Do Texans have to register to vote every year? Nov. 8 election questions answered

Brayden Garcia
The Olympian

Tuesday, Oct. 11, is the last day to register to vote for in the Nov. 8 elections in Texas, when the governor will be decided along with several other key races across the state and Tarrant County.

Early voting runs from Oct. 28-Nov. 4, at several locations around Fort Worth and Tarrant County. If you need a ride to the polls during early voting or on election day, Tarrant County is offering free transportation through Trinity Metro, Via Rideshare and Handitran.

If you have questions about your voter status or eligibility, the Star-Telegram has you covered.

How do I register to vote in Texas?

To register to vote for the first time, complete a voter registration application and return it to the Tarrant County Elections Administration office by Tuesday.

The application must be turned in by mail or in person. An online application that you can fill out and print is available on the Tarrant County Elections website or the Texas Secretary of State website.

Paper applications are available at the Tarrant County Elections Center, all Tarrant County sub-courthouses, U.S. post offices, city halls, libraries and public assistance offices in Tarrant County. The Tarrant County Elections Administration office is at 2700 Premier St. in Fort Worth.

How do I know if I’m registered to vote in Texas?

If you’re already registered to vote, it’s important to confirm your voter registration status to ensure you remain eligible or that you haven’t been incorrectly purged from registration.

Check your registration status by visiting the Texas Secretary of State’s ‘Am I Registered?’ portal, which allows you to look up your voter registration record in the statewide database.

Can I register to vote online in Texas?

Sort of, but only in one circumstance. The only way to register to vote online in Texas is when renewing your driver’s license online. One of the options in the driver license renewal process asks about registering to vote, and that is where people can select the option to register. Everyone else must register to vote in person.

To renew a driver license online, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website.

Where can I renew or update voter registration information?

If you’ve recently moved or changed your name, you can update all your information on your voter registration record through the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

Do I need to register to vote every year in Texas?

No, the only time you need to register to vote again is if you moved or changed your name.

Once you register to vote, you are an active voter indefinitely. If you have moved or changed your name, you will need to go through the Texas Secretary of State’s website to update your address or name.

How do I apply to vote by mail?

Registered voters are eligible to request and receive a ballot by mail if any of the following conditions prevent them from voting in person during the early voting period or on Election Day:

  • 65 years of age or older.

  • Disabled.

  • Expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day.

  • Expected absence from the county during both the early voting period and on Election Day.

  • Confined in jail or involuntary commitment (not finally convicted of a felony).

The Tarrant County Elections office must receive the application, which is available on its website, by Oct. 28.

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