Vote

your vote matters

Participating in elections by voting is one of the key freedoms in the United States of America. Local and national elections influence how decisions are made in your community. Your vote is your voice. 

 

Be a real influencer in public life by educating yourself on local and national issues, and by voting in the upcoming elections.

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.
Bobcats Vote

Important Dates

Last Day to Register to Vote
Mon., October 7, 2024

Early Voting
Mon., October 21 - Fri., November 1, 2024

Deadline Ballot by Mail Application
Fri., October 25, 2024

Election Day
Tues., November 5, 2024


Where can I vote?

LBJ Student Center

TXST San Marcos Campus

Hays County

If you are registered to vote in the City of San Marcos:
You can vote on the Texas State University San Marcos campus at the LBJ Student Center during Early Voting or on Election Day.

LBJ Student Center
Room 306 (3-12.3)
109 Student Center Drive
San Marcos, Texas 78666

Early Voting - Times
October 21 to 25 & 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
October 26 & 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
October 27 & 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
October 28 - November 1 & 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Election Day
November 5 & 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

City of San Marcos

San Marcos, Texas

Hays County

If you are registered to vote in the City of San Marcos:
You can vote on campus or at any polling place in Hays County during Early Voting or on Election Day.

City of Round Rock

Round Rock, Texas

Williamson County

If you are registered to vote in the City of Round Rock:
You can vote at any Williamson County voting location during Early Voting or on Election Day.

The Round Rock Campus is available on Election Day for voting. Round Rock Campus is a not an Early Voting Polling Place.

Election Day
Round Rock Campus - Avery 256
November 5 & 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Voting while attending TXST

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. 

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

One person. One vote.

Voting is powerful. That’s why we only get to do it once. 

For example, you cannot vote in-person in San Marcos and vote by mail in your hometown. 

Also, you cannot vote for president in one city, then vote for mayor in another city during the same election.

Voting by Mail

Not everyone is allowed to vote by mail in Texas. You can only vote by mail if you:

  • will be out of your registered county on Election Day and the entire early voting period
  • are 65 years or older by Election Day
  • expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day;
  • are sick or disabled; or
  • confined in jail, but otherwise eligible.

Stay informed by being prepared

Check 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 are voting, what identification you will bring, and who you are voting for. 

Write it down on a piece of paper or add it to your calendar. You are not allowed to use your phone in the voting booth.

This way nothing unexpected stops you from voting!

Encourage your family, friends, and loved ones who can vote to make a plan.

Fill out Sample Ballot

Finding and 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.

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.

Voting Machines & Ballots

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.

voting machine

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.

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!

This is my first time voting. What should I expect on the day I vote?

The process is simple, but it’s common to experience mixed emotions.

Here’s a quick rundown of things to know before you show up to vote. 

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

Pick a 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.

Ask a Poll Worker

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!

Bobcats Vote

Additional Resources & Information

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.

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