KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 22, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Katy is gearing up for the Midterms. Election Day is November 6, but right now the race is on to get Katy residents registered to vote. We have you covered on how to register and stay informed.
How to register to vote
You have until October 9 to register to vote for the midterm elections. "Why would you not want to vote?" asks Elizabeth Hanson of the Republican Women's Club of Katy. "It's one of the many wonderful values we have as an American, the ability to vote and contribute to your voice by voting."
"In 2016 Texas ranked 42 out of 50 in the nation for voter turnout – only a 42.6% turnout," explains Debby Roseman, the President of Katy Area Democrats. "We’ve certainly never been more motivate than now. Voting is your voice. And when voices are raised together it becomes a chorus for change and for justice. And that’s how we build the wave – one voice and vote at a time. "
And registering to vote is EASY!
Register online now- To register online you need your email address, zip code, Texas address, full name and Texas Drivers License. The process takes about 2 minutes to complete. This will ensure you are registered to attend local voting locations assigned to your registered zip code.
Attend a Get Out The Vote event- The Republican Women of Katy are hosting an event TODAY (Saturday September 22) to provide an easy opportunity for Katy residents to register to vote. Come out to The Green at LaCenterra Saturday from 10am-2pm. They will have applications to register there and can answer any questions that anyone may have.
What about college students?
If you attend college then you need to decide if you want to register to vote at where you attend college or if you wish to use your parents' residence as your "home and permanent" address and register to vote there. You cannot be registered in two places.
To register to vote at college you can register, just like everyone there by online or by application.
To register to vote at your hometown you need to fill out an early voting, application by mail request.
Military and Expatriots
You can still vote in Texas even if you are serving or living out of state. Military and Expats (those living away for work) can vote absentee. Fill out your application online here. Please note while the election is Nov. 9, absentee voting follows a different deadline. Your ballot must be sent in no later than 11 days prior to the election, which means you have until October 29th to vote.
Check your voting status
Do you not know if you are registered? Don't worry you can check your status here.
Local Katy Politics
Want to do more than vote? Do you need to learn more about the candidates? Everyone has been following the Texas Senate race between Ted Cruz and Beto O' Rourke but what about the more local races?
"At the state and local level in many ways it’s even more critical," says Roseman. "As Katy grows the burden of funding is falling more and more on home owners because the state isn’t putting in its fair share. It’s something you hear Mike Collier talk about in his run for Lt. Governor; and Dr. Eliz Markowitz too who is running for the state board of education. And if she wins she would be the only educator on a board of 15 and she grew up in the Katy system and understands the issues."
No matter what your political affiliation is, Katy has you covered with active parties that want to help keep you informed.
Republicans- In addition to their Saturday Get Out The Vote event on September 29, the Republican Women of Katy are also hosting a chance to learn about your Fort Bend County Judicial candidates. The event will be on September 26 from 6:00pm-7:30pm at The Perfect Latte 7417 West Grand Parkway in Richmond. Congressman Pete Olson has sponsored the first 30 lattes.
Democrats- Katy Area Democrats are hosting a "Celebration of Community" October 7th 11:30am-3:30pm at Woodsland Park and Community Center 443 Danover Rd. in Katy. They are advertising free food, live music and a chance to hear and learn about your local candidates.
Katy Fun Fact: Katy has strong political ties. One that most don't know is that Ted Cruz attended Faith West Academy up until his 8th grade year and has ties to Katy.
The historic importance of this election
Texas hasn't elected a Democrat statewide since 1994. Democrats are hoping to break the Republican streak and Republicans are hoping to hold on to their comfortable red territory. Polls suggest a close race between Texas Senate candidates Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke. With both parties driving to get as many out to vote for that race it will also affect our more local races.
"We want your vote," says Roseman. "Because we see you and hear you and welcome your voice and diversity." The deadline to register and be able to cast your vote on election day is almost here. Take two minutes and register. Go see the Republican Women's Club of Katy at their Voter Registration Event at LaCenterra on Saturday, September 26.