Students at the University of Houston and Texas Southern University will be able to cast ballots on campus in this November’s general election, the Harris County Clerk’s office announced Monday.

For the first time, the two schools will host early voting sites. In the past, students could only vote on campus on Election Day.

“It’s so important for young people to be involved in the election process,” said Diane Trautman, the county clerk.

Administrators at both schools, which combined have more than 50,000 students, praised the move.

“Hosting a polling station will allow convenient access for our thousands of students, faculty, staff and members of the community to exercise their civic right to vote,” said Jason Smith, vice chancellor at the University of Houston.

Harris County on Aug. 2 received permission from the Texas secretary of state to use voting centers in high-turnout elections. Under this system, residents can vote at any polling location, rather than their assigned precinct.

Early voting begins Oct. 21. The county clerk’s office plans to open six new locations, bringing the total number of early voting sites to 52.

Election Day is Nov. 5.

zach.despart@chron.com