“The United States of America is the most unique place in the world to live, and it's because we ... have the privilege to vote,” said Linda Howell, Fort Bend County Republican Party chair. “I encourage you to get registered to vote, I encourage you to use that power that you have to elect the person that you want in office. That person will make decisions that affect our county, state and nation.”
Those seeking to register to vote can print, sign and mail a completed voter registration application by Oct. 4 to the following address:
Fort Bend County Elections
301 Jackson St.
Richmond, TX 77469
Forms can also be picked up at local post offices, libraries, high schools and government offices. Additionally, deputy registrars attend events throughout the community and can help individuals register, Fort Bend County Elections Administrator John Oldham said.
To be eligible to register to vote, an individual must:
- be a U.S. citizen;
- be at least 17 years and 10 months old and turn 18 by Election Day;
- live in the county they are registering in;
- not have been determined by a court to be totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote; and
- not have been convicted of a felony—or if convicted, have fully discharged the sentence, completed a period of probation ordered by any court, or have been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disability to vote.
County Judge KP George said it is especially important to educate young adults, who are recently eligible to vote or on the cusp of eligibility, and foreign-born U.S. citizens about the voter registration process. George said more than 30% of Fort Bend County residents were not born in the U.S.
“I’m so excited that we are here today to highlight National Voter Registration Day, particularly for our students in our schools and in our districts across this county,” said Dexter McCoy, George’s chief of staff. “They have the opportunity to learn more about how they may be able to vote.”
As of Sept. 28, 497,993 people have registered to vote in Fort Bend County, Oldham said. Residents can check their registration status online through the county or state or update their name and address here.
“People are engaging, and we want more of you to engage and that’s where our democracy is going to truly reflect the people that live in that democracy,” George said.
More information about Fort Bend County elections can be found at www.fortbendvotes.org.
