MY TRUTH: Now is the Time!

By Cheryl Smith

When I received an email with critical voting information, I felt it was necessary to share with our readers.

Although the email said, “Tips for students,” it is imperative that everyone have access and information.

Sure there will be those who will say that the ballot is too long and they don’t have time.

There’s no time for blaming others for the state of conditions. There’s no time for excuses.

Now is the time for all good people to come to the defense of a democracy.

Plain and simple, you MUST vote.

You say you don’t like politicians?

Well, you’re gonna like them even less, if you don’t vote.

You say you don’t get involved in politics?

Well, you don’t exist without politics.

Also, politics got you those stimulus checks, affordable healthcare and more.

As noted columnist, educator and economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux said on Roland Martin Unfiltered recently, “if you don’t play politics, politics will play you!”

Do we have a system that needs work and help?

Sure.

It begins NOW, with your vote!

YOU be the HELP this country needs!

So here is information that I hope will make you do what you need to do to make this world a better place for all and especially for the future.

Which brings me to my truth and here are the tips:

1. Vote in the all-important mid-term election on November 8, 2022. Early Voting starts October 24th –November 4th, 2022.
2. Pull your sample ballot. Know before you go to vote. You can pull your sample ballot at www.votetexas.gov and click “What’s on my Ballot” to get a sample ballot. You can also use the League of Women’s Voter guide as well to assist with candidate information at www.vote411.org. Print your sample ballot or write down your choices for each candidate you plan on voting for. No cell phones can be used in the polling place to assist with voting. You can take your sample ballot inside to assist you with voting as well as other literature you may get from outside of the polling place.
3. Have the correct ID. Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID which can be expired no more than 4 years: (must be the physical form and not a picture from your cell phone)

• 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
• United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
• United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph (doesn’t expire)
• United States Passport (book or card)

Alternative ID. Here is a list of the supporting forms of ID that can be presented if the voter does not possess one of the forms of acceptable photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one:

• copy or original of a government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate;
• copy of or original current utility bill;
• copy of or original bank statement ;
• copy of or original paycheck; or
• copy of or original of (a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate or (b) a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document).

After presenting one of the forms of supporting ID listed above, the voter must execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. (ask for the document when you enter the polling place)

4. Ask Questions. No one in the polling place can tell you who to vote for. There are people to assist with questions about ballot issues or next steps to ensure you ballot is counted. Raise your hand and a poll worker will come to assist you. Make sure you place your ballot receipt in the machine to ensure your vote was cast.
5. Get your sticker. Wear your I Voted sticker after you vote.

Lastly, you can work at a polling location and get paid. Contact the Dallas County Election office for more information.

Footnote, this may be the first time you have been asked to write in a candidate’s name and you have questions. Read your ballot carefully and also ask questions.

You can be dangerous, either as an informed voter or a non voter. Choose information. Choose liberation. Choose democracy.