Transformative Justice Coalition Launches 'Hey Houston, Let's Vote!' Voter Mobilization Blitz

11-day GOTV campaign aims to increase Black voter turnout in Harris and Fort Bend Counties ahead of 2026 Texas primary

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC), in partnership with several grassroots organizations, is launching an 11-day 'Hey Houston, Let's Vote!' voter mobilization campaign during the early voting period for the 2026 Texas primary election. The campaign will feature the nationally recognized John Lewis 'Make Good Trouble Vote! Bus' leading 'Votercades' across Houston to increase awareness, remove voting barriers, and make voting an exciting community experience, especially for Black voters who have faced historical challenges with long lines, misinformation, and access issues.

Why it matters

Black voter participation is crucial for elections in Texas, which has a long history of voter suppression efforts targeting communities of color. This campaign aims to energize and mobilize Black voters in the Houston area, who make up a significant portion of the electorate, to increase turnout and civic engagement ahead of the 2026 primary.

The details

The 'Hey Houston, Let's Vote!' campaign will include a kickoff event, Souls to the Polls Sunday, neighborhood barbecues, campus events, canvassing, phone banking, and other activities designed to remove voting barriers and make the democratic process more accessible and enjoyable for the local community. The campaign is being led by TJC in partnership with organizations like SEIU, Pure Justice, the Texas NAACP, NAACP Houston Branch, Houston Area Urban League, Black Voters Matter, League of Women Voters-Houston, and Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

  • The campaign will run from February 17-27, 2026, during the early voting period for the Texas primary election.
  • Souls to the Polls Sunday is scheduled for February 22, 2026, the only Sunday of early voting.

The players

Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC)

A civil rights organization founded in 2015 by Barbara Arnwine, president emeritus of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, which created the national election protection program.

Daryl D. Jones

TJC Board Chair.

Rev. Cameron Barnes

TJC Freedom Rider.

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What they’re saying

“Black voter participation has long been challenged by long lines, misinformation, and access issues. 'Hey Houston, Let's Vote!' responds with strategy, visibility, and action designed to increase turnout and voter knowledge in the 2026 Primary Election.”

— Daryl D. Jones, TJC Board Chair

“From clergy to college students, the message is clear. Voting can be festive, empowering, and rooted in community love.”

— Rev. Cameron Barnes, TJC Freedom Rider

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This campaign highlights the importance of grassroots, community-driven efforts to increase voter participation, especially among historically disenfranchised groups. By making voting an exciting, accessible, and empowering experience, the 'Hey Houston, Let's Vote!' initiative aims to strengthen democracy and civic engagement in the region.