As November draws closer, so does election time and with a publicized race this year, some may be overwhelmed by how to vote. Election Day is scheduled for Nov. 8.
The seat that has been in the news is for Texas state governor. However, there will be local elections taking place as well, which can have a more direct impact on the community.
“Sample ballots for the November 2022 General Election are available on our website under the ‘Current Elections’ page,” said Melissa Rosales, elections and information coordinator. “If voters want their personalized sample ballot for this upcoming election, under the ‘Am I registered?’ search engine, complete all required fields, press search and their sample ballot will be available on the top right side of the screen.”
All candidates’ names are on these sample ballots for anyone who wants to research the candidates for whom they may wish to vote.
To determine if a resident is registered, a quick visit to epcountyvotes.com can let students enter their information to determine if they are already registered. From there, people can register either in person or by mail by going to their website and downloading the voter registration application. Postage is pre-paid and the address is already on the application.
“Registration applications are also available at any U.S. Post Office, the Department of Public Safety, El Paso County public libraries, and Texas Health and Human Services Commission offices,” Rosales said.
Anyone can do early voting and it is a way to skip the lines on Election Day. Early voting will take place between Monday, Oct. 24 through Friday, Nov. 4. Residents can go to any early site or any election site to place their vote.
A list of voting sites can be found at epcountyvotes.com with an option to look up the closest voting location to where you are.
The only thing required to vote is a photo ID. Approved forms of dentification include a Texas driver’s license, Texas election ID certificate, Texas personal ID card, Texas handgun license, military photo ID, citizenship certificate and a passport.
In the state of Texas, to qualify for mail-in ballots, residents must be either: 65 years or older, have a disability, be within three weeks of giving birth before or after Election Day, out of the county or serving jailtime. A ballot by mail application must be completed and received by Oct. 28.
For those interested in volunteering, call 915-546-2154, or complete the “Poll Worker Interest Form” located on their website.
The November 2022 General Election is only a few weeks away, and Rosales encourages people to get registered.
Kristen Scheaffer is a contributor and can be reached at [email protected].
