La fundadora de Fonde Park, Corinne Fonde, creía que la recreación es una forma de participación cívica.
El bienestar holístico implica tener voz en la comunidad. Votar se considera un deber cívico porque es un mecanismo vital para sostener y fortalecer un gobierno democrático. Si bien es un derecho, votar también se considera una responsabilidad mediante la cual los ciudadanos participan colectivamente en el autogobierno y se aseguran de que sus voces sean escuchadas.
Are you registered to vote? Find out at:
First day of early voting in person: Monday, October 20, 2025.
Last day to apply for a ballot by mail: Friday, October 24, 2025. The application must be received by this day, not just postmarked.
Last day of early voting in person: Friday, October 31, 2025.
Election Day: Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To find what's on your ballot go to: https://www.harrisvotes.com/Voter/Whats-on-my-Ballot
The League of Women's Voter: https://www.lwvhouston.org/voters-guide
This is the precinct map for the area near Fonde Park. Our precinct number is 0343
You can find 0343's sample ballot here: https://files.harrisvotes.com/harrisvotes/prd/SampleBallot/VoterBallot/NP/E/0343-4.pdf
If you may other precinct maps and other helpful information at: https://www.hctax.net/voter/votermaps
How voting sustains democracy
Holds officials accountable. Voting is the primary way citizens can hold elected representatives accountable for their actions and decisions. It allows the public to reward or punish politicians for their performance, which incentivizes them to act in the public's best interest.
Influences policies. Elections determine who holds political power, and these officials shape policies on critical issues such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and the economy. By casting a ballot, you help steer the direction of these policies.
Ensures representative government. When citizens do not vote, elected officials are more likely to prioritize the interests of those who do. Higher voter turnout creates a government that is more representative of the entire population's will, ensuring that a broader range of interests and views are considered.
Centers marginalized voices. Historically, many groups, including women, people of color, and those with disabilities, were denied the right to vote. Exercising the right to vote today is a way to honor those who fought for it and ensures that the needs of marginalized communities are not ignored.
Legitimizes the government. Elections are the agreed-upon procedure for legitimizing governments and putting those in power who create and enforce laws. This participation helps maintain a stable and functioning society under the social contract.
The collective responsibility to vote
While a single vote rarely decides an election, the collective act of voting is powerful and essential for a healthy democracy. Philosopher Jason Brennan argues that citizens have a duty to avoid voting carelessly, as a collectively uninformed electorate can lead to bad governance.
The "free-rider" problem is another argument for voting as a collective duty. If one person decides not to vote, it has no major impact, but if everyone decides not to vote, the entire system of democratic accountability collapses. The decision to not vote relies on others to uphold the system, which can be seen as shirking one's civic duty.
Voting is not the only civic duty
Voting is an important form of civic engagement, but it is not the only one. Other responsibilities that strengthen democracy include:
Staying informed on issues and candidates.
Paying taxes.
Serving on a jury.
Volunteering and participating in community service.
Obeying the law.