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On Wednesday, several groups are planning a news conference in downtown Dallas to continue pushing for higher turnout. They also plan to encourage candidates to speak at public forums.

“Unless people feel connected to the issues affecting them, they’re not likely to vote,” said Josephine Lopez Paul, lead organizer for Dallas Area Interfaith, a coalition of congregations, schools and nonprofits.

As residents learn about issues and candidates, they'll be drawn into the process. And institutions can have a bigger impact.

“If their business and church and school are saying the same thing — go vote — then we’ll see a rise in voting,” Paul said.