Borad member Shashi Bhatia

Shashi Bhatia – Business analyst at a Big Four accounting organization. Over 9 years of IT experience as a BA and QA Analyst for different projects in ecommerce, Retail, Healthcare, Financial/Banking, Credit Card Processing, and Tax domain. Extensive system design and project management experience, combined with expertise in providing consumers and users with necessary information and tools. Excellent understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Software Test Life Cycle (STLC), Agile, and Waterfall along with strong requirement gathering and documentation skills. Exposure to Configuration and Customization of the SAP Application with a focus on General Ledger (GL), Accounts Receivables (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), and Controlling (CO) modules in a technical classroom environment. Well rounded attitude for learning/mastering new concepts, assisting co-workers, and making every effort to be a team player.  Dedicated voting rights volunteer with the South Asian community in Texas

Board member Kavita Chopra

Kavita Khandekar Chopra - Officer. Kavita Khandekar Chopra (she/her) is the Managing Director, Strategy & Engagement for re:power - a national training organization building power with and for Black, Indigenous and People of Color organizers across the country.  In her role at re:power, Kavita oversees Development, Communications, and Strategic Initiatives for the organization. With fifteen years of experience in the non-profit sector, Kavita has expertise in fundraising, communications, operations and finance for both 501c3 and 501c4 organizations.  Kavita earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley and her Masters of Science in Social Work from UT Austin, concentrating in Community and Administrative Leadership. She is passionate about developing responsive systems built with equity at the center and building BIPOC community power in Texas.  Kavita is the child of Indian immigrants, and a Mother of two.

Board Member Namrata Sharma

Namrata Sharma - Technology leader with expertise in Semiconductors and Telecom technologies. Has worked for some of the marquee names in tech, proven ability to incubate new businesses.  A frequently requested speaker at industry events on topics like leadership, innovation and technology trends. M.S in Computer Science and B.Tech in Electronics Engineering. Strong advocate of gender parity, actively engaged in creating awareness to promote gender diversity in the workplace and beyond. Engaged with SAAVETX since 2017 in various efforts including leading rallies and hosting events for voter empowerment.  Active in voter engagement in Collin County, Texas, key organizer for Rally against Racism in August 2022.

Board member Krisan Swaminathan

Krisan Patterson Swaminathan - Board Chair. Former attorney.  Assisted in the defense of campaign finance reform legislation before the U.S. District Court and U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of Senators McCain, Feingold, et al. Experience with domestic violence, immigration, community organizing, and work with marginalized communities. Founding Chair of the Board of SAFE DC, Inc., a leading D.C. nonprofit addressing the needs of domestic violence survivors and their children. Former Court Appointed Special Advocate on behalf of foster children in New Jersey, March to the Polls volunteer high school educator, and Election Protection volunteer.

How do School Board Elections Affect South Asians

School boards have a significant impact on South Asians as they make decisions that affect the education and opportunities available to South Asian students. Here are some reasons why voting for school board elections is important:

1. Representation: School boards should reflect the diverse communities they serve, including South Asians. By voting for candidates who understand and value the needs and perspectives of South Asian families, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our interests are represented.

2. Educational Equity: School boards make decisions about funding, curriculum, and resources that can either promote or hinder educational equity for South Asian students. By voting for candidates who prioritize equity and access for all students, including those from underrepresented communities, we can work to close the achievement gap and ensure that South Asian students have the same opportunities as their peers.

3. Language Access: Many South Asian families speak languages other than English at home, and school boards can make decisions about language access and support for English Language Learners (ELLs). By voting for candidates who prioritize language access and support for ELLs, we can ensure that South Asian students who are still learning English have the resources and support they need to succeed in school.

4. Cultural Competence: School boards can promote cultural competence among educators and staff, which is critical for supporting South Asian students and families. By voting for candidates who understand and respect the cultural diversity of South Asian communities, we can work to create a school environment that is welcoming and inclusive for all students.

In summary, school boards have a significant impact on South Asians and their education. By voting in school board elections, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our interests are represented, and work to promote educational equity, language access, and cultural competence in our schools.

Vote By Mail

Application for a Ballot by Mail

To be eligible to vote early by mail in Texas, you must:

• be 65 years or older;

• be sick or disabled;

• be out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance; or

• be expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day; or

• be confined in jail, but otherwise eligible.

Instructions for submitting an Application for Ballot by Mail (“ABBM”):

1. Print (PDF) the ABBM form

2. OR submit an order online and an ABBM will be mailed to you.

3. Complete Sections 1 through 4.

4. Sign and Date Section 5.

5. If you were unable to sign the application and someone witnessed your signature, that person must complete Section 6.

6. If someone helped you complete the application or mailed the application for you, that person must complete Section 6.

7. Affix postage.
   
   

   1. If you printed the application you must place it in your own envelope and add postage.

   2. If you ordered the application online and it was mailed to you - fold the application in half, moisten top tab, seal and add postage.

8. Address and mail the completed ABBM to the Early Voting Clerk in your county. You may also fax the application if a fax machine is available in the early voting clerk’s office.  You also have the option of submitting a scanned copy of the completed and signed application to the Early Voting Clerk via email. If an ABBM is faxed or emailed, then the original, hard copy of the application MUST be mailed and received by the early voting clerk no later than the 4th business day.
   

1. The Early Voting Clerk is the County Clerk or Elections Administrator for your county

2. Contact information, including mailing addresses, fax numbers if available, and email addresses for the Early Voting Clerks are available on this website.

NOTICE: Do not mail, fax, or email completed applications for Ballot by Mail to the Secretary of State Office. To ensure timely receipt, please send your completed application for a Ballot by Mail to your county’s early voting clerk.

Track My Ballot

Military and overseas voters are welcome to use the regular registration and early voting by mail process available to all voters away from their home county on Election Day. However, there are also special provisions for military and overseas voters.

For more information, please read the Early Voting in Texas pamphlet

Source Texas Secretary of State

Municipal Elections - Are you ready? How can Mayors Impact South Asians ?

If you get a chance visit your mayoral candidate’s open houses or community events. Mayors can have an impact on South Asians, who are a diverse group of people with different cultural backgrounds originating from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, among others. Here are a few ways mayors can impact South Asians:

1. Representation: Mayors can help ensure that South Asians are represented in local government and have a voice in decision-making processes. This can include appointing South Asians to city commissions, boards, and advisory committees.

2. Community engagement: Mayors can engage with South Asian communities through town hall meetings, community events, and outreach programs to better understand their needs and concerns. This can help foster stronger relationships between South Asians and the city government.

3. Economic development: Mayors can support economic development initiatives that benefit South Asian businesses and entrepreneurs, such as providing resources for small business development, promoting tourism, and investing in infrastructure improvements.

4. Social services: Mayors can work to ensure that South Asians have access to social services, such as healthcare, education, and affordable housing. They can also support initiatives to address issues like poverty, homelessness, and discrimination.

Overall, mayors can have a significant impact on the lives of South Asians by promoting inclusivity, engaging with their communities, and supporting initiatives that promote equity and justice