Apply for ballots by mail now for upcoming March primaries

Those wanting to take part in the upcoming March 5 primaries have a couple of dates to take note of between now and Election Day.

The first is Monday, Feb. 5. It is the final day to register as a voter to participate in the March 5 Primary Elections.

Not sure if you are registered to vote? The simplest way to find out is to log onto the Texas Secretary of State’s website at https:// www.votetexas.gov/ and click on the first tab on the right in blue, labeled “Am I Registered?”

That will take you to a new screen where you can enter your identification number or driver’s license number, along with date of birth. It should take you to your registration status. If not, it is a couple of more clicks and will be.

If you are not computer savvy, have a family member help you. Registration can easily be done from most mobile devices. It could save you a trip to the county voter Registrar’s Office over at the County Annex, 412 N. Texana St. in Hallettsville.

It is also where you go to vote early and cast your ballots on Election Day, provided you registered before Feb. 5.

Early voting will begin Feb. 20 and end March 1.

Those wishing to apply for mail-in ballots should begin the process now as it is an annually approved process. Even if you qualified for it last year, you will have to send in a new application for 2024.

Voters must be 65 years of age or older on Election Day or disabled to qualify for mail-in ballots, per state election code. Once approved, ballots will be accepted until the March 5 election date.

The last day to apply for a ballot is Feb. 23.