Deadlines are easy to miss.
Voter registration is no different. Especially when it seems difficult to get paperwork done, drop it off, and all that jazz - it can really prevent you from doing your civic duty. But with an easy guide, there's no longer an excuse!
So alas - here's How to Register to Vote in Texas!
*Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 11
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STEP ONE: CHECK YOUR STATUS
Uh, check if you're already registered to vote. You might already be registered from that one time at a concert when there was a table set up and you really didn't have time to stop and talk but you did anyway and they were actually pretty nice and got your information and registered you to vote and you went on your way and now ta-da! you're already registered (you can thank them later). And if you're not, or you're registered at an old address, move right on to the next step.
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STEP TWO: GET THE FORM AND FILL 'ER OUT
Depending on whether you live in Dallas County or Tarrant County, the exact processes differ slightly. Essentially, though, using their online systems you can download a printable version to fill out with a pen; or, for Tarrant County, you can fill out all of your information through their online system that will then allow you to print the completed application with all your good ol' information already filled in. If you don't have a printer, each county also has various locations where you can pick up the form in person or you can request to have the form mailed to you.
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STEP THREE: SEND IT OFF
Simple as that! You don't even have to pay for postage. But, you DO have to find yourself a printer!
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STEP FOUR: CHECK YOUR DEADLINES
You'll need to check the deadlines for when to register (the next deadline is Monday, June 15th) as well as when the actual elections are scheduled for and what they entail. Thanks to the League of Women Votes, you can find all that right here.
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STEP FIVE: CHECK YOUR LOCATIONS
If you're voting early, note that not all voting locations are open for early voting. To find out all the different places around the city where you can go to vote, whether on Election day or early, click here.
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STEP SIX: RESEARCH YOUR BALLOT
To know what will be on your particular ballot for local elections, you need to know which City Council District you fall into. Find that out here. Then, you need to find out what positions and what issues are on the ballot. You can find that here under the What's on the Ballot? section. Then dive in! Research the platform of each person, the issue at hand, and form your own dang opinion about these issues.
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STEP SEVEN: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
In recent elections, it's been made clear that some voting locations will try to prevent voters from casting their ballot before the official closing time, even though the rule is that if you're in line before closing, you're still able to vote. To prevent your rights from being infringed upon at the polls, read up on your Voting Rights.
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STEP EIGHT: VOTE!
Right, at this point, you're set up for success. So now you just gotta make sure to get your ass out of bed on Election Day, suffer through any possible lines (early vote if possible) and get that cute little sticker. You did it.
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For additional ways to get involved with the ongoing fight against racism in Dallas, check out our Resource Guide to Creating Change.
Questions?
