Can you register and vote on the same day in Texas? What to know ahead of Nov. 5 election
Registering to vote is a key step for Texans looking to vote in the Nov. 5 general election. But if you missed the deadline, can you actually register on the day of the election?
The Nov. 5 general election includes several key races for Texans, such as the U.S. presidential election and Texas U.S. Senate race. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democrat U.S. Rep. Colin Allred will debate for the first time on Oct. 15.
Texans can check if they’re registered to vote by visiting the state’s official website. But what about those curious if they can register to vote on Election Day?
Here’s what to know:
Can Texans register to vote on Election Day?
Technically yes, but they won’t be able to vote in the Nov. 5 general election.
Texas Election Code section 13.143 states that residents have to register to vote 30 days before an election, to vote in said election.
“If an applicant’s registration application is approved, the registration becomes effective on the 30th day after the date the application is submitted to the registrar or on the date the applicant becomes 18 years of age, whichever is later,” the law states.
This means that Oct. 7 was the last day to register to vote in Texas for the Nov. 5 election.
Texans can still register to vote on Election Day, Nov. 5, but won’t be able to vote for at least 30 days from then.
This story was originally published October 15, 2024 at 2:40 PM.
