First, you have to apply for to vote by mail every year. But at least you can do one application for the whole year.
Second, those of us who register voters are only allowed to do so for people who live in a county for which we are certified to do so. We have to go individually to other counties to apply to register their voters. I did that for four counties in 2024. At least you don't have to retest every time. You show them your documentation and they must honor it in their county. Different forms for each county too, quite often.
Third, those who do their own mail-in application usually get a form that is addressed to the Secretary of State, not the Elections Administrator in their county. The SOS is often 2-3 months behind in sending those to the correct counties.
Texas refused to obey the federal law requiring online voter registration be enabled. Courts ruled against them, but they appealed. Finally they had to accept it. Sort of. You can update an address online, but you have to register on a paper form and sign it the first time you register to vote in Texas.
The only place to drop off a mail-in ballot is at the County Elections Administrators office, no matter how far away your residence is from that office. It may be an hour and a half drive or more roundtrip.
To get or renew your drivers license, you have to present an official embossed copy of your birth certificate. To request a copy of your birth certificate online, you must enter your drivers license number – but those just getting their drivers license for the first time need the birth certificate to get the drivers license. A direct relative – parent, grandparent, sibling – can use their drivers license number to apply for the birth certificate for the young person. But the wording on the website does not make that clear. I had to call and ask. But will everyone?
There are all kinds of other hoops to jump through.
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