Elections 2024: How to Register to Vote in Texas

As the general elections approach, it is paramount to be prepared and ready to head to the polls. From requirements to deadlines, knowing what you need ahead of time will make the process of casting your vote run smoothly.

As you venture into this process, it is important to know that the policies governing voter participation are enacted and enforced primarily at the state level. These policies, which include voter identification requirements, early voting provisions, online voter registration systems and more, dictate the conditions under which people cast their ballots in their respective states hence, it is important that you are aware of your community's rules and guidelines.

Here's a comprehensive guide on the steps you'll need to register to vote in Texas ahead of the 2024 election.

Voter eligibility in Texas

Before you make plans to cast your ballot, first double check that you are eligible to vote.

Here are the requirements for voting eligibility in Texas:

• You are a United States citizen.
• You are a resident of the county where you submit the application.
• You are at least 17 years and 10 months old on the date your voter registration application is submitted, and you are 18 years of age on Election Day.
• You are not a convicted felon (you may be eligible to vote if you have completed your sentence, probation and parole).
• You have not been declared by a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be either totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.

Step-by-Step Guide to Voter Registration in Texas

Similar to Florida, to register to vote in Texas, you have to complete a voter registration application and return it to your county election office at least 30 days before the upcoming election date.

When you are completing the Texas voting registration application, several options are available for you.

You can complete using the SOS Online Voter Registration Application. For this option, you simply fill in the required information, print, sign and mail the completed application directly to your county election office

You can also request a printed application. If you request this option, your local election office will mail a postage-paid voter registration application to the address you provide.

Another option is to contact or visit your local voter registrar to complete the voter registration process in person.

But if these options don't work for you, you can also register to vote in Texas when renewing, replacing or changing your contact information in your existing Texas Driver License or state identification card online through the Texas Department of Public Safety.

For this option, you can follow the steps in the DPS web portal to update your driver license information, and you will be given the option to register to vote when renewing or updating your information.

How to update your registration information

To update your voter registration, you will need your Voter Unique Identifier, VUID , to log in to the Texas.gov portal.

If you've recently moved or changed your name, you can update information on your voter registration record online. Click here to access the online form.

If your voter registration record is on "suspense," it means your county of registration has received information that you no longer live at the address on your current voter registration record.

What is a Voter Registration Certificate

The Voter Registration Certificate is an official document issued to registered voters by the county voter registrar's office. It serves as proof of voter registration and includes important information such as the voter's name, address, precinct number and voter identification number.

The certificate also indicates the voter's assigned polling place for elections. This is an essential document for Texans to have when voting in local, state and national elections.

This certificate will be mailed to you within 30 days after you register to vote in Texas.

Learn more about it here.

Key Dates and Deadlines for Texas Voter Registration

Here are some voter registration deadlines you should be aware of in Texas:

• Register by mail applications must be postmarked 30 days before Election Day.
• In person registration deadline is also 30 days before Election Day.

The Bottom Line

Registering to vote in Texas is a relatively easy process. As you embark on this journey ahead of the 2024 elections, make sure you have everything you need to head to the polls in November, including eligibility, documents and awareness of deadlines.

Whether you are a first time voter, or you need to update your voter information, it is imperative that you start this process soon, to allow for time and prevent any stress as the general elections approach. If you have any questions, you can always contact your local election office.

To learn more about how to register to vote in Texas, click here.