The Hockley County Elections Administration Office held a Voter Registration event in downtown Levelland, Tuesday.
Kicking off the event, Hockley County Elections Administrator Jody Rose and City of Levelland Mayor Barbra Pinner each made proclamation in honor of the day. “Every eligible American voter should always have to the option to exercise their right to be hear at the ballot box,” explained Rose. “Being registered to vote is the way to do that. You cannot vote if you are not registered.”
Rose said Hockley County has a strong base of voters especially in rural communities, but that is for local elections.
“Unfortunately, history has shown that Hockley County struggles to get the turnout for elections,” said Rose. “It is extremely important these people in rural communities be heard in the election process for state and federal elections.” Rose highlighted the importance of each person being involved in the voting process and hopes people within Hockley County understand how important it is to be heard. The Hockley County elections Office joined thousands of other election officials across the country to take part in the 10th anniversary celebration of National Voter Registration Day.
Elections Administrator Rose explained how important it is to celebrate and take advantage of the holiday for the county to get registered to vote. “National Voter Registration Day has been recognized across the nation for at least 10 year and this is the first year Hockley County has participated at this level,” said Rose. “With the November 8 election being the first federal election since the 2022 election, there will be a lot of eyes on the election.” The holiday is considered a non-partisan civic holiday that aims to help all eligible voters to participate in the nations democracy.
The national holiday action involved coordinated field, technology and media efforts to register voters and raised awareness of the state-specific registration policies, deadlines, and voting information.
To help ensure the success of the holiday, the Hockley County Election Office in cooperation with the Volunteer Deputy Registrar hosted an onsite registration event on the Hockley County Courthouse square near the gazebo area.
If individuals are still interested in registering to vote in any upcoming election, Rose encourages anyone to register at the elections office in Levelland. Staff will also be able to check your voter registration status in preparation of the November 8 General Election.
In order to register to vote, an individual must be a United States citizen, resident of Hockley County and not a convicted felon.
The deadline to register for the November 8 election will be October 11 at 5 p.m. Individuals can also register online at www.votetexas.gov.
Additionally, Rose presented an election plan to the Hockley County Commissioners Court Monday.
The election plan presented outlined certain scenarios in case problems or certain circumstances arise during an election.
The board unanimously approved the plan.
Also addressed in the meeting was the consideration and approval of September 20 becoming National Voter Registration Day in Hockley County.
Hockley County Judge Sharla Baldridge and the court shared their excitement with Rose about the approval of the day.