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Where to vote, when polls are open and more

Posted on by Kennedy
Where to vote, when polls are open and more

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Election Day is Tuesday and we are here to make sure your vote is counted.

This year's ballot includes several notable races, including the closely contested presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Texas also has a key U.S. Senate seat at stake as U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, challenges Republican incumbent Ted Cruz.

Voters will also weigh in on several key proposals, including Amarillo's Proposal A to become a sanctuary city for the unborn, Dallas' cannabis decriminalization proposal and school bond measures in counties like Austin, Frisco and Allen.

More: Election day is Tuesday. Check out over 90 suggestions from Texas' largest cities

When is Election Day 2024?

Election Day, or the general election, is Tuesday, November 5th.

What time do polling stations open and close on Election Day?

Polling stations are open on election day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. As long as you're in line by 7 p.m., your vote will count, no matter how late you cast it.

By law, you have the right to stay in line until you can cast your vote.

Where do I vote on election day?

About 100 of Texas' 254 counties participate in the Countywide Polling Place Program, meaning registered voters can vote at any location in their county of residence.

Check out these counties here.

If your county does not participate in the program, you can only vote at your county's polling place.

You can find the location of your voting precinct through the Texas Secretary of State's My Voter Portal.

What do I need to bring with me to vote on Election Day?

According to VoteTexas.Gov, these are acceptable forms of ID for voting in the general election:

  • Texas driver's license
  • Texas voter ID card
  • Texas ID card
  • Texas handgun license
  • US citizenship certificate with photo
  • US military ID card
  • US passport

Anyone unable to provide one of the forms of identification listed above may complete a Reasonable Obstacle Declaration and provide an alternative form of identification when voting. This could be a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or voter registration certificate.

No ID? No problem. How to vote in Texas in the 2024 election without a photo ID

Are there any restrictions on what I can wear on Election Day?

Texas law prohibits “campaigning for or against a candidate, measure or political party,” including promoting candidates through clothing and accessories.

Under state law, it is illegal to wear shirts, hats, buttons or masks at polling places to support a candidate. Voters who do not comply will be asked to turn their shirts inside out and leave accessories in their vehicles. Anyone who refuses to do so may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to $500.

This rule only applies to current candidates, ballot measures and parties. Political clothing that references previous candidates such as former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush is permitted. Some politically related slogans such as “Don’t Tread on Me” or “Black Lives Matter” are also generally permitted.

When do I have to return my mail-in ballot?

If your ballot is postmarked on Election Day, it must be received at the local election office by 5 p.m. Wednesday. The shipping envelope must have a postmark indicating that it was mailed by Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

Military members and foreign nationals must mail their ballots postmarked by Election Day. According to the Federal Voting Assistance Program, ballots must be received by November 12th.

What voting rights do I have?

According to the Texas Secretary of State's website, voters have the right to:

  • A ballot paper with written instructions on how to cast your vote.
  • Ask the polling place official for instructions on how to vote (but not suggestions on how to vote).
  • Cast your vote in secret and free from intimidation.
  • If you make a mistake filling out the ballot, you will receive up to two additional ballots.
  • If you do not understand English, bring an interpreter to assist you with voting eligibility.
  • Help cast your vote if you cannot write, see the ballot, or understand the language in which it is written.
  • Report possible voting abuses to the Secretary of State (800-252-8683) or your local elections official.
  • Cast a provisional vote if your name does not appear on the list of registered voters.
  • Vote once at any early voting location during the early voting period in the area where the election is being held.
  • File an administrative complaint with the Secretary of State for violations of federal and state election procedures.

Important dates for the presidential election

  • Election day: November 5th
  • Voting in the Electoral College: Dec 17
  • Congress counts the electoral votes: January 6th
  • Inauguration: January 20th

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