How To Vote: A Guide for First-Time Voters

Jackson LaTorre, Staff Writer • October 25, 2024

The 2024 United States presidential election will be the 60th quadrennial presidential election and is set to be held on Nov. 5. Early voting in Texas began Oct. 21, with more than 840,000 people casting their ballots in person statewide.

As the 2024 Presidential election approaches, it is important to stay informed and prevent misinformation from spreading. Voting is a citizen’s way to express their civic responsibility and control the laws and policies of their government. This year’s Election Day is Nov. 5th. All United States elections are held on the Tuesday between Nov. 2 and Nov. 8. There are two Federal elections in the USA:

The Presidential election (to decide the President) every four years
The Midterm election (to decide Senators and House Representatives) every two years, and it overlaps with the Presidential election

Voting gives Americans the power to change their communities and ensure their needs are met. There are a few easy steps to begin voting in the General Election:

BEFORE YOU VOTE

Check your voter registration
1. Make sure you are registered to vote at Texas Voter Registration | Texas.gov.
Do your research
1. Familiarize yourself with who is running for each position on your ballot. Browse websites like Ballotpedia, Texas Voter Guide | NAACP, and Guides.vote to learn more about the politicians that will represent you.
Find a polling booth near you
1. Voters can input their address when they check their voter registration to also see polling locations at Texas Voter Registration | Texas.gov
Make a plan to vote
1. Most polling locations are open during the entire day, so find a time that works for you.
2. You may vote early in the weeks leading up to Election Day, or you may vote on Election Day (Nov. 5).

TRL’s Campbell Lester voted at the administration building of Lovejoy ISD. Many seniors have the opportunity to vote this year.

*High School Students* Remember that voting is NOT an excused absence at Texas public high schools.

WHILE YOU VOTE

Bring a form of ID
1. Election workers will verify your identity and give you your ballot.
Follow the workers
1. They will tell you where to go to fill out your ballot.
Carefully select the candidate(s) you want to vote for
1. You will be provided lists of candidates; be careful to select the person you want to vote for.
Place your ballot in the collection box
1. The secure box will ensure your ballot makes its way to your county’s ballot counting office.

AFTER YOU VOTE

Follow election results online at reputable news websites like AP News and Reuters
Tune in to watch Inauguration Day on January 20, 2025, where the winning candidate will be sworn in as President

About the Contributors

Jackson LaTorre, Staff Writer

While senioritis may have already set in for Jackson LaTorre, he is excited for his first year writing for TRL. He is also excited to begin his final year as a member of Lovejoy Baseball and NHS. During the summer, LaTorre spent his time either behind a drumset (he’s terrible btw), listening to music, reading or spending time with his friends and family. Some of LaTorre’s favorite things include penne, buying overpriced drinks at 7/11 and cool art. A few of his favorite bands are Deftones, The Cure, Wisp and MCR. LaTorre looks forward to working on The Red Ledger with the rest of the staff, and he is optimistic about his senior year!

Campbell Lester, Editor-In-Chief

Campbell Lester is ecstatic to be entering her fourth and final year on staff with her fabulous co Editor-In-Chief, Mia Reaugh. After an eye opening junior year, Lester has seen the dark side of Lovejoy High School *cough cough* AP Physics. However, after a fantastic summer spent frolicking through the vineyards of Italy and running at Celebration Park, Lester is ready for the best senior year ever. Although she mistakenly did not sign up for an off period or take any dual credit classes, Lester will get through the year with her best friends, country music and a Chocolate Peanut Power Plus smoothie from Smoothie King. With only one year left, Lester hopes to take in every moment with her friends and family by her side.