voting.
That shift matters.
Voting transforms civic energy into measurable influence. It allows people to move from expressing concern to shaping outcomes and policy. The early voting numbers in El Paso suggest that many younger residents understand this connection and are acting on it.
It’s about influence, too. Civic engagement among young voters often spreads through personal networks. A young person who registers to vote may encourage a sibling, a friend or a parent to do the same. Conversations at school, work or the dinner table can quickly turn into collective action.
Community organizations are also playing a crucial role in building this momentum.
Texas Rising, a project of Texas Freedom Network, is helping build this power locally and currently supports two student chapters in El Paso: University of Texas at El Paso and El Paso Community College. Through this work, young organizers are creating spaces where students can learn about civic participation, discuss the issues that matter to them, and take meaningful action in their communities.
These efforts focus on registering first-time voters, provide clear instructions on how and where to vote, and help people understand the real impact of local elections. When young voters have access to information and encouragement from their peers, participation becomes more accessible and far less intimidating.
Students who may have never considered voting begin to see themselves as part of the democratic process. El Paso has long had a strong tradition of community organizations and civic pride. The rise in youth turnout reflects years of investment in encouraging participation among the next generation.
This sends a loud message.
Young voters are not disengaged observers of public life, they are active participants. They are watching the policy decisions that affect their future, and they are making their voices heard.
Issues such as education, economic opportunity, healthcare access, housing affordability, and environmental sustainability resonate strongly with young voters because these are the issues that will shape the world they inherit.
Leaders who ignore these concerns risk overlooking one of the fastest-growing voting blocs in Texas.
A friend once told me, “All roads lead to El Paso.” The surge in early voting is a reminder that democracy evolves as new generations step forward. Each generation brings its own priorities, experiences, and expectations. What we are seeing now is a generation that refuses to stay on the sidelines.
The lesson for the rest of Texas is clear: Youth turnout grows when communities invest in civic education, voter registration, and opportunities for young people to see themselves as participants in democracy.
This was only the primary election. With runoffs and the midterms still ahead, it’s important to keep the momentum growing if we want to transform the civic landscape of El Paso for all of us. Young people want to participate, and helping them navigate the biggest barriers starts with simply sharing information and a little encouragement.
If we can support our young people, El Paso may witness a powerful movement that can and will shape the future of Texas. It’s already started at the ballot box.
Michael Gutierrez is a rural campus organizer for Texas Rising based in El Paso. With six years of experience in community organizing, he works with the Texas Freedom Network to engage and empower young people across rural and college campuses. His focus is on developing youth leadership, strengthening grassroots networks, and expanding civic participation and engagement throughout Texas.
The post Opinion: El Paso’s record youth voter turnout signals a political shift across Texas appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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