October 2022: All About Voting
October 2022: All About Voting
3 to get ready (to vote)
Editor’s Note:
If it seems like this newsletter was JUST published, that’s because it was. But, as previously mentioned we are going to hit the issue of voting pretty hard because, well, I feel it’s important and I’m the editor. Anyways, we are here to help whether this is your first time voting (welcome) or your 50th time (we’re glad you’re here). So let’s get into it!
Lots of Q&A (and memes) so I have divided into several sections: important dates and recap of information from September newsletter, early voting, Voting 101, Election Day information, and general things to know.
Important Voting Dates to Remember:
10/11/2022 – Voter Registration Deadline for November 8th Election
10/24/2022 – Early Voting Starts
10/28/2022 – Last Day to Apply for an Application to Vote by Mail
11/04/2022 – Early Voting Ends
11/08/2022 - Election Day
Can you sum up last month’s info?
Yes. First of all, you can check out Sept newsletter here.
To sum up: If you haven’t registered to vote you really need to get on the ball that deadline is fast approaching (Oct 11, y’all) you are seriously making me worried if you are still asking this question (return of the mom voice). At this point, just go to the elections office and tell them you’re wanting to register. They love registering new voters and will be happy to help.
If you want to vote by mail you have to submit an application (either by mail or in person) and the county elections office will send you a mail in ballot. Fill it out and mail it in. You have to ask for one by Oct 28. You can call the elections office at 979-968-6563 and ask for one.
I like voting early, when does that start and what are the hours?
Me too, friend. All early voting happens at the county elections building (not the courthouse). The address is: 275 Ellinger Rd in La Grange (the Meadows building)
Early voting hours are as follows:
Monday October 24-Friday October 28: 8a-5p
Saturday October 29: 7a-7p
Sunday October 30: 9a-3p
Monday October 31-Friday November 4: 7a-7p
What do I need to bring with me when I vote?
First of all, a positive attitude and can-do spirit. Secondly, if you need to remember how you are voting in certain races, you can bring in paper notes to help you.
Most importantly, Texas law requires a photo ID to vote. For most of us that is our driver’s license or Texas ID card. Other acceptable forms of ID are: certificate of citizenship (with photo), military ID (with photo), US passport, or Texas handgun license. If you don’t have one of these items, do not let that deter you from voting. Click on the source link for other things you can bring to prove your identity.
Source: https://www.votetexas.gov/voting/need-id.html
What are the voting hours on election day?
7a to 7p. If you get there before 7, just be patient while the election workers get set up for the day. If you are in line and it is 7pm don’t get out of line, you can stay and cast your ballot.
I know the precincts were consolidated a while ago, is that still the case and if so what is my precinct?
They were and it is. I get confused about this as well. Thankfully, our county elections office made a handy guide to what your new precinct is. For example, if you previously voted in the Swiss Alp precinct, you now vote with Dubina and Ammannsville at 422.
Now I know my precinct, where do I vote?
Here’s a list of the county voting precinct locations along with their address.
101 North La Grange: La Grange City Hall Council Chambers 155 E. Colorado St. La Grange
110 Warda: Holy Cross Lutheran Church 600 FM 1482 Warda
112 Plum: St. Peter & Paul Parish Church Hall 136 Plum Church Rd. West Point
201 East La Grange: La Grange Church of Christ 646 E Hwy 71 Business La Grange
204 Fayetteville: Fayetteville Community Center 202 West Main Fayetteville
207 Round Top: Round Top Courthouse 102 Main St. Round Top
301 W La Grange: St Paul's Lutheran Church Education Building 427 S. Washington La Grange
315 Cistern: St Cyril & Methodius Parish 113 Manchester Cistern
316 Flatonia: Flatonia Civic Center 208 E. North Main Flatonia
422 Ammannsville: Ammannsville KJT Hall 7904 Mensik Road Schulenburg
423 Holman: Holman Parish Hall 9937 FM 155 La Grange
425 Schulenburg: Schulenburg Public Library 310 Simpson St Schulenburg
It’s my first time to vote and I’m nervous.
I believe in you! We were all nervous the first time we voted. Nobody is going to be mean to you or ridicule you. When you arrive at the voting location, simply go inside and present your photo ID to the election worker. They are here to help you and are absolutely trained to walk you through just about anything (Except who to vote for. That’s why we’re here.)
What does the ballot look like?
The Fayette County Elections office has provided a sample ballot on their website. You will see that there are 2 sides to the ballot. You need to vote all the way down the ballot. Down ballot races are just as important if not more so, than the “sexier” bigger races. That which is local affects you a lot faster than that which is state or national.
(soapbox dismount)
Who should I vote for?
That is a very personal choice. However, this is the Democratic Party Newsletter so I want to strongly encourage you to vote for Texas Democrats up and down the ballot. We have created a delightful Google Doc to help you learn about the Democratic candidates.
I remember you posted some voting commandments a couple of years ago on FB. Do you mind reposting them?
I do not mind in the slightest. It is one of my finer works on social media. I have updated it to reflect 2022 information and because it originally included some swears.
1) IN FAYETTE COUNTY ONLY: Early voting is at the Meadow building (275 Ellinger St). Monday-Friday 8-5, Saturday 7-7, Sunday 9-3, then the next Monday-Friday 7-7. October 24 until November 4th. Other times and dates may vary by county. Please refer to your election administrator.
2) There is no straight ticket voting. Please make sure you vote all the way down the ballot. Your vote will still be counted for the races you voted in if you don't but these down ballot races are also important.
3) Leave your cell phone turned off. No voting booth selfies or ballot pics. If you need to remember how you are voting in some races you can print a sample ballot and bring it in or just write it on a piece of paper (I do that when we vote on amendments).
4) Leave your politics for in your heart and on your ballot. Yeah, leave your "Deez Nuts 2022" shirt at home and don't come in talking negatively or positively about any candidate or political party ideal, etc. Save it for FB.
5) Leave your guns at home, son. You can't take them inside unless you're an actual licensed peace officer. Why are you trying to do this anyway? Get some help.
6) Do your voting and make a speedy exit. So you see your friend at the polling location? Great. Grab a beer or wine away from the location. Now is not the time to play catch up.
7) I see a lot of talk about poll watchers. You cannot just wake up the day of the election and show up somewhere and call yourself a poll watcher. You HAVE to be appointed by a candidate or a political party and you have to reside in AND be registered to vote in the precinct in which you are watching.
And one more thing!
Come meet with the Fayette County Democratic Party this week on Zoom. Thursday, October 13 at 6PM. We will be hearing from the Blue Action Democrats about their “2 million Texans” project. I’ll be there, will you? Zoom link on our website: https://www.fayettetxdemocrats.org/
I hope this helps you feel prepared and empowered to get out there and make your voice heard! We’ll be back next month with an election wrap-up, some holiday spirit, and perhaps another interview??