Willow Meadows Civic Club

How many times do we have to vote for president, anyway? Why can't we just go to the polls once in November and be done with it? What's so important about the primaries?

Well, how many times have you heard (or even said), "I don't like any of the candidates on the ballot?"  If you want to have any say at all in who will be on the ballot -- from the court house to the state house to the White House -- you need to vote in either the Democratic or the Republican primary!  In March 2008, fewer than 32.2% of Harris County voters decided who would be on the ballot in November; in March 2010, fewer than 13.9% decided.  Primary elections provide perhaps the most important avenue by which citizens can take part in the process of choosing their leaders.  Despite what others may say, it does matter who you vote for!

According to a USA TODAY/Gallup poll, Americans by 4-1 say it makes "a real difference" to them who is elected president, and a 53% majority strongly agrees that the stakes in this election are higher than in previous years. Almost two-thirds of registered voters are "afraid of what will happen" if the candidate they support doesn't win.

Do your homework!  Find out who the candidates are, go to the candidates' web sites, and then go to the web sites of the organizations who have independently reviewed the candidates.  You can also hear the candidates in person at some of the many candidate forums throughout the county.  After you have done all of this, and you’ve evaluated both the candidates and the endorsers, make your own list to use at the polling place; don't base your vote on one of the for-profit slate mailers you may have received.  Finally, vote! Click this link for an interactive Google map showing all 37 early voting locations in Harris County.

For Precinct 819 (the north section of Willow Meadows, inside the loop):
Republican Primary at Kolter Elementary School, 9710 Runnymeade Drive
Democratic Primary at Red Elementary School, 4520 Tonawanda Drive

For Precinct 255 (the rest of Willow Meadows and the north section of Willowbend subdivision):
Republican Primary at Red Elementary School, 4520 Tonawanda Drive
Democratic Primary at Red Elementary School, 4520 Tonawanda Drive

Poll workers are needed both for the primaries and general elections.

To volunteer to help out with the Precinct 255 Republican Primary, please contact Erich Wolz at (713) 283-8044 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

To volunteer to help out with the Precinct 255 & 819 Democratic Primary, please contact Stephen Polnaszek at (713) 721-8425 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  The need for help here is urgent.

To volunteer for the general elections in November and any runoffs for Precinct 255, you may contact either Erich or Stephen since they work together at the general elections (rather than in adjacent areas for the primaries).