Securing the Vote

Securing the Vote

Written by Emma Bittner

Elections are always seen as a one day event, yet that is far from the truth. The few months leading up to the election are critical to get as many Americans registered to vote and make sure they are well-informed about who and what is on the ballot this November.

There are a lot of things we don’t know about the upcoming election; the outcome, how mail in ballots will work, or if there will be a vaccine by election day. However, there are a lot of things we do know and it’s important to make them clear.

Important days for 2020 election:

October 5: Last day to register to vote October 13-October 30: Early voting October 23: Absentee ballot deadline November 3: Election Day

If you aren’t sure if you are registered to vote, you can check here. If you need to register to vote in Travis County, you can register here. If you recently moved or changed your name and need to update that, you can here.

In addition to knowing when to vote, it is important to know where to vote. Polling locations will be set up across the state and you can look here to find one that is closest to you! When you show up to vote you need to make sure you have an acceptable form of photo ID.

Acceptable forms of photo ID: • 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)

In addition to knowing when and where to vote, you need to be informed on who is going to be on the ballot. You can see who is on the ballot here. Another great resource to further understand who is on the ballot is to look at the voter guide by the League of Women Voters which will be available by Oct. 9th.

Voting is your civic duty and it is so important to let your voice be heard with your vote. Can’t wait to see you vote at the polls! Post your pictures with your voting sticker using the hashtag #MoodyVotes and tag @UTCommCouncil.

FAC

Voting Locations on Campus

•Flawn Academic Center GRE

•Gregory Gym

Both locations are open for early voting and Election Day voting from 7:00am-7:00pm.