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As early voting begins, Mayor Sylvester Turner is encouraging young people to vote and participate in the Mayor’s Early Voting Challenge, a push to encourage voters to cast their ballots in early voting period, the two weeks prior to election day.

This year, the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and the University of Houston-Downtown will compete for the largest early voting turnout.

“Every election is important, and voting is the very foundation of our government. I encourage all residents to make their voices heard at the ballot box,” said Mayor Turner. “Whether you are a Coog, a TSU Tiger, or a UH-D Gator, participating in government is key to a successful society.”

Early voting runs 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. from Monday, October 24th until Friday, November 4th. Each day, the totals from the polling locations on each college campus will be counted and shared. At the end of the early voting period, the campus with the most ballots cast will receive special recognition from Mayor Turner.

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Mayor Turner first announced the voting challenge last week when he joined Academy-award winning actor Lin-Manuel Miranda at an event hosted by NextGenAmerica, Deeds Not Words, and MOVE Texas at Cullen Performance Hall on UH campus. Before the event, the two spoke privately with leaders of student government from several universities and colleges, discussing issues important to the students and what they hope for the future.

“Texas has some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country, and the state is trying to interfere with the process and intimidate legal voters from showing up at the polls by sending poll watchers in a disingenuous manner,” continued Mayor Turner. “I want young people to participate in making our community and country better, and encourage their family, friends and classmates to do the same.”