DALLAS, Texas — President Donald Trump urged Republicans Thursday to vote in the November midterm elections, while Houston-area voters cited travel, registration issues and political apathy as reasons they could miss the polls.
Speaking at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Trump warned supporters against sitting out the election and told them, “You know what happens if you don’t vote? You go to hell.”
Trump then led the crowd in a pledge to vote and encouraged attendees to bring friends and family to the polls. He also appeared to acknowledge that some voters could face difficulties with registration or reaching polling places.
“I don’t care if I’m registered or not. I’m going to try. And cheat like hell like they do,” Trump said.
Houston-area voters told Chron through a Reddit discussion that several factors could affect their plans to vote.
One Heights resident said they would be outside the country on Election Day but planned to vote early. Another voter said they would also vote early because they could not predict what might happen on Election Day.
A Katy resident described a voter-registration problem after moving from Harris County to Fort Bend County. The voter said they bought a home Aug. 20, moved to Fort Bend County and updated their registration that same day, but their registration was suspended for 21 days.
The voter said they spent time contacting Fort Bend County and state officials, with each pointing to the other over the issue.
“Please please pleaseee be proactive about your status. Check it now!” the voter wrote.
Another Reddit user advised voters who encounter registration problems to ask about casting a provisional ballot.
Some voters cited political disinterest rather than logistical problems.
“I don’t know who to vote for. I hate both parties and likely won’t vote,” one user wrote.
Another commenter responded, “Nothing,” when asked what might prevent them from voting.
Trump’s $5,000 proposal
Trump has also promoted a proposed $5,000 payment to Americans if Republicans retain control of Congress.
The proposal has become part of the political discussion among Houston-area voters. One Reddit user called the payment “a HUGE motivator for me” and said it would motivate them to vote Democratic.
Another commenter cited “Trumpflation” as a reason to vote.
Trump framed the November election as a referendum on his administration during his Dallas speech.
“So I’m asking you to pretend that I’m on the ballot,” Trump said. “I’m on the ballot. I’m on the ballot.”
He warned that a Republican loss would cost voters their border security, tax cuts, safety and security, and wealth.
