So You Think You're Registered?

In case you haven't noticed, voter registration ends this week – on Monday, Oct. 6, to be exact. If you don't sign up by then, you'll be left out in the cold on Nov. 4 while the rest of us are taking part in the most exciting election to come along in decades – how will you explain that to your grandkids someday? How embarrassing! Actually, what could be really embarrassing is if you show up at the polls on Election Day thinking you're registered ... only to find out that you're not. It could happen, you know. According to Travis Co. Clerk Dana DeBeau­voir, "Thousands of people every election think they're registered and find out they're wrong on Election Day."

Tax Assessor-Collector Nelda Wells Spears recommends that all voters take care of three things before Monday: 1) Register to vote if you haven't already, 2) update your address if you've moved since the last election, and 3) double-check your registration – just 'cuz. Luckily, most of this can be accomplished online.

Go to www.traviscountytax.org to verify your status or to print out a registration form (you can also call 854-9473). If you're a Travis Co. voter who's moved within the county, you can update your address at www.state.tx.us/NASApp/sos/SOSACManager (you'll need your voter registration certificate number, which can be found with your voter verification info at www.traviscountytax.org if you don't have your certificate). For voting assistance or to apply for a mail ballot (applications must be made by Oct. 28), go to www.traviscountyelections.org or call 854-4996.

If you're a Hurricane Ike evacuee, you still need to register to vote by Oct. 6. You don't have to be in your home county to register; if you are still displaced on Election Day, you can cast a ballot by mail, or you can register as a Travis Co. resident and vote here.