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Voting is exciting, especially if it's your first time! But it can also be confusing—who do you want to vote for? Who stands with you on issues you care about? We know that Southwestern students like to be prepared, so we've compiled some handy resources for you below to help you think it all through!
Voting is exciting, especially if it's your first time! But it can also be confusing—who do you want to vote for? Who stands with you on issues you care about? We know that Southwestern students like to be prepared, so we've compiled some handy resources for you below to help you think it all through!
The first thing you're going to need for a successful trip to the polls is a photo ID! You can find a list of approved forms of photo ID here! A valid photo ID is a requirement for voting in Texas, so this is something you might want to triple-check before you head out to cast your ballot. (If you don't think you have an acceptable form of photo ID, locate a supporting form of ID, such as a bank statement or your voter registration card; poll workers can offer you a Reasonable Impediment Declaration that will still allow you to vote.)
The Texas League of Women Voters (LWV) creates a nonpartisan voters guide every year! This useful guide offers extensive, nonpartisan, unbiased information about races from the highest level to the lowest, all the way from the President to the school board. It's all the information you need centralized in one place. You can even print the guide and bring it with you into the voting booth. Please note, however, that cell phones are not allowed in the booth. Print copies only.
Using your zip code and county, BallotReady creates a personalized mock-up of your ballot for the upcoming election and takes you through each race and referendum, step-by-step! This is a great tool to pair with the LWV guide. Then, simply print your prepared list and take it to the polls with you for guidance!
When preparing your ballot, please note that Texas no longer has streamlined straight-ticket voting. Per the Williamson County Elections Office, "House Bill 25, passed during the 85th Legislative Session, eliminated straight-party voting effective September 1, 2020 (Section 64.004, Texas Election Code). If you wish to vote for all of the candidates affiliated with one party, you should select each candidate one at a time on your ballot." Please educate yourself about each candidate, because you'll have to select them individually on your ballot!
When preparing your ballot, please note that Texas no longer has streamlined straight-ticket voting. Per the Williamson County Elections Office, "House Bill 25, passed during the 85th Legislative Session, eliminated straight-party voting effective September 1, 2020 (Section 64.004, Texas Election Code). If you wish to vote for all of the candidates affiliated with one party, you should select each candidate one at a time on your ballot." Please educate yourself about each candidate, because you'll have to select them individually on your ballot!
First time voting? Feeling nervous? We understand! Vote411, aligned with the League of Women Voters, has a useful checklist for preparing for your first trip to the polls! Make sure you have your approved photo ID with you, pick a time and place, and bring a mask! Vote411.org also has additional information about what's at stake for this election, especially at the local level, like who's up for Williamson County Commissioner, Georgetown City Council and Georgetown Mayor.
Feeling forgetful? Vote.org offers election reminders by text and by email! Sign up today to stay on top of your trip to the polls.
Local and state races are more important than ever! Ballotpedia has cataloged municipal elections by county to help you get familiar with who's running. Take a closer look!
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