Texan Mosaic

by MATT MOLINAR//Opinion Editor

As President Barack Obama ends his second term, the United States has undergone the process of nominating two candidates for office in 2016.

According to Cheryl Smart, the elections administrator of Hockley County, remaining informed during an election year may encourage students to participate. Knowing what to do on election day can help you make sure your voice is heard.

Unless you’ve registered to vote in Hockley County, you will not be able to vote in the City of Levelland. Students who reside out of town must return to their home county in order to participate in the election.

“The out-of-state students cannot vote in Levelland unless they have registered in Hockley County,” Smart said. “If they are not registered in Texas, they cannot vote in Texas.”

Something Smart emphasizes with student voters is that every vote does count.

“We have had some close races in the past, and if only one or two more voters had voted, it would have changed the entire outcome,” Smart said. “I think that’s the main thing people need to know. They do make a difference.”

Until Nov. 4, students are encouraged to participate in early voting in Smart’s office. The office is located at 911 Austin Street in Levelland. It’s open from  9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Students voting on Election Day, Nov. 8, will have to vote wherever their precinct is located between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Election day polling locations include: Precinct 11, located at the Ridgecrest Missionary Methodist Church in Levelland; Precinct 14 at Ropesville City Hall; Precinct 15 at Gary Cain Insurance in Smyer; Precinct 16 at Christ United Methodist Church in Levelland; Precinct 21 at the Mallet Event Center in Levelland; Precinct 24 at Sundown High School; Precinct 32 at the Courthouse Annex in Levlland; Precinct 33 at Pettit Gin Inc.; Precinct 35 at Cactus Drive Church of Christ in Levelland; Precinct 36 at the Deptartment of Human Services in Levelland; Precinct 43 at the Whitharral Lions Club; Precinct 44 at Anton City Hall; and Precinct 46 at the Smyer Elementary Library.

A notice has been released by Smart indicating that the equipment used for polling is functioning properly and will accurately tally votes.

Smart encourages student voters to register and participate.