To make democracy work, we must be a notion of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain. -Louis L’Amour

With the impending Election Day right around the corner, Americans more than ever are charged with the responsibility of making a strong decision. That decision is called “voting.” Many people are unsure of the electoral process and how they can make their vote really count. If you have never voted before, the thought of finding your voter registration card (“Oh, was I not supposed to throw that away?”) and locating your local polling station can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Right here in Southeast Texas, we have several organizations, such as the Port Arthur and Beaumont Alumnae Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, available to ease the stress of first-time voting at the polls. This week, we'll be taking a look at important voting facts that will be helpful during next week’s elections.

• What is “Election Day?” – According to Wikipedia.com, “Election Day in the U.S. is the day set by law for the selection of public officials by popular ballot. It occurs on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November (the Tuesday between November 2nd and November 8th, inclusively). Federal (or National) Elections are always held every even numbered year. Many state and local government offices are also elected on Election Day, some during odd numbered years and others during even numbered years, but this varies according to state and local law.
• Who can vote in Texas? – To be eligible to vote in Texas, any U.S. citizen residing in Texas who is: at least 18 years old on Election Day, not a convicted felon (unless sentence, probation and/or parole are completed) and not declared mentally incompetent by a court of law. (www.sos.state.tx.us/elections)
• How do I register? – In most Texas counties, the Tax Assessor-Collector is also the Voter Registrar. In some counties, the County Clerk or Elections Administrator registers voters. You may also register when you apply or renew your driver’s license.
• What do I do once I receive my certificate? - Once you apply, a voter registration certificate (proof of registration) will be mailed to you within 30 days. Check your certificate to be sure all information is correct. (If there is a mistake, make corrections and return it to the voter registrar immediately.) Present your certificate as proof of registration at the polls. You may vote without your certificate by bringing your driver’s license.
• How can I vote if I move to another county? – Every time you move within the state but outside of your original county, you must reregister. If your registration in the new county is not yet effective, you may be able to vote a “limited” ballot in your new county of residence on candidates or issues common between your old and new county.

• I just got married and I have a new last name. How does that affect my voting privileges? – Promptly notify the Voter Registrar in writing of the change of name. You will receive a new certificate in 30 days after submission. You may continue to vote during this period.
• How do I find out where to vote? – Polling places are usually listed in your local newspapers in the weeks before the election. Call your County Clerk, County Elections Administrator, or political subdivision conducting the election in order to find your polling location.
• I’m a student at Lamar. I’m from Houston and I want to vote in this year’s election. What do I do? – According to the Texas Secretary of State’s website, if you’re a student that spends several weeks or months a year in different locations, but want to vote in Texas, you will need to decide which place in Texas is the geographic location your consider to be your permanent home that you will return to. When describing this residence, be factual as possible. You cannot register in more than one location. As a student, you can list your school address as your permanent address or your parent’s address, but you cannot list both.

There, now you have it. Whenever you have the opportunity, get out there and vote!

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