Texas is making it harder for youth to vote
South Asians are the fastest-growing minority population. Our changing demographic means the youth vote will make a seismic shift in Texas politics.
The process is deliberately tricky, making it hard for you to vote.
Please use the following guidelines to help you submit a successful ballot.
College Mail-in Ballots
Application for a Ballot by Mail
YOUR FIRST DECISION WILL BE WHICH COUNTY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN.
STUDENTS MAY REGISTER TO VOTE EITHER AT THEIR COLLEGE ADDRESS OR AT THEIR HOME ADDRESS, NOT BOTH. THIS IS YOUR DECISION, BUT SOME CONSIDERATIONS STUDENTS USE ARE
1. Do I want to vote by mail or in person? Assuming your college is not in the same county as your home county, if you are registered in your home county, you will need to vote by mail.
2. Where do I consider “home”? If you do not plan to return to your home county other than to visit family, you may wish to register in the county where your college is.
3. Where will your vote be “strategic”? You may feel passionate about a candidate or issue, in either your home county or your college county, in which case, you may want to register to vote there. Assuming you choose to vote in your home county, you will complete an Application for Ballot by Mail under the “absent from county” provision. You will have your ballot sent to your college address, and then complete and return it just like any other person. Please make sure you do this with plenty of time.
Process for mail-in Ballot
You must eligible to vote by mail
Complete and mail application for a ballot by mail
Wait to be approved
Once approved wait for the ballot to be sent to you
Mail in the ballot before the deadline
Step 1. Are you eligible?
To be eligible to vote early by mail in Texas, you must:
be out of the County on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance ( College students are eligible)
Step 2. Instructions for submitting an Application for Ballot By Mail (“ABBM”) ** Remember this is only an application to be approved to get a November election ballot in the mail.
* Please remember to request a ballot for every election
Print (PDF) the ABBM form - SEE FAQ above
Complete Sections 1 through 4.
Use your home address where you registered to vote
IMPORTANT - Include BOTH your driver’s license and the last 4 digits of your social security
Mail my Ballot to receive your ballot at school select “other address and use your dorm, apartment, or house at school.
Be sure to mark "Address Outside the County
Reason for Voting by Mail:"Expected Absence from the County" Enter dates of the start and end of the fall semester
You are applying for the November election
Sign and Date Section 5.
Use your own envelope and Affix postage. Mail to your local county office Mail to your county’s early voting clerk.
NOTICE: Do not mail, fax, or email completed applications for Ballot by Mail to the Secretary of State Office. To ensure timely receipt, please send your completed application for a Ballot by Mail to your county’s early voting clerk.
Track My Ballot
Military and overseas voters are welcome to use the regular registration and early voting by mail process available to all voters away from their home county on Election Day. However, there are also special provisions for military and overseas voters.
For more information, please read the Early Voting in Texas pamphlet.
Source Texas Secretary of State