How to turn “I’ll vote” into “I Voted”
Early, Election Day or mail?
Pick your path. Make your plan.
Life gets busy. Work runs late. The kids need a ride. Suddenly it's 6:45 p.m. on Election Day.
The easiest way to make sure you vote? Decide how, when and where before Nov 3.
Here are five steps to make your voting plan.
1: Decide How You’ll Cast Your Ballot
You have options. Pick the one that fits your life.
Early voting: Oct. 19 to 30. You can vote at any early voting location in your county. More days, more flexibility.
Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., polls are open statewide. Where you can vote depends on your county.
Vote by mail: Only if you qualify. That includes voters who are 65 or older, sick or disabled, out of their county during early voting and on Election Day, expecting to give birth within three weeks of Election Day, or confined in jail but otherwise eligible. Your application must be received by your county by Oct. 23. A postmark isn't enough.
2: Pick the day and time
Put the day, location, and time on your calendar…like any other commitment.
Look up your polling location and hours, since they vary by county. Then, think through the details. How will you get there? Do you need childcare or time off work? A quick plan now saves the scramble later.
3: grab your ID (or id number)
Texas requires one of the following acceptable photo IDs: a Texas driver's license, Texas personal ID card, Texas Election Identification Certificate, Texas handgun license, U.S. military ID with photo, U.S. citizenship certificate with photo, or a U.S. passport (book or card).
Don't have an ID? You still have options. Learn about the Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
Voting by mail? Make sure to add your Texas ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number to the carrier envelope. Often times people forget and the ballot gets flagged. See our Vote by Mail guide for details.
4: Research your ballot
Take time to preview and research your specific ballot, which depends on your address.
Learn more about which offices are being decided
Look for local races and propositions
Research the candidates and issues
5: KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE POLLS
Most voting experiences are pretty straightforward. But it helps to know what to do if yours isn’t.
In line when the polls close at 7 p.m.? Stay in line. You can still vote.
Your name isn’t on the voter list? Ask the poll worker to double-check your registration. If your eligibility still can’t be verified, ask about voting a provisional ballot.
Need help understanding your rights? The nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline is available at: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) and en español: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682)
Need info for voters with disabilities? Find resources at VoteTexas.gov.
Election details can change, so check VoteTexas.gov or your county elections office before you vote.
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Once you have your plan, help someone else make theirs.
Want more ready-to-use emails, graphics and voter info? Access our free, nonpartisan midterm election toolkit.
Midterms Matter is nonpartisan. We don't support or oppose any candidate, party or political position.