As of 2006, officeholders tended to be Democrats, and Democrats were guaranteed to win elections, partly due to straight-ticket voting. It was common for voters to be influenced by members of their own extended families and by prominent families in their towns, so politicians often tried to make friends with family groups to increase their chances of getting elected. As of 2006, about 20,000 to 30,000 people habitually voted in primary elections, and presidential elections had higher turnouts. Politiqueras, women hired to help the elderly vote, were crucial in South Texas elections. Cecilia Ballí of Texas Monthly wrote that voters expected to get favors from politicians they vote for, and if they do not get these favors, they become resentful of politicians.Ballí, Cecilia. "The Bad Guy With the Badge" (Archive). Texas Monthly. August 2006. Retrieved on May 25, 2016.
as of 2006 officeholders tended to be democrats and democrats were guaranteed to win elections partly due to straight-ticket voting it was common for voters to be influenced by members of their own extended families and by prominent families in their towns so politicians often tried to make friends with family groups to increase their chances of getting elected as of 2006 about 20000 to 30000 people habitually voted in primary elections and presidential elections had higher turnouts politiqueras women hired to help the elderly vote were crucial in south texas elections cecilia ballí of texas monthly wrote that voters expected to get favors from politicians they vote for and if they do not get these favors they become resentful of politiciansballí cecilia "the bad guy with the badge" (archive) texas monthly august 2006 retrieved on may 25 2016