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People cast their votes for the topics that they are interested in LUPE focusing on for the next two years during the Cumbre de Miembros 2024 in San Juan, Texas on Sept. 14, 2024. 
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune
We the Texans

At this South Texas political convention, everyone has a voice, regardless of legal status

Inspired by the work of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, the biennial “cumbre” helps South Texans organize for political change.


We the Texans

Texas is an economic and cultural powerhouse. It’s also among the least civically engaged states in America. This project explores how democracy is experienced and challenged here with a collection of stories that elevate the voices of regular voters, explainers that demystify elections and events where Texans share their concerns about the state’s institutions. Sign up for our bimonthly newsletter with the latest updates here

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La Unión del Pueblo Entero, LUPE, offices are seen in San Juan, Texas on Sept. 14, 2024.
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune
Alejandra Ramírez, 40, left, and Norma Pérez, 34, right, paint a mural at La Unión del Pueblo Entero, LUPE, in San Juan, Texas on Sept. 14, 2024.
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune

Rooted in farm workers movement

People say the Farmworker’s Prayer, which was written by César Chávez, at La Unión del Pueblo Entero during the Cumbre de Miembros 2024 in San Juan, Texas on Sept. 14, 2024.
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune

Starting earlier

La Union del Pueblo Entero, LUPE, staff member Marcela Alejandre talks to a family during a focus group meeting in Donna on Aug. 14, 2024. LUPE staff has held focus group meetings to discuss issues important to members to determine the organizationís priorities for the next two years.

The vote

Ballot boxes are seen at La Unión Del Pueblo Entero, LUPE, where members will vote for the issues to be focused on for the next two years at the organization in San Juan, Texas on Sept. 14, 2024.
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune
Voting tickets for La Unión Del Pueblo Entero, LUPE, are displayed for a photo in San Juan, Texas on Sept. 14, 2024.
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune
A man holds voting tickets to vote during the Cumbre de miembros 2024 at La Unión Del Pueblo Entero, LUPE, in San Juan, Texas on Sept. 14, 2024. 
Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune

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