Bryan, Texas: A Last Chance to Register Before the Election
The buzz is in the air as we count down just 28 days until the presidential election this November. For many, this means it was a crucial day to make sure their voices would be heard, and luckily, there was an opportunity right in Bryan. On Monday, the final day to register to vote, the Brazos County Democrats organized a friendly and helpful event called Votepalooza. This was a non-partisan registration drive that made it easier for folks to get signed up, especially those who might not have had a chance to do so otherwise.
Votepalooza: Helping Hands in the Community
Throughout Bryan-College Station, enthusiastic volunteers were stationed at various hotspots, including Blinn College, Harvest Coffee Bar, Taco Bar, and St. Francis. The atmosphere was lively, as music played and patrons enjoyed coffee or snacks while taking a moment to consider their civic duty. Two college students, Emily Taylor and Reagan Wammack, took advantage of the opportunity at Harvest Coffee Bar, where they had originally gathered to study.
“It’s really important for college-age students to vote. Most of us are voting for the first time, and we have our own ideas about things that matter,” Wammack shared with gusto. “It’s crucial for our generation to step up and make our voices count.”
Taylor echoed her sentiment and added her own excitement. “This will be my first time voting since I turned 18 three years ago. It’s an important opportunity for us as students. Many students don’t put in the time to figure out voting because they are in different places for school,” she said.
A Smooth Registration Process
Wammack also mentioned how the event helped her register without needing to go back to her home county. “I live in Harris County but I’m at A&M for school. I hadn’t thought much about voter registration, but thanks to the volunteers here, I’m now registered in Brazos County,” she explained.
The Brazos County Democratic Party was committed to helping anyone who needed a hand, with volunteers on-site at St. Francis in College Station until 11:59 p.m. to ensure everyone who wanted to vote could get registered before it was too late.
Behind the Scenes: Preparing for Election Day
As the event unfolded, Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock added some context on what the county had been doing to prepare for the upcoming election. She noted that, compared to 2020, the pace of registrations seemed a bit slower than expected as the deadline approached.
“We’ll be processing the voter registrations and getting everything ready leading up to election day. The poll books will be organized for check-in for early voting by the 21st,” Hancock said. “And while we’ve got a solid number of election workers secured, there’s always room for more. You never know when someone might get sick or need to back out, so having some additional volunteers would be great.”
Your Questions While Voting
If voters face any issues when casting their ballots, Hancock stressed that they should not hesitate to reach out for help. “If you have a question, just ask for the judge at the polling place. And if there’s still something bothering you, you can always contact our office,” she advised. “It’s vital to double-check before you place your ballot in the box because once it’s in, that’s it. You’ve voted, and we can’t make changes after that.”
Time is Ticking!
The clock is ticking down, and as we move closer to election day, staying informed and proactive is key. Whether you’re a long-time voter or a first timer like Emily and Reagan, every vote matters, and every voice deserves to be heard!
