UPDATED 3/4/2024 – Updated the registration process for first time voters with information from VoteTexas.gov.
Voting can be intimidating the first time, I am here to give helpful tips and facts to know about voting for the first time.
Your first step as a new voter is to ensure you’re registered to vote. In Texas, the last day to register to vote was February 5, 2024. If you are registering for the first time, you must simply complete a voter registration application and return it to your county election office at least 30 days before the upcoming election date. To complete an application, you may:
- Complete an application using the SOS ONLINE VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATION. Simply fill in the required information, print, sign and mail the completed application directly to your county election office;
- Request a PRINTED APPLICATION. Our office will mail a postage-paid voter registration application to the address provided; OR
- Contact or visit your local VOTER REGISTRAR to complete the voter registration process.
You may also register when renewing your driver’s license online.
- If you’re not already registered to vote but have an existing Texas Driver License or state identification card, you can register to vote online when renewing, replacing or changing your contact information for either of these cards through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
- Follow the steps on the DPS web portal to update your driver license information, and you will be given the option to register to vote when renewing or updating your information.
On Election Day, or during the early voting, you’ll need to cast your ballot at your designated polling place. In Texas, you can find your polling place through the official Texas Voting website.
A quick tip to avoid any last-minute confusion is to confirm your polling place location well in advance. If you prefer to vote before Election Day you can. In Texas, early voting typically runs for a short period before Election Day. This allows you to cast your ballots at those designated polling locations before the official Election Day.
You might be wondering what to bring to vote for the first time.
Bring any required identification, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID. Along with familiarizing yourself with the candidates and issues on the ballot before making selections.
You can find information on candidates and ballot issues through various sources, including official voter guides, candidate websites, or reputable news outlets. The League of Women Voters of Texas publishes a non-partisan voter’s guide for each election and makes it easy to find all of the important topics each candidate is concerned with tackling if they are elected.
The last fact that is helpful for new voters is that as a voter, you have rights.
Familiarize yourself with your rights, including the right to assistance at the polls if needed. If you have any issues or obstacles while trying to vote you don’t need to hesitate to ask for help or clarification from poll workers, they are there to help you.
