Residents reminded of voter changes

Voting by mail in Texas has seen changes in 2022.

“From changes in the application, to changes in the requirements on the ballot carrier envelope, and finally, to new options for correcting a problem with your ballot, voting by mail is not the same as it was in the past,” a spokesperson said. “It’s important for all voters who are eligible to vote by mail to be aware of three substantial changes to the ballot-by-mail process in Texas. Understanding these three modifications of the election law will help you make sure your vote counts.”

Eligibility

Not everyone in Texas is eligible to vote by mail.

Those in the following categories are able to request an application to vote by mail at the local election office:

- 65 or older;

- Disabled or have a sickness/physical condition preventing a voter from entering the polling place without suffering injury or needing assistance; - Expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day; - Expected to be absent from the county during early voting and on Election Day; or

- Confined to jail or civilly committed, but otherwise eligible to vote.

Applications

With the new laws, voters must fill out an application entirely. One of the new requirements is that voters must include an ID number on the application.

“This can be your Texas Driver License number, your personal ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number,” the spokesperson said. “The vast majority of registered voters in Texas have both numbers on their voter registration record, but if you are unsure which number to put — you can feel free to put both just to be safe.”

The law requires that one of the numbers matches a number on the voter’s voter registration record. The ID number must be on the application and the ballot carrier envelope.

Ballot Carrier Envelope

Once the ballot is complete, voters are asked to put it in the white security envelope and place it in the purple and white ballot carrier envelope, but not seal it.

“There are several pieces of information that you

Democrats to hear U.S. House candidate tonight-

Ricardo Villarreal, a candidate for the 21st District, U.S. House of Representatives, will speak at a business meeting of members of the Gillespie County Democratic Association (GCDA) tonight, April 27, at the Gillespie County Democratic Party Headquarters, 209 North Crockett Street.

The meeting officially begins at 6:30 p.m., but club members will have an opportunity at 6 p.m. to speak informally with Villarreal who is competing against Claudia Zapata in the May 24 Democratic Party runoff.

Early voting in that election runs from May 1620 and for which ballot-bymail applications are now being accepted through May 13, with May 24 being the last day to return a mail ballot.

Later, Zapata will speak to GCDA members on May 18 to seek the party’s nomination to run for the 21st District U.S. congressional seat in the Nov. 8 general election.

Also at tonight’s meeting, members will take up routine club business matters as well as hear a report from GCDP Chair Cathy Collier.

Club president Dave Schafer said there will also be a discussion of must provide on your ballot carrier envelope before you seal the security flap,” the spokesperson said. “Just like you did on the application, you must put an ID number — your Texas Driver License, Personal ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number — in the space provided under the security flap of the envelope.”

This is similar to a voter showing his or her photo ID in person.

“It ensures that the person who was supposed to vote the ballot is, in fact, the person who completed and sent the ballot. These numbers are required in order for your vote to count,” the spokesperson said.

After this, the envelope can be sealed. The envelope should be signed and, if the voter was helped by an assistant or witness, they must fill out the section of the envelope with their information.

Voters should mail the ballot with enough time for the election office to receive it. Ballots must be received by 5 p.m. the day after Election Day and postmarked no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

Correcting a

Vote

upcoming Democratic events and activities.

“At our monthly meetings, you can meet other Democrats and learn about candidates, issues and pending elections,” Schafer said. “This is an important election year and a great time to get involved.”

Last week, the association hosted a candidate forum in the Gillespie County Law Enforcement Center meeting room for six individuals running in the May 7 City of Fredericksburg Independent School District board of trustees, with four vying for two three-year terms and two seeking a single one-year term.

Annual association membership dues for 2022 of $10 per individual or $15 per family may either be paid in-person, by mail (Gillespie County Democratic Association, 209 N. Crockett, Suite 1, Fredericksburg, TX 78624) or by emailing club treasurer Becky Walch (gillespiedems@gmail. com).

The GCDA is a nonprofit social organization that supports the growth and influence of the Democratic Party. The public is invited to join Gillespie County Democrats in becoming a part of the club’s fellowship.

Ballot Carrier Envelope “In the past, if you made a mistake when voting by mail, your ballot was rejected, with few — if any — opportunities for a second chance,” the spokesperson said. “With the new laws, you have the ability to correct a problem within six days after Election Day.”

Voters can also cast their ballots in person if they are aware of the problem by Election Day.

“Adding a phone number or e-mail address to your carrier envelope is the best way for county officials to contact you regarding any issues with your ballot,” the spokesperson said. “The Early Voting Ballot Board will reach out if you provide your contact information on your mail ballot materials.” If a voter forgot to add a personal ID number on the carrier in the March election, these are the ways it can be corrected:

- Going to the local elections office to certify ID information within six days before Election Day;

- Going to www.votetexas. gov and clicking “Track My Ballot” to confirm ID information within six days of Election Day; or - Voting in person by the time polls close on Election Day.