Don't worry. This post isn't about trying to persuade you to vote one way or another. (We can hear the cyber sigh of relief!)
Rather, this missive is a quick lesson in absentee voting as a Texan. (So, if you're not a fellow resident of Rainbow Drive, you're officially excused from class. If you're in search of more interesting reading material, may we suggest you click on over to Bullwinkle's Travels? We've been busy bringing that neglected travel blog up to date...almost.)
A couple of years ago, as the United States prepared for the 2010 census, Escapees sent mailings assuring us that we would be counted. We never were. With the approach of this year's general election, we looked for absentee voting instructions to arrive in the mail from Escapees. They never did. So, we took matters into our own hands. It's one thing to miss being counted every 10 years. But, when it comes to exercising our constitutional right, we aren't going to let anything get in our way. And, we want to do what we can to help our neighbors with this process.
We submitted our requests for absentee ballots today. The process took longer than it should. With hopes that we can save our friends a few minutes, here are some step-by-step instructions.
1. Get/Check Your Voter Registration.
If you're not already registered, do it now! The deadline for registering to vote in this year's general election is October 9th.
To register, Complete a Voter Registration Application online. You must print and mail this form the voter registration official in your county. This form must be received prior to October 9th.
In Livingston, the Polk County official is:
Tax Assessor-Collector
Marion A. "Bid" Smith
416 N. Washington
Livingston, TX 77351
If you are registered, find your Voter Registration Card. It has an expiration date, but if that date has passed, don't worry. Your registration is probably current. To check the status of your registration, go to the Voter Information Search page. Enter the essential info and the site will tell you your status.
Don't put your registration card away just yet. You'll need it in a minute.
2. Print and Mail an Application for Ballot by Mail
Click here to open a PDF of the application.
Complete Page 2. Your completed application must be received by the early voting clerk no later than October 30th.
Provide all of the information requested. Here are a few helpful hints.
Before you fill in your address in Box 2, check your voter registration card. Print your address exactly as it appears under your name on the card.
In Box 3, fill in the mailing address where you want your ballot to be mailed. So, think about where and when you want to receive your ballot.
In Box 6, check "Expected absence from the county" as your reason for voting by mail.
In Box 7, check Address outside the county. (The address you provided in Box 3 needs to be outside Polk County.)
In Box 8, enter a date when you can receive mail at the address in Box 3. Remember, your completed ballot must be received by the early voting clerk (not postmarked) no earlier than October 27th and no later than 7PM on Election Day, November 6th.
Mail your completed application to the Early Voting Clerk in your county.
In Livingston, the Polk County Early Voting Clerk is:
County Clerk
Schelana Walker
P.O. Drawer 2119
Livingston, TX 77351
Your completed application must be received by the early voting clerk no later than October 30th
3. Watch Your Mail and Vote!
Remember, your completed ballot must be received by the early voting clerk (not postmarked) no earlier than October 27th and no later than 7PM on Election Day, November 6th.
That's it! Hope this helps.
Posts
