With all the political rancor this year over voter ID laws, redistricting, the purging of voter rolls and rules for voter registration, there is probably more than a little confusion among citizens as Election Day rapidly approaches.
Perhaps we can clear up a few things.First, in order to vote in the Nov. 6 election you must be registered to vote, and the deadline to do that is Tuesday. Completed voter registration forms must be received by the county elections office or postmarked by that date (Oct. 9).In addition to the voter registrar's office, applications are available at most post offices, libraries and high schools. The form is also available from the Texas Secretary of State's and Tarrant County Elections Office's websites. Applications by fax or e-mail will not be accepted.You can confirm your registration online or by phone using one of three methods for your search: 1) your Voter Unique Identifier (VUID), which is on your voter registration certificate, 2) Texas driver's license number, if used when you applied for registration, and 3) your first and last name.Because the new Texas voter ID law was not approved by the Justice Department or courts, voters will not have to show a photo ID when they go to the polls as long as they have a valid registration card.Students attending college away from home are cautioned to decide if they want to register in the county where they're going to school or use their home residence. They cannot register in both places.There's been a lot of talk lately about voter suppression. A sure way to have your vote suppressed is by not registering.
To register, you must be:
A U.S. citizen
A resident of the county
At least 18 on Election Day
Not a convicted felon (unless you have completed your sentence, probation and parole)
Not judged by a court to be mentally incompetent
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