How old are you and at what age did you take an interest in politics?

[dem in texas]

24. As Far Back as I can remember

I am 77 years old and grew up in a family that was always involved in unions and Democratic politics. I signed up to vote as soon as I was old enough - so far back that the first time I voted I had to pay the poll tax.

I have only voted for a Republican one time in my life (Nixon) - what a mistake that was! I read the Dallas Morning News every day, the Dallas Observer every week (to find out what the DMN leaves out). I read all the on-line editions of major newspapers everyday. I love politics, love watching cable news and talk shows - I try to watch some Fox News to hear the other side of the story, if I am out in the car I try to listen to Rush to hear what he has to say(can't stand too much of him). My favorite is MSNBC and the RMS, now I have been impressed with Joy Reid.

I early vote in every election, local, state and national. All states should have early voting like Texas has, it makes it so much easier to vote. I remember the first time I voted, we lived in San Antonio, you could hardly get to the door of the voting place, you were accosted by people trying to get you to vote for their candidate or give you a banner or something, lots of loud speakers and music. That is now outlawed in Texas - Thank Goodness, same for Poll Tax.

I get a thrill every time I go vote, I know what a precious right this is. Same for serving on a jury, although, I am now too old for Jury summons. We are so lucky to live in the good old USA and as citizens we have a responsibility to vote and see that we get the best people elected. In Texas, we have a sleeping giant that I hope is finally awakening and that is the Hispanic voters. Democrats could take over the state if we had better turnout with the Hispanic population. I think that day is coming very soon. I just hope Ted Cruz get voted out in 2018. I think one of the Castro twins is going to run against him. I'd love to see that contest..