Hello. Hola. Howdy! Whichever way you say it in Texas, at the end of the day, we all make up this incredible state. Each of our voices has the ability to be heard and the power to promote change. Now more than ever, young people’s voices play a crucial role in shaping society, and part of making that change starts at the voting polls!
Now, you might be asking as a first-time voter “How do I even get started? Does my voice really count? Is voting really worth it?” The list of questions goes on and on, but not to worry, Hill of a Vote is here to help you feel as prepared as possible for election day on May 4th. In this post, we will be providing a basic overview of how the voting system works in Texas, and what that means for you in terms of registering and your rights as a Texas voter.
REGISTER TO BE A BE A REGI-STAR
The very first step in the voting process is registering to vote, and that process can occur in different forms in terms. A common question is asked of many first-time young voters is where to get an application?
If you’re like most people who when they turn eighteen and get their license, you may or may not realize that at some point during that process, you checked off a box that gave you the option to automatically be registered to vote in the State of Texas. However, if you have not gone through that process, another way to register to vote in Texas is picking up a voter registration application, filling it out, and mailing it in at least thirty days before the election. After you have found your local county in which you live in, you can mail your application to the voter registrar in your county.
Not sure if you are registered to vote in the county you live in? We got you covered! When you visit the Texas Secretary of State website online, you can check your voter registration status, information on where you can vote early/on the day of, as well as key election dates for Texas voting.
YOU, YES YOU, HAVE RIGHTS
As a registered Texas voter, you have many privileges and rights that are meant to ensure your voting process goes as smoothly as possible. What’s IMPORTANT to know, as a registered voter granted with these rights, is that you are first and foremost guaranteed the right to cast your vote in an environment secret and free from intimidation. This means you should be allowed to cast your vote in a space that will not rush you, allowing you the privacy and respect to casting your vote in peace. Along with this right, you are also granted a ballot with written instructions on how to cast your vote, as well as being able to receive up to two ballots if you make a mistake while marking your other ballot.
If you are a voter with special needs, you are still granted the same rights as everyone else at the polls, as well as having accommodations based on your disability. It is important to note that Texas requires ALL voting stations to be accessible to voters with disabilities and special needs. For a complete list of your voter rights, click here.
If you are an active military member or currently overseas, your voting process is as easy as ABC. First, fill out your Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) no later than 11 days prior to election day (April 23rd fir the May 4th Election). Next, you’ll be able to select how to attain your ballot either through hard copy via mail or e-mail. Finally, you can make sure your vote is cast and your voice is heard by mailing your marked ballot to your early voting clerk located in your county.
If you are a Texas resident who is currently out of state, you have the option to fill out a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) which allows you to cast your vote from wherever you are in the United States.
So, before election day, make sure you are registered to vote and you know your rights when entering the polling station. It’s never too early to start preparing for election day!
-C.A
-Edited by R.W.