Moving to Texas: A New Chapter
Less than two weeks ago, I moved to Texas. The move happened quickly, but now I’m here, close to my family. It’s much safer as I’m getting older.
Settling In: The Basics
I managed to get many things set up without much trouble:
- Utilities turned on and transferred to my name
- Basic furniture, including cat furniture, is in place
- Kitchen cabinets are stocked, thanks to delivery services
The Voting Challenge
But there’s a big problem. I can’t register to vote until I get a Texas ID. Transferring my Kansas Driver License to Texas should be easy because they have a reciprocal agreement. However, scheduling an appointment online was a nightmare. The earliest available appointment is January or February of 2025!
Running Out of Time
The deadline to register to vote is October 7. I don’t have a passport or Real ID. My birth certificate has a different surname, and getting all the name changes certified will take weeks. I’m out of time.
A Long History of Voting
I first voted in 1968 when I turned 21. Hubert Humphrey was my choice. I’ve never missed a vote since then, whether it’s for a school board seat or a new library bond. So why can’t I vote for Harris/Walz and other Democrats in Texas? Is there a solution? I can’t be the only one facing this issue.
Seeking Help
Suggestions have been made to contact:
Another suggestion was to use a utility bill email notice, which surprised me that it would be trusted.
County Democratic Office to the Rescue
The most useful help came from the county Democratic office. A real person answered the phone and provided some answers. This wouldn’t have been the case in the county I moved from. I’m not entirely sure the advice will work on voting day, but I’ll go on the first day of early voting to have time to fix any issues and cast my votes for Harris/Walz, Alred, and others.
Registering vs. Voting
Apparently, registering isn’t that difficult. The real problem is casting a vote without a driver license or an ID from their approved list. I’ve been told ways to get around it; I hope they work. I’ll find out at the very beginning of early voting, so I have time to fix things if it all goes wrong.
Plan and Backup Plan
I have a plan and a backup. I have an appointment for a driver license on October 21, an hour and a half from my house. The backup plan is my daughter picking me up at 7 AM to go to a local office to register same day, hoping they have an appointment opening.
It Shouldn’t Be This Hard
It shouldn’t be this hard to vote. I shouldn’t have to spend an entire working day chasing after information and making the scheduling work. Voting is a fundamental right, and it should be accessible to everyone.
