In Texas, getting registered to vote may not seem like a straightforward process. However, it can be a quick and easy one if you know the correct information!
I recently turned 18 and finally got to fill out my voter registration card while I counted down the days until I get to make use of my newly gained civic responsibility. While I was expecting to just need to navigate through a clunky website to do so, reality quickly set in when I realized no such form existed. It’s a common misconception that you can register online when you renew your license but that’s not true, so make sure you double check you’re registered before the next deadline!
In the state of Texas, there are numerous ways to get registered quickly (some without you even needing to go out of your house!). The most accessible method for many young people is through your school. Based on Texas law, all schools are required to offer voter registration opportunities at least twice a year to all eligible students. This law designates your high school principal as the volunteer deputy registrar (VDR) for your campus. The registrar will walk you through all the steps you need and even drop your form off with your county for you.
If you’re taking a government class, a group of volunteers may also come in to walk you and your classmates through the process as a group. Any registrar will be able to assist you with this process too, you may even know some they’re more common than you think.
If going through your school isn’t accessible, your public library is the next best place to go. This is how I got registered. Your nearest library should be able to provide you with a voter registration application form immediately. These forms are straightforward and can be completed extremely quickly. They’re often at the entrance or by the checkout counter. If you can’t find them, librarians are some of the kindest people around and should be able to assist you.
Once you fill out all of your information, double check it for accuracy, seal the form up, and drop it in your mailbox. Don’t worry, you won’t have to know how to mail a letter (I sure don’t) or even put on a stamp, it’s already postmarked for you.
If all of these sound too difficult, you can likely request a form from your county that will be mailed right to your house. Fill this out in the same way. Once you’ve submitted your form, you’re all good to go! You can now engage in the most important civic duty we have in America.
Make sure you keep up with all voter registration deadlines and election dates to make sure your vote counts!
