The Texas midterms are just around the corner, and that means checking to see if you are registered to vote in the state, with Sept. 15 being National Voter Registration Day.
Recently, more than 1.2 million Texas voters have been placed on the state's voter suspense list, meaning election officials can't confirm their current address.
Here's how to check whether you're registered to vote, voter registration requirements, and key dates.
Am I registered to vote in Texas?
Texas voters can use the Secretary of State's voter registration lookup at VoteTexas.gov to check their registration status and confirm their address is correct.If you need to update your registration, do so through the VoteTexas portal.
Texas voter registration requirements
In Texas, you must meet the following requirements to vote:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be a resident of the county where you submit the application.
- Be at least 17 years and 10 months old on the date your voter registration application is submitted, and be 18 years of age on Election Day.
- Not a convicted felon.
- Have not been declared by a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be either totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.
How to register to vote in Texas
Whether you just turned
18 or just moved to Texas, here is how to register to vote:
- Complete a voter registration application and return it to your county election office at least 30 days before the upcoming election date. You can do so through:
- The Secretary of State Online Voter Registration Application. Fill in the required information, print, sign and mail the completed application directly to your county election office;
- Request a printed application through the Secretary of State
- Contact or visit your local voter registrar to complete the voter registration process.
Texans can also register to vote online when renewing, replacing or changing their contact information for their Texas Driver License or state identification card through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Key dates for Texas voters
- Last day to register to vote in Texas: Oct. 5.
- Mail ballot application deadline: Oct. 23.
- Early voting: Oct. 19 to 30.
- Election Day: Nov. 3.
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: It's National Voter Registration Day. Am I registered to vote in Texas?
