The highest presidential election turnout in history was in 1908, when 65.7% of eligible Americans voted. The 2020 election is expected to have a record-breaking voter turnout.

The November presidential election might feel far away, but it’s right around the corner. If you want your voice to be heard, you have to show up. Nowadays, there are more ways to cast your vote through the election voting services offered by different states. Still, registering to vote is the first step in exercising your right to vote in the upcoming elections.

Read on to learn all the facts you need to know about voter registration in Texas.

Who is Eligible to Register to Vote in Texas?

To register to vote in Texas, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a United States citizen.

• You must be at least 17 years and 10 months old when you complete your voter registration. You must turn 18 before election day.

• You must be a resident in the county where you submit your voter registration application.

• You cannot be a convicted felon, with a couple of exceptions. You are eligible to vote if you have been fully discharged from your sentence. This includes serving any terms of incarceration, parole, or any court-ordered probation.

• You can vote if you have been pardoned, which releases you from a restriction on voting.

• You cannot have a final judgment from the courts deeming you mentally incapacitated and ineligible to vote.

How Do You Register to Vote in Texas?

There are multiple ways to register to vote in Texas including in-person, by mail, and online options. Learning to register to vote without going to an office in person is crucial during COVID-19 closings.

Don’t let the registration process deter you from voting. Registering to vote is free, and it’s an easy process.

Here’s how you can register to vote in Texas:

• If government offices are open during the COVID-19 crisis, you can register to vote in person at your county Voter Registrar’s office. In many counties in Texas, the Tax Assessor-Collector is the Voter Registrar. To locate your county’s Voter Registration officials click here.

• It’s also possible to register to vote in Texas by mail. You can pick up an application at your county Voter Registration office, fill it out, and mail it in. There are also applications available at local libraries, government offices, and high schools.

• You can also access a voter registration form online by filling out this simple form.

• If you don’t have access to a stamp, you can request that an application with pre-paid postage be sent to you. Fill out this form if you need an application mailed to you.

• Another registration option is to register to vote when you apply for or renew your Texas driver’s license.

How Do You Find Out if You’re Already Registered to Vote?

If you don’t remember whether you’re registered to vote, don’t worry. It’s easy to find out if you’re registered. Click here to be directed to a website where you can check your voter registration status.

To search for your registration status, you will need one of the following pieces of information.

• Your Texas driver’s license number

• Your Voter Unique Identifier (VUID), which you can find on your voter registration certificate if you have one

• Your first and last name, and your county

When is the Deadline to Register for the Upcoming Presidential Election?

Don’t procrastinate when it comes to your voter registration. After your application is accepted, it takes 30 days for your voter registration to become active. If you know you need to register as a voter, it’s best to do it as soon as possible so you aren’t scrambling come October.

How Do You Get an Application in Another Language?

It’s legally required by the state of Texas and the federal government that all voting materials are available Spanish. It’s also required that bilingual clerks be appointed in certain election precincts.

To access the Voter Registration form online in Spanish, click here.

Contact your local Voter Registrar’s office for assistance in other languages.

How Do You Register to Vote in Texas if You Serve in the Military or Live Overseas?

In the state of Texas, military and overseas voters can use the regular voter registration. However, there are special provisions when it comes to voting.

Click here to learn about the rules for voting if you live overseas or serve in the military.

How Do You Find Out Where Your Polling Location Is?

After you register to vote, it’s essential to know where you should go to vote on election day. To find out where your polling station is located, check out this website. This helpful resource also tells you what’s going to be on your ballot and how to contact your local election officials.

What to Do if You Have Questions About Voter Registration in Texas

If you’re having trouble registering to vote, contact your local government officials to help you. Your local representatives are available to answer your questions.

If you live in the 25th Legislative district, visit this website for assistance.

Get Ready to Cast Your Ballot

We need to take our civic responsibilities seriously and let our voices be heard on election day. Don’t miss your opportunity to cast your vote on November 3, 2020.

Don’t hesitate, register to vote today. It’s important not to procrastinate on your voter registration. If you have any questions or issues with voter registration in Texas, contact your local government representatives.

If you want to read more about politics and activism, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter.