National Voter Registration Day reminds citizens to register with two weeks left before deadline

On National Voter Registration Day, citizens in Tarrant County are reminded to register by Oct. 5 in order to cast their ballot during the Nov. 3 election.

Citizens looking to participate in the Nov. 3 general election or in the two-week early voting period, which begins Oct. 13, must register themselves at their most current address by the deadline, which is less than two weeks away, according to Texas Secretary of State Ruth R. Hughs.

"An active and engaged citizenry plays an essential role in ensuring the continued well-being of our democracy," Hughs said in a news release. "Ahead of the November election, I encourage all eligible Texans who have not already done so to register to vote by Oct. 5 so that they can help shape the future of the Lone Star State."

According to the office of the Texas Secretary of State, there are 16,617,436 registered voters in Texas as of September 2020. This is a 5.2% increase from the November 2018 midterm elections and a 10% increase from the November 2016 presidential election.

Citizens who have recently moved, turned 18 years old or changed their name must register again in order to be eligible at the polls. If you are unsure if you are registered, you can check your status online on the SOS’ “Am I Registered?” page.

If you are not registered, you can either print a voter registration card from the SOS’ website or request an application from your county elections administrator.

Early voting will take place Oct. 13-30. The early voting period was extended by Gov. Greg Abbott in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Voters with questions about how to cast a ballot in the upcoming November 2020 general election can call 800-252-VOTE or visit www.votetexas.gov for more information.