Full Stop

I want to start by saying it's not hard to vote, just overly complicated. If you have the proper I.D. you'll sail through, but it's all kind of dumb and complicated for complicated's sake.

Start With Your I.D.

You'll need to first show one of seven forms of acceptable I.D., or fill out a "Reasonable Impediment Declaration". Those I.D.s are as follows from the Votetexas.gov site:

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
United States Passport (book or card)

You're On Your Way

Once you've show your I.D. to person #1, a sticker is printed out. You then verify the information on the sticker and sign your name. You are then given a number which you take to person #2 who issues you a ballot. You then take that ballot over to a voting machine and place it half way in. You select your candidates and your issues. You then double-check your choices and hit print. Your ballot is then printed. You then take your ballot to person #3 who helps you scan it into another machine. You then stand around wondering if you did it correctly until someone gives you a sticker that says, "I Voted".

I Have Questions

*Why does this process require FOUR machines (Sign in, Ballot, Vote Kiosk/Printer, Vote Scanner). Wouldn't all of the technology make it even easier for someone to hack in?

*Why doesn't my voter machine just kick out a receipt and call it a day?

*Why do I have to carry a ballot that visibly shows my choices around people who may have a problem with my choices.

*Why can't I vote at home with a simple username/pin process, it's good enough for my checking account?

*How are they going to complicate this more next time?

The Answer

The answer to all of these question is politics. Many politicians ran on the idea of "voting integrity" so they had to add to process and expense of voting. It's ridiculous. Again easy...but ridiculous. Again, that was four machines and three people to help with one vote. Voting in Texas is dumb ya'll

(Editors note: This was the process on 4/21/24 in Lubbock, Texas. Your precinct may vary).

Texans Reveal What Should Really Be Taught In Public School

When I look back on my education in Texas, I remember vast amounts of my precious time spent learning things that never helped me in real life- particularly how to take a standardized test. Instead of wasting our children's time, what should be taught in Texas schools?

Gallery Credit: Renee Raven