Written By: Mayra Gutierrez
Election Day is right around the corner! (November 6th, 2018 to be precise!)
To be able to vote, you need to register first! You need to be at least 17 years old and 10 months of age on the date you apply and a U.S. Citizen...but yeah!!)
Registering is actually easy! You only have to fill out an application and mail it--30 or more days before the actual election, of course,
THE APPLICATION? WHERE DO I GET THAT?
In person, you can register at your local Voter Registrar’s Office. In Hidalgo County, there is the Hidalgo County Election Administration located at 101 S 10th Ave, Edinburg, TX 78539.
By mail, applications can also be picked up in libraries, government offices, or high schools to be sent out. After filling out your applications, you can mail it to the address below:
Elections Administrator
Yvonne Ramon
P.O. Box 659 Edinburg 78540-0659
(956) 318-2570 Phone
(956) 393-2039 FAX
The other countys’ registrar offices can be found here.
Another alternative is to fill this application out by printing it and then mailing it to the same place(s) mentioned above.
These applications are processed and your registration becomes effective 30 days after it is submitted and accepted by the county voter registrar.
WHAT DOES THE APPLICATION ASK?
If you’re a United States Citizen.
If you will be 18 on or before election day.
If you want to be an election worker.
Texas Driver License Number (if you don’t have one, it asks for Social Security Number (SSN))
First, Middle, Last, and even former name.
Other arbitrary information: (Residence/ Mailing Address, Date of Birth (DOB), Gender, Telephone number and area code, Signature to confirm the truth is being told).
WHEN/ HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M REGISTERED?
After you apply, a voter registration certificate (your proof of registration) will be mailed to you within 30 days.
Check this is correct, and if not, return to the Voter Registrar!
If you lose it, notify the Registrar in writing to get a new one.
On your registration certificate, you will see a precinct number. Your residence is located in a specific “precinct,” or area within the county where you will vote on Election Day. (In some cases, precincts may be combined to accommodate joint local elections. )
WHEN IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER AND APPLY TO VOTE??
October 9, 2018 was the last day to register for the November 6th, 2018 Election, but there is always next year!!
You will automatically receive a new certificate every two years if you haven’t moved from the address at which you are registered.
I’M READY! WHAT DO I TAKE TO VOTE?
Because of the Senate Bill 5, passed by the 85th legislature, voters are required to take photo identification and present it in person at all Texas elections.
Acceptable Forms of Identification (that could be expired for no more than 4 years):
Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)📷
Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
United States Passport (book or card)
There’s a lot of exemptions to this, so check here to see if you apply:
If you still have doubts about how to register, visit the Texas Voting Guide
for more information!
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