Texas Secretary of State Promotes "Vote Texas" Initiative in San Angelo

SAN ANGELO, TX- The 110th Texas Secretary of State Carlos H. Cascos talked to students Monday afternoon at Angelo State University about the importance of voting, and the new registration process for Texas.

“Vote Texas” is a statewide, bilingual effort to engage voters through the Nov. 8 general election about the state’s photo ID requirements. Additional options are now available for voters who cannot obtain an approved photo ID, mandated by court order.

The new change allows for alternative identification to be used like paychecks, certified birth certificates and bank statements. All voters must do is sign a declaration stating why they don't have access to one of the approved IDs.   

“Currently, Texas voters who cannot obtain one of the seven forms of approved photo ID have additional options when casting their ballots," Cascos said. “My agency is working to make sure Texans know about these changes and that all qualified voters are ready to cast a ballot.”

He clarified that those who use a Texas driver’s license, passport, or military ID can still do so; however, the change accounts for those who don't have access to them. 

“I’m excited to kick off Vote Texas with these first-time and future voters who are the cornerstone of our democracy,” Cascos said. “As the state’s chief election officer, I take very seriously the responsibility of making sure every eligible Texan who wants to vote in the upcoming election has the necessary information to do so.”

Overall, Cascos' presentation challenged students to encourage their peers to get out and vote.

“I encourage everyone here to be an ambassador by showing their friends and family about the importance of voting,” added Cascos.

Peyton LaBuve, Class President of the Student Government Association at ASU, talked about why he thinks being an “ambassador” is important going into the election.

“I think it’s important that the youth get out and vote,” LaBuve said. “It really comes down to making sure people are reminded about the election dates.”

He emphasized that the Texas voting registration deadline ends October 11, so there is less than a month to encourage friends and family to register.

With this in mind, here are the dates for Texas voting and a list of the seven approved photo IDs.

Dates

• Registration deadline (For Texas): October 11
• Early voting (For Texas): October 24- November 4
• Election Day: November 8

Approved Voter IDs

• Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
• Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
• Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
• Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS
• United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph
• United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph
• United States passport

In closing, State Secretary Cascos talked about some the main reasons why he believes voting is important for all to participate in this act of Democracy.

Our Freedom

Cascos mentioned freedom has a price, and numerous men and women have given their lives to protect America’s values. That is why he encourages everyone to vote so their sacrifice isn’t forgotten.

“Part of those sacrifices include the maintaining of [our] freedoms,” Sec. Cascos said. “For whatever the reason, whether it be for religion, politics, or social values, the military defends them all.”

Fight for Change 

Cascos also addressed that voting is a way for people to use their voice, and to push for change in government. 

“Those who want to change something about this country need to use their voice; this can be done by casting your vote.”

Voting for Generations

The Secretary of State gave insight into when his family moved to the U.S from Mexico, and what encouraged him to vote after becoming a citizen.

“When my dad became a U.S. citizen, he voted in every election because he knew how important it was,” Cascos explained. “My parents instilled in me the value of education, and with that knowledge, I learned how to think critically and make my choice when it was time to vote.”  

By having family members who are motivated to vote, it becomes easier to make a habit for future generations to get involved. Sec. Cascos suggested that children should be brought to Election Day so they may see the influence voting has in the U.S. 

The “Vote Texas” campaign will continue to travel across the state to inform voters about the new changes, and to encourage Texans to use their voice this November.

For questions about how to cast a ballot in the election, call 1-800-252-VOTE, or visit www.VoteTexas.gov.