How to request an absentee ballot, what you need to know
As a college student, voting is very important, especially during a presidential election year. If you are not registered to vote, the deadline to make the General Election is Oct. 5. You can register in person at a voting office or online at https://www.headcount.org/registertovote/?source=HChomepage. You may also be wondering how you vote if you cannot make it to your home county or state by election day; there is a solution for that. Every state in the U.S. offers absentee ballot voting, but in most states, including Texas, an excuse is needed.
However, being a college student, out of your home state or town is a valid excuse to request one. Students can register for an absentee ballot until Oct. 23. Registering for a ballot is actually quite simple. Visit https://www.headcount.org/vote-from-home/#request and fill out the information; it just as easy as that. There are a few things they don’t tell you that are a must-know for requesting and receiving an absentee ballot so here they are. Your ballot must be received by Nov. 3, but do not wait until then to send it. It’s recommended that ballots get mailed up to two weeks in advance of the election date to guarantee they have been received. You will also need to provide your own postage for your ballot, it’s a small price to pay but make sure you have some stamps when you go to send off your ballot. It’s also important to pay close attention to details on your ballot to make sure your choices aren’t challenged or tossed. When you go to complete your ballot, you must sign it. The signature on your ballot must be similar to the one on you driver’s license or state ID. If it is not, you risk your vote not being counted. Make sure you register to vote and to request your absentee ballot. Exercise your rights and be the voice for change.