Cindy Ramirez: Inspiring Voter Advocate in Travis County, Texas

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Dedicated Elections Specialist in Travis County

In the bustling world of elections, understanding the complex regulations and ensuring smooth voter experiences is no small feat. Cindy Ramirez, an elections specialist in Travis County, Texas, learned this firsthand when she joined the county's elections call center. Despite her initial assumptions, Ramirez quickly realized that conveying the nuances of election law to voters was more challenging than anticipated.

Jacqueline Augenbraun, a colleague who nominated Ramirez for the AFSCME’s Never Quit Service Award, praises Ramirez for her ability to tackle significant challenges. Augenbraun, who met Ramirez at the Ballot by Mail Division, highlights her dedication to enhancing voter communication. “Cindy is so dedicated to voters,” Augenbraun notes. “She truly goes above and beyond to invest in herself and to know how to communicate to voters.”

Ramirez's role involves guiding Travis County voters through the intricacies of mail-in voting, explaining rejections, and navigating new election laws. These tasks demand patience, a deep understanding of detailed voting regulations, and the ability to remain composed during hectic election periods. Fortunately, Ramirez embodies all these traits.

“Communicating to voters is hard,” Augenbraun explains. “We have to be neutral. What you do for one, you do for all. We have oaths of how to operate in a nonpartisan, unbiased way, so everyone knows what their rights are.” This commitment to impartiality is something Ramirez consistently upholds, focusing on making voting as accessible as possible.

Ramirez’s skills extend beyond mere communication. She translates for Spanish-speaking voters, develops resources to streamline her team's work, and trains seasonal staff. Her ability to transform a frustrated voter into a satisfied one showcases her exceptional communication skills. “This is my work,” says Ramirez. “I want to leave this division with better tools than when I started. This benefits my community.”

After earning a degree in international relations from the University of Texas-Austin, Ramirez embraced community service, starting with a role in AmeriCorps VISTA, focused on combating poverty. This local-level service aligns with her passion for community impact.

Augenbraun believes Ramirez deserves ample recognition, stating, “She deserves so much recognition. I appreciate and am in awe of her. She motivates me.” Yet, Ramirez attributes her success to Augenbraun’s mentorship. “I would not be here without Jacqueline’s support,” she remarks.

The dedication of both Ramirez and Augenbraun ensures that Travis County voters benefit from their unwavering commitment to public service.