With the November 3rd election right around the corner, counties across the state are preparing for what political analyst say is the most historic election of our time.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, there are some things you need to know to make sure your vote counts.
The Bell County Annex in Killeen is one of six early voting locations in the county.
All eyes are on the ballots for this upcoming presidential election.
If you're not 65 or older, disabled, in prison, or will be out of the county on election day, you aren't eligible to request a ballot by mail, but if you are eligible, "ballot by mail request must be in by October 23rd and it is a Friday. We check the mail box usually around 5PM just to make sure,” according to Matthew Dutton.
Assistant Elections Administrator for Bell County Matthew Dutton says his team has been busy preparing for this upcoming election especially with the extension of in person early voting.
"It's going to start of October 13th, which is a Tuesday and it's going to run through October 31st which is a Friday. We usually recommend people to utilize early voting if at all possible, to help ease congestion on election day," said Dutton.
If you're not registered to vote that deadline is October 5th.
“If it's that day and they can't make it to our office, they take it into the post office and ask them to postmark it for today, October 5th. As soon as we get it, we can get them in the system and processed for the November 3rd election," Dutton said.
“Besides the Presidential office there’s so many other things to vote on: local offices, statewide offices, local school boards, city councils’, so it’s incredibly important to vote for the Presidential office and every other one on the ballot, “ said Dr. John Koehler.
Dr. John Koehler Political Science Professor at Central Texas A&M says most people say the economy is their number one concern. However, there are a number of other things people will take into consideration before they head to the polls.
“Healthcare, the coronavirus response, climate change, Supreme Court appointments, racial injustice, these are very critical issues for our time. That’s what makes it really important for people to be involved," Dr. John Koehler said.
No matter your political party affiliation, Koehler says it's your civic duty to vote.
"Even though you may feel like your individual vote might not matter, it’s important to show elected officials where you stand," said Dr. Koehler.
Dutton adds they cannot turn anyone away from voting in person if they are or are not wearing a mask, but they will be enforcing social distancing in line and at the voting booths.
