Vote. The rest is just noise.
Whether you vote early or on Election Day, make a plan to be sure your voice is heard.
Oct 13
Vote Early
Early voting in Texas Oct. 13 through Oct. 30
Dates to check before Election Day
- October 5: Last day to register
- October 13: First day to early vote
- October 23: Vote by mail applications due
- October 30: Last day to early vote
- November 3: Election Day
Make a Voting Plan
When you make a plan, especially if you plan to go with a friend, it’s easier to avoid conflicts that could interfere with getting to the polls.
Voter Registration has Closed
You can check your status and verify your polling place (where you can vote).
Nonpartisan organizations to follow
DOWNLOADS
Download social media graphics and presentation-ready slides to help get Bobcats out to vote!
Voting 101
Your Vote Matters
And not just for picking a president. 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.
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 street address here.
On Campus
If you are registered in San Marcos, you can vote on campus at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) during both early voting and on Election Day.
San Marcos
If you register to vote in San Marcos, you can vote on campus or at any polling place in Hays County during both early voting and on Election Day.
Round Rock & Austin
If you live in Round Rock, you can vote at any Williamson County voting location during both early voting and on Election Day. Likewise, Austin residents can vote at any Travis County location.
Vote by mail
Deadline to apply to vote by mail is October 23
You can vote by mail in Texas if:
- you'll be out of your voting area for the entire in-person voting period
- you are disabled
- you are 65 years or older
- you meet another Texas vote-by-mail qualification
Voting online is NOT an option
You know that’s not happening.
Free Rides on Election Day with Spin
Spin dockless scooters is offering $10 in ride credits with promo code SPINTOVOTE.
This offer is available to new and existing riders for 24 hours, only on Election Day.
Ready, Set, VOTE!
Simple steps to make sure you’re prepared to make some big decisions.
Check your registration status
Registration for 2020 is closed. You can only cast your ballot in the county where you registered.
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
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
Vote early if you can
More people get involved in presidential election years. Voting early may help you avoid the busiest times. It never hurts to bring a snack or water, just in case. Best to pick a time when you won’t be in a rush.
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?
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:
- fill out your ballot
- review your choices
- 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.
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.