Civic Engagement
Civic Engagement & Voter Registration
Your vote is your voice. Use it.
Civic participation is one of the most powerful tools available to our community. UHCT – Pineywoods Chapter works to ensure every eligible voter in East Texas is registered, informed, and ready to participate — in elections at every level, from school board to U.S. Senate.
Why Civic Engagement Matters
Local elections decide who controls school boards, county commissioners courts, city councils, and sheriff's offices — the officials who most directly affect daily life in our communities. Statewide elections shape immigration enforcement priorities, education funding, healthcare access, and labor protections. Federal elections determine national policy. Every level matters. Every vote counts.
18+
Age to register to vote in Texas
30 days
Before Election Day to register
U.S. citizen
Citizenship required to vote
Free
Voter registration in Texas
How to Register to Vote in Texas
Registering to vote in Texas is free and straightforward. Here is what you need to know.
Confirm your eligibility
You must be a U.S. citizen, a Texas resident, at least 18 years old on Election Day (17-year-olds may register if they will be 18 by Election Day), and not currently serving a felony sentence or declared mentally incompetent by a court.
Complete a voter registration application
You can register online at VoteTexas.gov, by mail using a paper application, or in person at your county tax assessor-collector's office, DPS driver's license office, or other state agencies. Applications are available in English and Spanish.
Submit your application at least 30 days before Election Day
Your completed application must be postmarked or received by your county voter registrar at least 30 days before the election in which you want to vote.
Receive your voter registration certificate
After your application is processed, you will receive a voter registration certificate by mail. Bring it to the polls, or bring an acceptable photo ID. Keep your address updated — you must re-register if you move to a new county.
Upcoming Voter Registration Drives
UHCT – Pineywoods Chapter organizes voter registration drives across Jasper County and surrounding communities. All drives are free and open to the public. Bilingual assistance available.
Show Up For Our Families – Voter Registration
Registration drive happening alongside the community fundraiser. Bilingual volunteers on site. Bring a valid Texas ID.
Jasper Community Center Registration Drive
Bilingual assistance available. Bring a valid Texas ID or driver's license.
Getting Involved in Local Government
Voting is just the beginning. Here are other ways to make your voice heard in local government across East Texas.
Attend public meetings
City council meetings, county commissioners court sessions, and school board meetings are open to the public. Attending — and speaking during public comment — is one of the most direct ways to influence local decisions.
Contact your elected officials
Your city council member, county commissioner, state representative, and state senator all have public contact information. Calls, emails, and in-person visits from constituents carry real weight, especially on local issues.
Run for office or serve on a board
Many local positions — school board trustee, city council, water district board, hospital district board — are elected or appointed. UHCT can help connect you with resources and community support if you are considering running.
Volunteer as a poll worker
Poll workers are essential to every election. Jasper County and surrounding counties regularly recruit bilingual poll workers. Contact your county elections office to apply. Poll workers are paid for their service.
Join a community advisory board
Many local agencies — including school districts, health departments, and planning commissions — have community advisory boards with open seats. These boards give residents a direct voice in policy decisions.
Stay informed on local issues
Follow local news, attend town halls, and sign up for UHCT updates to stay informed about issues affecting our community — from school funding and housing to law enforcement policy and public health.
Civic Resources
VoteTexas.gov
Official Texas voter registration, polling locations, ID requirements, and election information.
Visit WebsiteTexas Secretary of State – Elections
Official election results, candidate filings, and county election office contacts.
Visit WebsiteJasper County Elections Office
Local voter registration, polling locations, and election information for Jasper County.
Visit WebsiteMALDEF – Voting Rights
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund — voting rights resources and legal assistance.
Visit WebsiteLULAC – Voter Registration
League of United Latin American Citizens voter registration and civic engagement resources.
Visit WebsiteTexas Civil Rights Project
Voting rights legal support and election protection resources for Texas communities.
Visit WebsiteReady to get involved?
Volunteer at a registration drive, help a neighbor register, or join our civic engagement team.