The Census and Your Right to Vote
The Census is extremely important. The census has counted every household since 1790. It provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for our community like providing public lunches and planning for highways. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding is allocated to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. Data collected by the census also determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives (a process called apportionment). You can complete the census online at https://census.gov/
Your Right to Vote
Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights. There are 48 days left to register by mail, the deadline is Monday, Oct. 5. There are 77 days left until Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Your vote matters.
To register in Texas you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of the county in which the application for registration is made
- be at least 18-years old
- not be finally convicted of a felony, or if a convicted felon, you must have fully discharged your punishment, including any incarceration, parole, supervision, period of probation or be pardoned
- have not been declared mentally incompetent by final judgment of a court of law
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