Students no longer have to hassle with out-of-state residency issues, missing deadlines to mail in registrations to vote, or not knowing how to register to vote. College students now are able to vote directly from their college campuses.
The Texas League of Young Voters, also known as TLYV, has created a campaign that traveled across the country educating students about the guidelines for first time voters. TLYV, rooted at Prairie View A&M University, is also getting the student-body registered to vote, informing students about the procedures of a first time voter.
For instance, the state congress proposed a voter’s ID law that requires a government identification card to vote. This means that not only could a driver’s license be accepted, but gun licenses as well according to Ila Montalvo. Although this law was rejected, it shed light upon other avenues for citizens to take when registering to vote.
Important requirements such as needing both proof of residency and identification, proper procedures to keep your out-of-state license when registering, and understanding that you cannot be registered to vote in two locations, are all key elements that are being emphasized for students to know.
“An important facet of the voting process that students should know about is the absentee ballot,” said Montalvo.
Essentially Montalvo described that an absentee ballot is similar to the ballot seen at the polls but with home access.
For students interested in an absentee ballot, which include students registered in a different county other than Waller or a different state, he or she should visit their county’s voting website to download an absentee ballot request between Sept. 9 and Oct. 30. After the ballot is complete it must be mailed in time to be accounted for. If it is mailed the day before election day, Nov. 6, students risk the chance of their vote not being counted.
Most students are not aware of these details. By reaching out to college campuses through initiatives like TLYV, student voices are coming alive. With this knowledge surfacing, students are able to focus on the political foundation each candidate stands on.
The voter’s registration period ends Oct. 9 to vote in the November presidential election. All first time voters must prove their identity and residency to cast their vote.
More information on voting in Waller county can be found at http://www.wallercountyelections.com and http://www.votetxas.org houses voting information across the state.
Prarie View A&M
Tuesday, June 24, 2025