Alongside efforts to increase voting access for young people on college campuses, our Texas Young Advocates promoted the implementation of campus polling stations at higher education institutions with more than 10,000 students. The advocates contributed to a civic engagement advocacy day in which they spoke publicly about their campus voting experiences and the importance of voting access for college students. Natalie Ferguson, one of our Texas advocates, talks about the importance of the bill and why it could help students across Texas make sure their voices are heard at the ballot box. Check out more reflections from our young advocates on their work in the Texas legislative process.
Naturally, I was frustrated, but this election was an important one, and I knew this was my only chance to vote while on campus. The polling place wouldn’t even be open on election day. Also, I saw frustration among students rising as students complained about the situation. Students took the matter into their own hands and went to the Hays County Commission to advocate for longer voting hours. Eventually, the request was granted allowing longer hours for early voting on campus and opening our single polling place on election day.
The passage of the bill would make it easier for almost half a million students to cast their ballots and help ensure that college students have their voices heard in our democracy. House Bill 375 is a common-sense approach to our voting laws that ensures young people have access to vote all across Texas.
The House Bill 375 was referred to the Elections Committee and stayed there. It’s disappointing since we hoped it would pass quickly, yet it couldn’t even get a hearing. Given the situation, I’m still grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the process to bring this bill to life. I remain hopeful and motivated about policies like these that will help improve voter access in Texas. I’ll continue to work hard to ensure all Texans have equal access to voting because it’s the right thing to do.