30. 30. 30.
The be-all and end-all magic number that Texas holds as its deadline for voter registration.
“When I was getting registered to vote, I had no idea about the 30 day deadline… I didn’t even know where to start looking.”
Lydia Sanchez
The deadline to get registered to vote is 30 days before election day. Texas does not allow for same day voter registration which would help capture eligible voters who are being brought in by the election coverage and campaign work that are at their peak performance and outreach during the prime time of the election period.
“When I was getting registered to vote, I had no idea about the 30 day deadline. I was lucky that I had seen someone post that there were only 2 days left to get registered so I had to figure out quick where to go,” says Lydia Sanchez, a recent graduate of Texas State University. “It was a hassle and really stressful because my resources were so limited. I didn’t even know where to start looking.”
In Texas, eligible voters have to find their nearest county clerk’s office to get registered to vote in time. If the deadline is missed, a voter will not be able to vote in the election. With many being unaware about this deadline, it needlessly leaves behind many disenfranchised voters.
21 states have implemented same-day registration. Same-day registration has led to increased voter turnout and ensured that voter rolls are accurate by having them up to date.
“Same day registration would be much more convenient, especially for students and people on the go,” says Sanchez. “It would definitely ease the stress for those voting for the first time. And it would ensure that all your information was done correctly and you have the right identification because it’s all being done then and there in one stop.”
“Same-Day Registration would definitely ease the stress for those voting for the first time.”
Same day registration would help ensure that those voters who have either simply lost track of their eligibility by moving addresses or lost time. For whatever reason, everyone should be able to participate and fulfill their civic duty.
