We need to participate in our local and national elections now, more than ever. Please don’t think that your voice doesn’t matter. Take just a moment out of your day to speak up for the people, land, plants, and animals that cannot speak for themselves. If you are concerned about our planet’s future, just as we are, then take the steps below to find and vote for the candidates that share your views and have plans to make a positive change!
Step 1- Register to vote
You can register by mail to vote in Texas by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer. Texas does NOT offer online voter registration. Register: https://www.votetexas.gov/register/index.html
The deadline for registering by mail to vote is (postmarked by) Monday, October 5, 2020.
The deadline to register in person to vote is Monday, October 5, 2020.
Who can vote
To register in Texas you must:
be a citizen of the United States
be a resident of the county in which the application for registration is made
be at least 17 years and 10 months old (you must be 18 to vote)
not be finally convicted of a felony, or if a convicted felon, you must have fully discharged your punishment, including any incarceration, parole, supervision, period of probation, or be pardoned
have not been declared mentally incompetent by final judgment of a court of law
*find more information on voting rights restoration here
Step 2- Research political parties/candidates
Being an informed voter allows individuals to select candidates based on their state's platforms, without relying on party propaganda or media coverage. By researching parties and candidates, informed voters are able to make knowledgeable decisions about who their votes support. The American Association of State Colleges and Universities offers a comprehensive guide to becoming an informed voter.
Step 3- Know the issues
Once a new voter is familiar with the basic tenets of political parties, they are able to learn about the issues at stake during the election. Be it a presidential or city council election, candidates almost always share the vision for their time in office on their website. Voters should review this information and consider how it aligns with their personal beliefs about how the government should function.
*To see where candidates stand on environmental issues, visit this website and click on the area of concern:
Step 4- Check state rules and regulations
Most voting stations are open at least 12 hours on election day, allowing students or those with busy workdays ample time to vote. Although only 35 states currently require voters to show a photo ID, first-time voters who registered by mail have other requirements. According to federal law, individuals who have not voted previously must bring a valid photo ID or a bill, pay stub, or government document showing their name and current address.
Step 5- Find your polling place
State election offices assign polling locations based on a voter’s address, so students and others who aren’t sure where to go to vote can either contact their election office or use Can I Vote to find your polling location and dates. Information about state and local election offices can be found via the search tool on USA.gov
Step 6- Cast your ballot
Dates and deadlines
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
The deadline for registering by mail to vote is (postmarked by) Monday, October 5, 2020.
The deadline to register in-person to vote is Monday, October 5, 2020.
The deadline to request a ballot by mail is (received by) Friday, October 23, 2020.
The early voting period runs from Tuesday, October 13, 2020, to Friday, October 30, 2020, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live.
*Information found at www.accreditedschoolsonline.org