With the Nov. 3 election approaching, Texans have until Oct. 5 to register to vote or update their registration in time for election day.
Texas requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election. As the 30-day deadline falls on Sunday, Oct. 4, the deadline is extended to Monday, Oct. 5.
Sara Gubala, LU instructor of political science, said Texas does not offer fully online voter registration.
“You can pick up a free form, but it’s still a form to fill out,” she said.
Voters can access an application through VoteTexas.gov, but first-time applicants must print, sign and return it to their county voter registrar.
Ethan Ellis, volunteer deputy registrar, said trying to registering students who live on campus can be challenging.
“Not a lot of people actually go back home to go and vote on election day,” he said. “It’s a random day in November. A lot of things get swept under the rug. (I’m) just trying to get them registered where they’re at over the next four to six years.”
James Nelson, associate professor and director of Lamar’s Master of Public Administration program, said voters should keep their address current.
“It’s important to be registered where you currently live because that means you can vote for the local offices as well as the statewide contests,” he said.
Voters registered at an outdated address may not vote in local races, Nelson said.
“If your current address is not on your registration, you may only end up being allowed to vote for the statewide contest,” he said.
Voters who move between Texas counties without updating their registration may qualify for a limited ballot during early voting.
Nelson said he previously used a limited ballot after moving to Jefferson County while still registered in another Texas county.
“They knew I was a legal registered Texas voter, so I went to the courthouse,” he said. “They crossed out all the local stuff, but I could still vote for everything that everybody in Texas votes for.”
Limited ballots are only available for earlyvoting and are not available on election day.
Gubala said voters should check their registration status, especially after moving or receiving notice that their registration suspended.
“If you receive notification that your registration was suspended or in suspense, it does not mean you were removed from the voter rolls,” she said.
Voters can check their registration status through vote texas.gov. Gubala said she also has registration forms available in 201J Social & Behavioral Sciences Building for those who need assistance.
“There will be multiple opportunities in the next couple weeks to register,” she said. “Anyone who wants to get registered, they can contact me. I have forms in my office.”
Nelson said registering through the Texas Department of Public Safety is another choice for eligible voters.
“If anybody is in the process of renewing their driver’s license or getting a Texas driver’s license for the first time, you can register to vote when you get your driver’s license as well,” he said.
Gubala said registering is only one part of preparing to vote.
“To be a good steward of information, you should look (the candidates) up,” she said.
Voters can find registration information and check their status at votetexas.gov.