The Nov. 5 election can provide students with an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote and make their voices heard in government.

Every seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate seats are up for grab this election. Several state and local offices are open as well.

Whether you’re from Texas or from out of state, voting is a way to influence the path of government.

Although it is too late to register to vote in the Nov. 5 elections, students can request an absentee ballot from their home states. Procedures and deadlines for absentee voting vary from state-to-state, so students are urged to check out their state’s election Web sites for specific information on deadlines and procedures.

First time voters wishing to register in Dallas for future elections can do so by contacting the Dallas County Elections Department, local public libraries and tax offices.

In order to vote, students must be 18 years old, a citizen of the United States and a resident of the state in which they wish to vote. Voters must be deemed mentally competent in the final ruling of a court and must have completed any parole or probation time if convicted of a felony.

Texas students should call the County Election Department at (214) 653-7871 or go the Texas Secretary of State’s Web site at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/ look under election voter information and click on voter information. Under the subcategory-student voters, will be a link allowing students to request an absentee ballot application.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 5.

Choosing to vote early could eliminate long wait time. Voters can vote early now through Nov. 1. For more information about early voting visit http://www.dalcoelections.org/nov52002/EARLYVOTING.htm.