How to build your ballot using ATJ’s Ballot Builder

Written By Christina Hahn

What is the ATJ Ballot Builder?

Asian Texans for Justice (ATJ) has worked hard to provide you with an online ballot builder that provides you with the races you’ll be voting on in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese. You’ll be able to use this tool to learn more about the candidates you’re voting for, take note of the candidates you’d like to vote for, and keep a record of your choices by printing your ballot or emailing it to yourself! 

Note: This is a research and preparation tool, NOT the official ballot / ballot paper that is used in the election process.

Let’s start building our ballot!

1. Go to the following address on your desktop, tablet, or phone - www.atj.branch.vote 

Note: We are demonstrating the tool in Desktop View. We recommend using a bigger screen vs. a phone when walking through the ballot with people who may find reading smaller text difficult.

2. Navigate to our ballot builder website

3. Choose your language

4. Enter your address (the same one you registered to vote with!)  

5. Sign in to save your ballot (optional, you can click “Skip for now”)

6. Start filling out your ballot or check out some important Election information (scroll down)

7. Start filling out your ballot

8. Learn about the positions that you are voting for. When you click certain high-level positions, you’re able to learn about what the position actually does and how this person will potentially impact your everyday life.

Click "Full office description" to see the full description of the position.

9. Learn about the candidates that you are voting for. If the candidate has provided this information publicly, you’ll be able to see their past experiences, stances on specific positions, and more! We even provide sources for where we got candidates’ information.

You can learn about the candidate based on the information they have publicly provided (which we have gathered in our ballot builder)

You can view the candidate's view on major issues

Clicking the "i" icon shows you where we got this information

11. Select your choice by clicking “CHOOSE,” you can always go back and change your choices later.

12. Print or email your ballot to yourself so you can have it with you when you go vote!

Click "Print Choices" to print your ballot!

Or click "Email" to email your ballot to yourself so you can print it later.

13. Share our ATJ Ballot Builder with others, especially those who would benefit from accessing their ballot in Chinese or Vietnamese!

Last Reminders:

  • You are allowed to print out your ballot and bring it to the polls! Though you cannot bring your phones to have your notes, you CAN bring printed paper! If you email your ballot to yourself, remember to print it out so you can bring it to the polls. 

  • As a registered voter in Texas, you DESERVE TO VOTE! If you have any difficulty when voting at the polls (you need information or someone is trying to intimidate you, etc) contact the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Texas Civil Rights Project election protection hotlines:

    • English: 866-OUR-VOTE or 866-687-8683

    • Español: 888-VE-Y-VOTA or 888-839-8682

    • Asian Languages: 888-API-VOTE or 888-274-8683

    • Arabic: 844-YALLA-US or 844-925-5287

    • American Sign Language: 3010-818-VOTE or 301-818-8683

    • Disability Rights Texas: 888-796-VOTE or 888-796-8683

Thanks for working with us to build a Texas where everyone can feel bold in their belonging. 

Stay tuned for the next article in our series: “How to talk to your AAPI community about voting on election day.” 

Did you find this article helpful? 

You can subscribe to our email for our Civic Season email series, where you’ll receive ONE email per month until November containing important election info, helpful guides, and events/involvement opportunities from Asian Texans for Justice. Subscribe here. 

This civic season, we want to equip you with the tools to civically engage with your family, friends, and community. Stay up to date with us as we publish the rest of our series below: 

References & Resources 

Why AAPI Voters Are Important - APIAVote

About the Author

Christina is the Communications & External Affairs Manager of Asian Texans for Justice. She is a Korean American creative, community builder, and comms professional based in Dallas, Texas. As the daughter and granddaughter of immigrants, Christina has a passion for advocating for Asian American communities in politics, society, and media. You can reach her at christina@asiantexansforjustice.org.

Christina Hahn

Christina is the Communications & External Affairs Manager of Asian Texans for Justice. She is a Korean American creative, community builder, and comms professional based in Dallas, Texas. As the daughter and granddaughter of immigrants, Christina has a passion for advocating for Asian American communities in politics, society, and media. 

Prior to ATJ, Christina served as the Communications Director for Bluebonnet Data while pursuing her Master’s full time. Prior to her non-profit work, Christina spent several years as a management consultant at a full services boutique firm. Currently, Christina also serves as the Creative Director of the Dallas Asian American Historical Society in a pro bono capacity. Christina is also the founder of the Dallas Asian American Art Club. 

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