This article originally appeared on ABC 7 Amarillo.
Aug. 26 is the 94th anniversary of the constitutional amendment that granted women the right to vote. The League of Women Voters of Texas is marking this historic occasion through its ongoing work to engage and empower all voters to participate this year.
"With the 2014 elections fast approaching, the League has been hard at work for months to inform and protect voters," said Texas League of Women Voters president Elaine M. Wiant.
"League members in our community are committed to making sure voters have the information they need to participate in elections and ensure their votes count. In addition to the voter's guides, the League of Women Voters of Texas has been working to educate Texans about the new voter registration guidelines. Of particular importance to women who might have changed their name is that the name on their photo ID must 'substantially' match the name on the list of registered voters."
At the polls, election officials will compare the name on the list of registered voters (i.e., the name as it appears on the right of the voter registration certificate) with the name on the photo ID. If the names match or are substantially similar, the voter will be accepted to vote a regular ballot. If names aren't the same or substantially similar, voters will be offered a provisional ballot and have 6 days from the election to show an acceptable photo ID so that their ballot can count.
There are several methods to change the name on the list of registered voters prior to the deadline. Voters can go to the for specific instructions on how they can ensure that the names match. Changes must be made by Oct. 6, 2014, to be in effect for the election on Nov. 4, 2014. Additional information about voting in Texas can be obtained at www.Vote411.org
"As we pause to mark the anniversary of such a momentous day, we encourage people to set aside just a few minutes to check on your registration status, as well as to start learning about the candidates and issues that will be on your ballot."
"Every election, whether local, state or federal, is our chance to have our say on the issues that matter most to us. The people we elect have enormous power over the laws and policies that shape our lives, so we all need to weigh in. The decades-long fight for women's equality at the ballot box is an important part of American history and our nation's journey toward elections that are free, fair and accessible to all eligible voters," added Ms. Wiant.
"Our foremothers understood that voting provides citizens the ability to have an impact on the critical issues facing their communities," Ms. Wiant concluded. "Women's Equality Day is the perfect time to get ready and commit to vote and participate in the greatest democracy in the world."
For more information about the League of Women Voters of Texas, please visit www.lwvtexas.org or call the League of Women Voters of Texas office at (512) 472-1100.