Research Guides: Get Ready to Vote 2022: Overview

1. Decide Where to Register

If you want to vote in the 2022 election, register as soon as possible. If voting in Texas, the voter registration deadline for the Nov 8, 2022 Election is Oct 11, 2022.

Texas Permanent Residents

You can register in your home county. You will need to print, sign, and mail the completed form directly to your county election office.
If you meet the criteria, you can register to vote early by mail (formerly called absentee voting).

You can register in Dallas County, using your Dyer Street mailing address at SMU. You will need to print, sign and mail directly to the address listed on the form.
Dallas County, Registrar of Voters, 1520 Round Table Dr., Dallas, TX 75247-9903

Residents of Other States

You can register in your home state. You will need to check voting information to see what the rules are for voting by mail or absentee voting. Check to see how to register apply online or print a registration form.

You can register in Dallas County if you have a Texas personal identification number provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety or a Texas driver's license.
Also on the form provide your last 4-digits of your Social Security Number.

Resources for Registration

Verify Voter Registration
Verify your voter registration status here. This will take you to your state's verification system.
How to Register
Every state has different guidelines for their voter registration process. See this page for registering anywhere in the United States.
Register2Vote
A resource that makes registering to vote easy. Fill out the form and your registration application along with a pre-filled, paid-postage return envelope, will be sent to you.

2. Plan to Cast Your Vote

In Person

Registered voters in Texas will vote in person in the county in which they are registered during the early voting period or on election day at an official polling place. We encourage you to vote early.

Bring your Texas ID, Texas driver's license, or a passport.
When you sign in, the poll worker will ask you for your ID and if your current address matches the address on your ID. This is so they can figure out if you have moved. The address on your ID does NOT have to match the address on the registration roles. But, you must be registered in the county in which you are voting.
Curbside voting is available for those who are physically unable to enter the building.

Vote Early by Mail or Absentee Voting

Be sure to follow all the directions, submit your ballot by mail application early, and use your official signature so that it will be counted.

Resources for Deciding How to Vote

How to Vote
There are different options on how you can vote. Vote in person, early or on election day, or vote by mailing in a ballot. Learn what the best option may be for you here.
Campus Vote Project
State voting guides, specifically written for students.
Vote Texas FAQ
Frequently asked questions for registering and voting in Texas.
Addressing an Envelope
If you haven't used snail mail in a while, here is a reminder on how an envelope should be addressed.

Learn about Candidates

Make the most out of voting by being knowledgable about the positions of the candidates on your ballot and major political issues.

Ballotpedia
An online encyclopedia that provides objective information on American politics and elections at all levels of government.
Contact My Politician
An innovative platform that enables voters to communicate with their representatives.
Vote411
A nonpartisan resource for all things elections. Find out what is on the ballot in your district or use their voter guides.
Vote Smart
Vote Smart is a nonpartisan project that gathers information on candidates and elected officials, campaign finance, voting records, and more.