For those of us who support Texas independence, a common question arises: Should we participate in federal elections while Texas remains part of the United States? While our ultimate goal is to see Texas reclaim its status as a self-governing nation, we must be pragmatic about how we engage politically. As long as Texas is part of the union, participating in federal elections is a strategic tool to protect Texas’ interests and maintain a strong voice in federal matters.

Why Participate in Federal Elections?

At the core of the TEXIT movement is our fight for self-determination. Until we achieve independence, we must defend Texas values and interests within the current system. Federal elections, including the Presidential election, give us the opportunity to make sure Texas’ voice is heard. They also allow us to influence federal policies that directly impact Texans.

But we must always remember: our ultimate goal in participating in these elections is to advance the mission of Texas independence. It’s easy to get caught up in the outrage of the day, but we know the bigger picture. Washington is unfixable, and no matter who wins a federal election, the system itself is broken beyond repair. The only real solution is TEXIT, and our participation in federal elections is about strengthening Texas’ position while we build the path to independence.

Participation in federal elections allows us to:

• Counter Federal Overreach: Until we are free from federal control, policies on taxes, regulations, and immigration will continue to impact Texans. We need representatives who will fight back against federal overreach, even as we work toward independence.
• Advance Our Strategic Goals: Being engaged at the federal level strengthens our hand when negotiating with both national and international stakeholders. The more influence we have, the better we can protect Texas’ interests and build toward self-determination.

Respecting Individual Choice

We understand that some Texans may object to participating in federal elections. It’s a deeply personal decision, and we respect the conscience of each individual. However, while we continue the fight for independence, we must not leave Texas’ future in the hands of others. Every action we take, including voting, should be seen as part of our long-term strategy to reclaim Texas independence.

Learning From Other Independence Movements

Texas is not alone in the quest for independence from a larger political union, and we can learn from other movements that have successfully balanced participation in federal systems while pushing for self-determination. Consider these examples:

• UKIP and the Brexit Party: In the United Kingdom, both UKIP and the Brexit Party sent representatives to the European Parliament to advocate for Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union. They understood the importance of being at the table while working toward leaving the union.
• Scottish National Party (SNP): The SNP continues to send representatives to the UK Parliament in Westminster, even as they campaign for Scotland’s independence. Their participation ensures Scotland’s interests are protected while pushing for self-determination.
• Pro-Independence Parties in Spain: Pro-independence parties in Catalonia hold seats in the Spanish national parliament (Cortes Generales). They continue to push for Catalonia’s right to self-governance while actively participating in the legislative process.

These examples show that participating in federal elections is not a contradiction to our goals—it’s a way to ensure we protect Texas now while building toward the future we want.

The Path Forward for Texans

Ultimately, the only real solution for Texas is independence. But until we hold a referendum on Texas leaving the union, we must continue to engage on all fronts. Participating in federal elections is one way to defend Texas and build leverage as we work toward TEXIT. While we respect the personal decisions of those who choose not to participate, we believe it’s vital to remain focused on the bigger picture: every vote we cast is another step toward reclaiming Texas’ sovereignty.

Let’s not lose sight of the mission. Washington is broken, but Texas doesn’t have to be. Until we’re able to vote for our independence, we must ensure that Texas’ voice is heard at every level. The more Texans who stand up for our state’s interests now, the stronger we’ll be when the day of TEXIT arrives.