With the November 5 General Election just around the corner, it’s crucial for Texas residents to ensure they’re registered to vote. The deadline to register is October 7, leaving only a short window for those who haven’t yet completed the process. Registering to vote is the first step in exercising your right to participate in the election. National Voter Registration Day, observed on a Tuesday, is an ideal opportunity to check your eligibility and get registered if you haven’t already.

How to Check Your Voter Registration Status

Before rushing to register, it’s a good idea to confirm whether you’re already on the voter rolls. Checking your voter registration status is simple, especially for those in Bexar County. All you need to do is visit the county’s official website and enter your date of birth and house number. This quick check can help you avoid any unnecessary paperwork if you’re already registered.

How to Register to Vote

If you’re not yet registered, or if you’ve moved since the last election, it’s essential to update your voter registration information. There are several ways to register, making the process convenient for every eligible voter:

1. Online Application: The easiest method is to fill out a voter registration application online. However, it’s important to note that Texas does not allow fully online voter registration. After filling out the form online, you’ll need to print it and mail it to your county voter registrar.
2. In-Person Registration: You can also register in person by visiting your local voter registration office. In Bexar County, the Elections Office is located at 1103 S. Frio, Suite 100. If you live outside of Bexar County, you can find your county’s voter registration office online to complete the process.
3. Request a Postage-Paid Application: Another option is to request a postage-paid application from your voter registrar. By filling out a form, the registrar will send you an application by mail, allowing you to complete and return it with no out-of-pocket mailing costs.

What to Do if You Lose Your Voter Registration Card

If you’re already registered but have misplaced your voter registration card, don’t worry. You don’t need your card to vote in Texas, but it’s always handy to have. If you’d like a new one, simply contact your county’s voter registrar in writing, and they will send a replacement.

What Identification Do You Need to Vote?

When Election Day arrives, you won’t need your voter registration card, but you will need a valid form of identification. Texas law requires voters to present an approved photo ID at the polling station. Here is a list of acceptable forms of identification:

• Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
• Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS.
• Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS.
• Texas Handgun License issued by DPS.
• U.S. Military Identification Card containing the voter’s photograph.
• U.S. Citizenship Certificate containing the voter’s photograph.
• U.S. Passport (either the book or card format).

If you don’t have any of these forms of ID, there are alternatives, such as signing a declaration at the polling place and providing supporting documents.

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Vote

With the registration deadline just weeks away, now is the time to ensure that your registration is up to date. Whether you’re registering for the first time, updating your information, or requesting a replacement card, it’s vital to take these steps now to avoid missing the deadline. Make sure your voice is heard in the November 5 General Election—register by October 7 and get ready to vote!

President Joe Biden on Friday condemned recent hostile attacks on Haitian immigrants in the U.S., following a false claim spread by Donald Trump. The baseless rumor, which alleged that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were “eating pets,” led to a bomb threat in Springfield, Ohio.

Speaking at an event celebrating Black excellence at the White House, Biden said, “It is simply wrong that the proud Haitian community is under attack right now in this country. There’s no place for this in America. What he’s doing has to stop.”

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue revealed that the bomb threat on Thursday targeted the city’s Haitian community. The city hall, two schools, and other buildings had to be evacuated. Rue blamed national Republicans for amplifying a far-right conspiracy, accusing Trump of fueling harmful falsehoods about immigrants hunting and eating pets in Springfield.

“The threat used hateful language toward immigrants and Haitians in our community,” Rue told the Washington Post. He added that Springfield “is a community that needs help,” rather than baseless rumors.

No bomb was found after authorities conducted a search. However, Rue told a local Fox outlet that the threat included anti-immigrant rhetoric and hatred directed at the Haitian community.

The controversy began earlier this week when Trump, during a debate with Kamala Harris, repeated the unsubstantiated claim, saying, “In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs and cats of the people that live there.” His comments sparked outrage and ridicule.

The rumor gained further traction when Ohio Senator JD Vance referenced it on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which was also flooded with AI-generated images of Trump surrounded by pets.

Mayor Rue condemned the rumors as entirely false, stating that there were “zero” verified reports supporting the claims. ABC debate moderator David Muir fact-checked the conspiracy live during the debate after Trump’s remarks.

The situation has diverted attention from more pressing issues, according to Rue, who said, “Rumors like this are distracting from real problems, such as housing, school resources, and our overwhelmed healthcare system.”

Nathan Clark, whose 11-year-old son was tragically killed last year when a minivan driven by a Haitian immigrant collided with a school bus, urged Trump and Vance to stop using his son’s name for “political gain.”

Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic Party’s nomination for the 2024 U.S. Presidential election during a major event in Chicago’s United Center. This moment marks a historic milestone for Harris, who, if elected, would become the first woman to serve as President of the United States. Her nomination follows President Joe Biden’s recent withdrawal from the race at the age of 81. Harris, who is of Indian origin, has served as Vice President under Biden and is now stepping into the spotlight as the Democratic candidate.

In her acceptance speech, Harris expressed her commitment to uniting the American people. She called for an end to the divisions that have plagued the country and emphasized her desire to move beyond partisan battles. “On behalf of every American, regardless of party, race, gender, or the language your grandmother speaks, on behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on earth, I accept your nomination for President of the United States of America,” she declared. The crowd at the United Center erupted into cheers as she spoke, reflecting the enthusiasm and hope many feel about her candidacy.Harris stressed the importance of this election, calling it a crucial moment in the nation’s history. She believes that America has a unique opportunity to move past the bitterness and cynicism that have characterized recent years. “With this election, our nation has a precious and fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a New Way Forward, not as members of any one party or faction but as Americans,” Harris said. She positioned herself as a candidate who would bring people together and work for the future of all Americans, regardless of their political affiliations.

Throughout her speech, Harris did not shy away from criticizing her opponent, Donald Trump. She portrayed Trump as a divisive figure whose return to the presidency would be detrimental to the country. Harris accused Trump of using his political power for personal gain, stating, “Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the consequences of putting him back in the White House are extremely serious.” She warned that Trump’s leadership would lead to further chaos and division and highlighted the dangers of allowing him to return to power without any checks or balances.

Harris also recalled the events of January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol following his defeat in the 2020 presidential election. She accused Trump of inciting violence and attempting to undermine the democratic process by questioning the legitimacy of the election results. “Donald Trump tried to throw away your votes. When he failed, he sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol where they assaulted law enforcement officers. When politicians in his own party begged him to call off the mob and send help, he did the opposite. He fanned the flames,” Harris stated. Her remarks were met with applause from the audience, underscoring the deep divisions that still exist in American politics.

In addition to addressing her opponent, Harris took time to acknowledge Joe Biden and express her gratitude for his leadership. She praised Biden’s character and accomplishments, describing him as an inspiring figure whose legacy will be remembered for years to come. “Joe, I am filled with gratitude. Your record is extraordinary as history will show. Your character is inspiring,” she said. Harris also mentioned her running mate, Tim Walz, and expressed confidence that they would lead the country toward a brighter future.

Jill and I just spoke to @KamalaHarris — we can’t wait to watch her accept this historic nomination.

Kamala and Tim will inspire a generation and lead us into the future. pic.twitter.com/guKuTevT8F

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 23, 2024

Harris’s speech was not just about politics; it was also deeply personal. She spoke about her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, who emigrated from India to the United States to pursue a career in science. Harris shared stories of her upbringing in a working-class neighborhood in the East Bay, where her mother raised her and her sister with a strong sense of purpose and determination. “It was mostly my mother who raised us. Before she could finally afford to buy a home, she rented a small apartment in the East Bay. In the Bay, you either live in the hills or the flatlands. We lived in the flats—a beautiful working-class neighborhood of firefighters, nurses, and construction workers, all of whom tended their lawns with pride,” Harris reminisced.

She credited her mother with instilling in her the values that have guided her career and personal life, particularly the importance of education and community service. Harris also mentioned her Jamaican father, Donald Jasper Harris, and the lessons he taught her about fearlessness and standing up for what is right. “My father always taught me to be fearless,” she said, emphasizing the role her parents played in shaping her worldview and ambitions.

As Harris prepares to embark on her campaign, she is positioning herself as a candidate of unity and hope. Her speech at the Democratic National Convention set the tone for what is expected to be a highly competitive and closely watched election. With her focus on bringing people together and addressing the challenges facing the nation, Harris aims to inspire voters and lead the country toward a more inclusive and prosperous future.

In accepting the Democratic nomination, Kamala Harris has made it clear that she is ready to take on the challenges of the presidency and fight for the American people. Her vision for the future is one of unity, progress, and hope, and she is determined to make history as the first woman to lead the United States. As the campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on Harris as she seeks to build a coalition of supporters and win the trust of the American electorate.