Heading into the 2024 election season, young Black voters in Texas have a crucial opportunity to have their voices heard. However, with the state’s strict voting laws, navigating the registration and voting process can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the process and empower young Black Texans to participate fully in this significant election.
Mark your calendars with these important dates:
- Election Day: November 5, 2024
- Last Day to Register to Vote: October 7, 2024
- First Day of Early Voting: October 21, 2024
- Last Day of Early Voting: November 1, 2024
- Last Day to Apply for a Mail-in Ballot: October 25, 2024
- Deadline for Returning Mail-in Ballots: November 5, 2024 (or November 6, if postmarked by Election Day)
Understanding the Power of Voting
Young voters, particularly those in the 18-24 age bracket, make up nearly 15% of Texas’s adult population, according to 2023 census data. Despite this, voter turnout among this group has historically been low. In the 2022 midterms, only 49% of registered young voters participated, in contrast to 86% of older voters. It is crucial for young Black voters to realize their collective influence and make their voices heard by voting on issues such as education, healthcare, housing, and criminal justice that directly affect them.
This disparity underscores the importance of young Black voters recognizing their power to affect change through voting. By participating in the electoral process, young voters can shape policies that align with their priorities and create a better future for themselves and their communities.
Steps to Register to Vote in Texas
Prior to casting your vote, you must complete the voter registration process, which is governed by strict laws in Texas. Here’s a breakdown of the process and requirements:
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must live in the county in which you are registering.
- You must be at least 17 years, 10 months old, and 18 by Election Day.
- You cannot have been convicted of a felony (unless your voting rights have been restored).
Registration Process:
- Fill Out a Voter Registration Application: Obtain a registration form from your county’s voter registrar’s office, the Texas Secretary of State’s website, or various public locations.
- Submit Your Application: Return the completed form to your county’s voter registrar’s office or mail it in by the deadline of October 7, 2024.
- Verify Your Registration: After submitting your application, confirm your registration status online using your Texas driver’s license number, name, and birth date.
What You Need to Vote in Person
When voting in person in Texas, you are required to present one of seven approved forms of photo identification. These include:
- A state driver’s license (issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety)
- A Texas election identification certificate (issued by DPS)
- A Texas personal identification card (issued by DPS)
- A Texas license to carry a handgun (issued by DPS)
- A U.S. military ID card with a personal photo
- A U.S. citizenship certificate with a personal photo
- A U.S. passport
If you lack an ID, you can still vote by signing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and providing additional documentation, such as a utility bill or bank statement with your name and address.
Applying for Mail-in Voting
Voting by mail is available for individuals who will be absent from their county on Election Day, are ill or disabled, are 65 years or older, or are incarcerated but otherwise eligible to vote.
Mail-in Voting Process:
- Request a Mail-in Ballot: Submit your application for a mail-in ballot by October 25, 2024, either by mail, fax, or email. Ensure that your application is received by this deadline.
- Complete Your Ballot: Once you receive your mail-in ballot, follow the instructions carefully and sign the envelope as instructed.
- Return Your Ballot: Your completed ballot must be returned by mail or in person to your county’s elections office by November 5, 2024, or postmarked by Election Day and received by November 6, 2024.