AUSTIN, Texas — UT Austin students care when it comes to democracy, says Mark Strama, who directs the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life.
"Ten years ago, UT student participation was about 10 points below the national average for four year universities," Strama said, referencing the date. "Today, it's about 10 points above the national average."
Strama credits the help of organizations like TX Votes, a student organization that aims to increase voter participation at UT Austin.
Strama says if a student is from out of state and does not want to register in Travis County, they can take these steps.
"They can request an absentee ballot. The county elections official will mail them their ballot and they have to mail it back. That process is not online, they have to do using snail mail. So they have to plan that at least a week or two in advance," Strauma said.
For students that want to register to vote in Travis County, the state of Texas does not allow online voter registration and students will have to fill out, print and mail an online application or visit any Travis County tax office.
"We have forms here in our office, but we take the forms to the students," Strama said. "We'll have students at UT Marketplace registering voters, which is a big gathering outside where a bunch of vendors come in. Voting is habit forming. And if you've never done it before, you'd be surprised what an intimidating process it can be."
Molly Hykel is the Chief Volunteer Deputy Registrar for TX Votes, helping her fellow Longhorns register and ushering in the next generation to help preserve democracy.
"I think that young people have a lot of diverse interests and passions regarding the political process," Hykel said. "We do have a voice, and through the polls and we can reflect that."
Early voting in Texas starts on Oct. 21. Strama encourages students to consider that option to avoid long lines on Election Day. Two locations where students can vote on campus are the Texas Union and the LBJ School of Public Affairs by DKR Stadium.