Vote

March 5, 2024

Primary Election Day

I need to register

Start the registration process now at vote.org.

Am I already registered?

Checking your registration status at vote.org is quick and easy.

TXST Presidential Debate 2024

The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) announced that Texas State University (TXST) in San Marcos, Texas, will host the first in a series of four scheduled general election debates on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. With the announcement, TXST earns the distinction of being the first location in Texas to host a presidential debate. #TXSTdebate2024

The CPD is the non-profit, non-partisan organization that has produced all general election presidential debates since 1987.

Presidential Debate 2024 -Texas State University logo on a blue background

Your Vote Matters

Local elections influence how decisions are made in your community. State and congressional races shape federal policy. Be a real influencer in public life and educate yourself on your local issues, too.

Voting in College

Vote at school or back home? You decide.

You can only vote in one place, but you can register using either your home or school address in San Marcos or Round Rock.

One person. One vote.

Voting is powerful. That’s why we only get to do it once. You can’t vote in-person in San Marcos and vote by mail in your hometown, for example. Or vote for president in one city, then vote for mayor in another city during the same election.

Yes, you can use your residence hall address to register.

If you live in a residence hall you can find your res hall street address here.

Where Can I Vote?

LBJ Student Center exterior

On Campus

If you are registered in San Marcos, you can vote on campus at the LBJ Student Center room 3-21.3 during Early Voting and on Election Day.

LBJ Student Center voting hours

San Marcos 

If you are registered to vote in San Marcos, you can vote on campus or at any polling place in Hays County on Election Day.

All San Marcos hours & locations

Round Rock

If you live in Round Rock, you can vote at any Williamson County voting location on Election Day.

All Round Rock hours & locations

The Process

Check your registration status

You can check your status and verify your polling place (where you can vote).

Make a voting plan

Decide when and where you're voting, what ID you'll bring, and who you're going with. Write it down or add it to your calendar. This way nothing unexpected stops you from voting!

Find & fill out your sample ballot

Downloading a sample ballot is a quick way to prepare for Election Day. Every county makes them available, and it will tell you every candidate and ballot question that you get to decide. You can print it out and bring it with you when you go vote. (Pro tip: You’re not allowed to use your phone in the voting booth.)

Know the issues

Take some time to check out the candidates and issues before you go. Get your sample ballot, then take advantage of the many great online resources to help you make your decisions. Vote411.org is a good, nonpartisan starting place.

How to Research

This is my first time voting. What should I expect?

The process is simple, but it’s common to feel nervous or intimidated. Here’s a quick rundown of things to know before you show up to vote. Remember, you can always ask any of the poll workers or elections officials for help with any part of the process — that’s why they are there!

Bring your ID

Make sure you bring a valid photo ID. Texas does NOT accept student IDs for voting. And don’t even try to show a poll worker your profile pic.

Valid IDs for voting under Texas law include:

  • Texas driver's license
  • Texas election ID certificate
  • Texas personal ID card
  • Texas handgun license
  • U.S. military ID with photo
  • U.S. citizenship certificate with photograph (doesn't need to be current)
  • U.S. passport

View more voter ID info

It’s time to vote!

Pick a time when you won’t be in a rush, and it never hurts to bring a snack or water, just in case.

Your vote must be your only statement at the polls

Absolutely nothing promoting or opposing a candidate or a political issue or opinion can be posted, carried or worn within 100 feet of a polling place. That means no T-shirts or hats, buttons or messages on masks.

Put your phone away

No phones or recording devices are allowed inside a polling place, either. If you need a sample ballot to reference, take a paper copy.

What does a ballot look like?

Every county makes sample ballots available well in advance of Election Day, so you don’t have to wait until you’re in the voting booth.

Do I have to fill out my entire ballot?

No. 

You don't have to fill out your whole ballot for it to count. Local and state elections are still important, and there may be other ballot questions that affect you, but you do not have to vote in every race.

What does a voting machine look like?

voting machine

Most Texas counties use voting machines to cast ballots. Voting machines can vary by county, but most will look something like this.

How do I cast my ballot?

Both San Marcos and Round Rock voting machines use a simple 3-step process:

  1. fill out your ballot
  2. review your choices
  3. cast your ballot — don’t leave without submitting your paper ballot!

You can always ask a poll worker for help. The only thing they can’t tell you is which way to vote.

Vote. The rest is just noise.

As citizens, faculty members have the right to express their opinions concerning the upcoming election, candidates, and issues. However, while acting in their official roles as employees of Texas State University, faculty members must refrain from campaigning, politicking, advocating, engaging in partisanship, or using university property or resources, including its email resources, to attempt to influence elections.