With a wave of people around campus telling students to vote, the message can be repetitive and frustrating to hear. Despite the constant flow of information, it is still important for students to conduct their civic duty — and do it early.
Despite the image that college students are politically active and passionate about social change, the numbers do not correlate. Although college students are registered to vote at a higher rate than the general population, according to U.S. Census Data, not all people registered make it to the polls. This phenomenon occurs partially because students feel voting in large elections will not affect the results. In other words, young people believe the system is broken. Jack Chrismon, an international relations and government sophomore and treasurer for UT Democrats, disagrees.
“I can understand how people feel apathetic because of the Electoral College,” Chrismon said. “And to that, I say, Texas is really changing.”
Doubts about the presidential election are understandable, but there is much more on the line for Texans to care about, such as gun control and reproductive health. Other actions up for election include mayor, district attorney and several Austin education proposals. Races at the local level are still impactful to the community, affecting the day-to-day lives of Austin residents.
“I think we have a real opportunity for change at the state and local level,” Chrismon said.
Early voting is a great way to ensure you get your ballot cast. This method is favored for young adults, as it widens the time available to participate in elections, so students do not worry about missing out. Voting early helps students beat the crowds.
“The really big, important thing is that early voting always has less of a line than on Election Day,” said Scott Poole, former president of TXVotes and government and history alumnus. “Early voting will pretty consistently be less of a wait.”
Young people may be wary about voting, especially voting early, because they are unsure of how the process works. Student organizations such as TX Votes provide helpful resources to students who may benefit from additional assistance. Poole also suggests sources such as the Texas Tribune’s voting guide and VOTE411 to look at before arriving at the polls.
Voting locations across campus will be either at the Texas Union or the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. Students can access wait times online across multiple Austin locations, ensuring they can effectively schedule a trip to the polls among their other responsibilities. Additionally, phones are not allowed in the voting area, so students can look at a sample ballot online before entering.
Early voting began on Monday and lasts until Nov. 1. Polling runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with special hours on Sunday, Oct. 27. The Texas Union will also have late hours Oct. 31 through Nov. 1 until 10 p.m. This will be the last chance to vote until Election Day on Nov. 5.
Civic engagement helps to promote a more fair and just community, both national and local. UT has resources that provide voting information, but it is up to you to participate in the electoral process.
Lechner is a journalism sophomore from Rowlett, Texas.
