AUSTIN — Tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 20, is National Voter Registration Day, a day designated to focus attention and efforts on registering new voters across the country in advance of the Nov. 8 general election.

Texas has some of the worst barriers for voters trying to register to vote. The state is one of just a handful that hasn’t moved to online voter registration options, greatly restricting voters in a state with significant rural populations that can not always easily print out and mail, drop off or travel to fill out voter registration forms in person. 

Those looking to register to vote can fill out Texas’ voter registration form here and either mail or drop them off at their county elections offices. You must register to vote by Oct. 11 in order to vote in the November election. 

Already registered voters should check their registration information or update their address here.

Those with questions about voter registration or about access to the polls can always call or text the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline at 1-866- OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).

Statement of Anthony Gutierrez, executive director of Common Cause Texas

From refusing to adopt online registration to requiring people to be registered a full 30 days before Election Day, Texas makes it way harder to register to vote than it needs to be.

But it’s important that we don’t get discouraged by these barriers and instead push back against them by urging our neighbors, family and friends to register to vote . The only way to change outdated and oppressive policies like these are to vote and make our voices be heard.

If you’ve recently moved, turned 18, or haven’t voted in Texas before, please take a few minutes this week to register to vote. Those already registered to vote should double-check their information to make sure you’ll be good to go and able to vote without issue on Election Day. 

Get registered, make your voting plan and, if you run into any problems, give us a call at 866-OUR-VOTE.