How Do I Register to Vote in Austin?

Question: How Do I Register to Vote in Austin?

You may register to vote at any time if you meet the criteria for voting.

Answer: To register to vote, fill out an application and mail it, or take it in person to the Travis County voter registrar (or the voter registrar in the county in which you reside if not Travis County).

The Secretary of State for Texas offers two ways to obtain an application:

1. Download and print this informal PDF application, fill it out, place it in an envelope with postage and send it to:

   Tax Assessor-Collector
   Nelda Wells Spears
   P.O. Box 1748, Austin 78767-1748

   Or, send the application to the Voter Registrar for your county of residence if not Travis County

2. Or, fill out the online form at the Secretary of State's Web site to request a postage-paid application be mailed to you.

You can also pick up voter registration applications at most public libraries, post offices, and at various state agencies in town.

Once you send in your application you'll receive a color-coded Voter Registration certificate (it's a postcard) in the mail within about 30 days. Check the information to make sure it is correct (return it to the registrar with corrections if necessary). You should take your Voter Registration Card to the polling place on election day (or early voting days).

While it can speed things along by having your Voter Registration Card with you on election day, if you forget it or have misplaced it, bring along some form of identification (such as your Driver's License) and you can still vote by signing an affidavit at the polling place.