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Your Vote Matters! Election 2016

Your Vote Matters! Election 2016 by Bonnie Wells and Teri Hebert

It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost time to vote again! As the November elections draw closer, it’s important to understand where to vote and why it is important to vote the whole ballot -- not just the top.

Ma ny voters only vote for the national and State-wide candidates -- President, Senator, Congress, etc. But remember, it is the local judges, constables, and Sheriff offi ces that affect you the most.

GET REGISTERED

You may register to vote online at the county elections department. Last day to register for the November Elections is October 11, 2016.

BE INFORMED

Richardson does a great job of making it easy to be informed and to vote. Before the election, voters can download a sample from the county elections department to review and learn about all candidates on the ballot in their area. Note that there will be a lot of judges (civil and criminal county court and Court of Appeals), but these positions are important. We are affected every day by judges’ decisions, more than those of other elected offi cials.

But if you still feel like “I can’t vote for someone I don’t know,” then ask someone whose opinion you trust and you know has done the work to learn about each candidate.

TIME TO VOTE!

Can’t make it out the day of the election? Any registered voter age 65 and older may request a mail ballot. Check with the county elections department.

Early voting runs October 24 thru November 4. Check the elections department website for all locations. You do not have to vote in your specifi c precinct location during Early Voting.

Richardson also provides curbside voting for those who are unable to walk into the polling area. If you are accompanying anyone who is disabled,you can go into the polling area and tell the election judge or clerk that they need curbside voting for an elderly person in the car. The ballot will be brought out to them.

If you plan to vote on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov 8th) you must vote in your local precinct. For more information about Early Voting or Election Day voting locations, visit your County’s voting website:

Dallas County Elections Department

http://www.dallascountyvotes.org/

Collin County Elections Department

http://www.collincountytx.gov/elections/Pages/default.aspx

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