An important voter registration deadline in Texas is approaching, and we want to make sure that all IDEA parents, staff members, and students over the age of 18 exercise their power as citizens by voting.

Registering to vote and becoming a voter is an important way to get involved in the community. Registering to vote is easy – there’s no need to go to an office or wait in line.

Here’s how to register to become a voter:

Step 1: Check the FAQ below for information on eligibility and documentation.
Step 2: Complete the voter registration application using your approved form of identification and making sure to mark all necessary sections, including county of residence.
Step 3: Place your voter registration application in the mail to your County Clerk’s Office – be sure to add a stamp.
Step 4: Mail in your application. It must be postmarked by June 15 in order to vote in the upcoming July elections, so send in your application ASAP!

If you are already registered, please send this blog to a friend. Our family, friends, and neighbors need encouragement to register and exercise their rights as voters!

If you’d like to become more involved in IDEA’s non-partisan voter registration efforts, text IDEAVOTES to 52886.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible to vote?

You are eligible to vote if you:

Are a United States citizen; and
Are a resident of the county where you submit the application; and
Are at least 17 years and 10 months old, and you are 18 years of age on Election Day (July 14th).

Some additional restrictions may be applicable in rare cases.

What do I need to register to vote?

You’ll need ONE of the following forms of 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)
If you do not have one of the above listed forms of identification, you can apply for a Reasonable Impediment Declaration with ONE of the following:
Copy or original of a government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate;
Copy of or original current utility bill;
Copy of or original bank statement;
Copy of or original government check;
Copy of or original paycheck; or
Copy of or original of (a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate or (b) a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document)

I’m nervous to leave my home for health reasons. Am I eligible to vote by mail?

You are eligible to vote by mail if you:

Are 65 years or older; or
Are disabled; or
Are out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance.

Visit https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/voter/reqabbm.shtml for an application to vote by mail.

Questions or need assistance? Please contact Annemarie Donnelly, Advocacy & Engagement Manager, at annemarie.donnelly@ideapublicschools.org.

As a public charter school district and 501(c)(3), IDEA Public Schools is non-partisan and does not support or endorse any candidates for office.