Republican Club of Van Zandt County

CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE

My name is Lance Lenz and I am glad that you have visited our Van Zandt Republican web site. We hope you will find a welcome place to express your views and participate in the political process, on a local level.

As County Chairman, I have several responsibilities, from holding the Republican Party Primaries, appointing election Judges / Alternates, working with candidates, filing election forms, to helping direct individuals, like you, to a particular club or campaign. One of the things I enjoy most is explaining to High School students how important their vote is, and for that matter, how important your vote is.

The importance of your vote can be seen in the 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This Amendment disallowed the poll tax as a prerequisite for voting in federal elections. In 1966 this prohibition was extended to all elections by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that such a tax violated the "equal protection" clause of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. The purpose of the Poll Tax, in the 1900' s, was to disenfranchise minority Americans and poor, white Americans.

The excuse I hear most often, for not voting is, "My one vote won't make a difference." But I disagree. Just one vote has won many candidates, coveted positions, and directed the course of American history.

In 1776, one vote gave America the English language instead of German.
In 1845, one vote brought Texas into the Union.
In 1868, one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment.
In 1876, one vote gave Rutherford B. Hayes the Presidency of the United States.
In 1960, John Kennedy's national plurality was less than one vote per precinct. He defeated Richard Nixon by less than 120,000 votes out of almost 69 million.
In 2001, one vote passed the Van Zandt County - NO TAX INCREASE - Budget

Here, in Van Zandt County, we have had election results as close as 35 votes, requiring a recount. In the Commissioners Court, several controversial issues are separated by just one vote.

That is why, as the Republican County Chairman, I believe that your vote is highly regarded. You have the power to determine the direction of this County, this State, and the Federal Government.

In Van Zandt County, the Republican Party works hard on your behalf, in finding candidates that have a love for God and try to follow His will; who are well respected by their family and friends; who show stability with high work ethics; individuals who respect life, from conception to the moment of natural death. These are the types of candidates who understand the true foundation of our society and will safeguard our future.

Thank you and again, welcome.