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Get Ready to Vote 2024: Overview

A step-by-step guide for SMU students

1. Decide Where to Register

If you want to vote in the 2024 election, register as soon as possible. If voting in Texas, the voter registration deadline for the Nov 5, 2024 Election is Oct 7, 2024.

Texas Permanent Residents

OR

  • 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.

OR

  • 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

Register on Campus

Register to vote on campus at Fondren Library in The Collaborative Commons (Starbucks Area).

  • September 12, Thursday 11am to 1pm 
  • September 20, Friday 11am to 1pm 
  • September 24, Tuesday 11am to 1pm 
  • September 30, Monday 11am to 1pm (Main Desk Area)
  • October 1, Tuesday 11am to 1pm

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

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.