It’s October 9, so that means today is the last day you can register to vote in the November 6 presidential elections – and everything else on the ballot that day. If you’re a Travis County resident, here’s how to ensure you protect your right to vote.

First, check you are eligible to vote in Travis County. You must be:

– A citizen of the United States

– A resident of Travis County

– At least 18 years of age

– Not declared mentally incompetent by a court of law

– Not a convicted felon, or, if convicted you have: Fully discharged your sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, supervision, or completed a period of probation ordered by any court; or been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disability to vote.

Fit those criteria? Good. Here’s what you do next.

1: Visit the Travis County Voter Verification website and check that your name is there and all your details are current and up to date.

2: If you’re not registered, there are three ways you can still make sure you’re ready for Nov. 6:

– You can hand deliver your application at the Travis County Registrars Officer, 5501 Airport until 5.30pm

– Head to any Thundercloud Subs location: They’ll be registering voters from 10am to Midnight.
– You can also still mail in your application. Download the form here and then mail it to:

Travis County Voter Registration

PO Box 149327

Austin

TX 78714-9327

The envelope has to be postmarked Oct. 9 to be accepted.

Remember, this is a busy year at the ballot box. Aside from the presidential, Congressional and legislative elections, there are also a whole slate of city and state ballot proposals, plus the medical school tax election and the Austin ISD and Austin Community College boards.

This article appears in October 5 • 2012.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.