Open Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube – literally anything, and you’ll see one thing over and over: “register to vote.” Her Campus now included.
The wave of people encouraging others to vote comes every four years like clockwork, but this time, the wave is practically a tsunami. It’s easy to simply chalk up to anti-Trump sentiments (although that is part of it), but there’s more to it. Our lives are at the precipice of change. Look at the west coast, and you can see the pressing threat of climate change reflected in orange and grey dystopian skies. Look on the streets, and you can see the push for justice, the culmination of years of grassroots efforts as BLM and other movements gain more and more support. Look at yourself, and you can see the mask of a global pandemic that goes ignored by the only people who can do something about it. Look anywhere, and you can see that our futures depend on this election.
It’s not my place to tell you who to vote for, and that’s not why I’m writing this. Instead, I’m joining the wave of voices and asking you to register to vote with a little bonus explanation on how to do so in Texas.
First, check to see if you’re already registered. If you are but have changed your name or have moved within your county, you can change your information online. If you are not registered, you have two options. You can either mail in a voter registration application, or you can go to a voter registrar to do it in person. You fill out the application, which you can find online or at your local voter registrar office. If you do it online, print it, and, please, do not forget to sign it. An unsigned application is invalid. You can find more info about where to mail or go in person in Travis County on their website.
The deadline to register is this Monday, Oct. 5th. As long as your mail is postmarked by that day, you’ll be fine. Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Make the time this weekend to ensure you get a say in your future.