Election year is here again, and every voice counts the same – even students.
Often times, the same clichés are thrown around in regards to voting.
“My vote doesn’t truly matter.”
“The candidates make a lot of empty promises.”
“The president can’t change everything, so why vote?”
All of these are common misconceptions that lead students to avoid voting or even registering to vote. Another common misconception is the idea that registering is a tedious process, and students do not know where to start. Aside from gathering a few pieces of official documentation, the entire process can be started online and then either delivered in person or mailed to the proper channels.
To vote in the Nov. 6 general election, students must have registered or have their applications postmarked by Oct. 9.
To begin the process, simply log on to votetexas.gov and click “register to vote.” On the page is a link to an application students can fill out, print and then return to: Tarrant County Elections, 2700 Premier St., Fort Worth, Texas 76111. Students may also pick up an application in the Tarrant County elections office, all Tarrant County sub-courthouses, post offices, city halls, public libraries and public assistance offices.
Students must be at least 17 years and 10 months of age at the time of application and fill out the form in its entirety.
Anyone registering to vote must provide a Texas drivers license number, a personal identification number issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety or the last four digits of his/her Social Security number. If none of these items are available, it must be specified on the application.
Without one of these numbers, a student can still register but must be able to provide proof of identification at the polling center. After the application process is completed, students will receive a Voter’s Registration Certificate within 30 days. Check the certificate carefully for any mistakes. If any are found, correct them and return to the county elections office immediately. If lost, notify the county elections office in writing to receive a new one.
On the certificate they receive, students can find the precinct number matched up to the specific polling site. Check with the Tarrant County Election office a few days before election as sometimes precincts will be combined leading up to the election or re-aligned before the next election.
Your vote truly DOES matter. Once registered, it is for life, not just for the upcoming presidential election. It is to vote on members of Congress who may support issues important to students. It is for state and local elections, which truly affect your immediate lives regarding taxes, financial aid and city maintenance budgets.
All voices count. Make yours heard.
