The document discusses the history of voting rights and political participation in Texas. It describes how, before the Civil War, slaves had no voting rights, and after the Civil War black men gained voting rights which were then restricted when Democrats regained control. It also discusses how women gained the right to vote in 1920 and how the white primary, poll tax, and other measures were used to disenfranchise black and minority voters until being struck down by the courts. The document also outlines current voter registration and election processes in Texas including qualifications, types of elections, and the challenges of campaigning statewide.