What you need to know before voting in Texas on Election Day 2024

22 Oct 2024

Austin American-Statesman

What you need to know before voting in Texas on Election Day 2024

Along with voting for the next president, eligible Texans can vote for other officials running on the local, state, and federal levels.

Show Caption

Hide Caption

When is Election Day 2024? When does early voting start in Texas?

Austin American-Statesman goes over Election Day questions and where to keep up with election coverage in Texas.

It's almost time for Texans to cast their ballots in the upcoming Nov. 5 general election.

If you're unaware of where you can vote, what's required of you, and more, here's a guide for registered voters.

When is Election Day 2024?

Election Day, or the general election, is on Nov. 5. In the general election, voters will decide who represents federal, state, and local offices, including the U.S. president, U.S. Senate, and state Legislature.

When is early voting in Texas?

Early voting in Texas begins Oct. 21 and ends on Nov. 1.

Early voting starts in Texas: Here's where and how to vote early in 2024 election

Where can I vote early in Texas?

Registered voters can vote early at any polling place in their county.

According to VoteTexas.gov, early voting locations can be found on their website in the "My Voter Portal" section. Once there, you can enter your name, county, date of birth and zip code to find your registration information and the nearest polling location. You can also contact the early voting clerk for state and county elections for early voting locations near you.

Tex. Elec. Code. § 83.001 defines the duties of an election clerk as:

Set up voting locations.
Manage ballots.
Verify voters.
Provide guidance on how to use voting equipment and address any questions or issues that voters may have.
Ensure a smooth and orderly voting process, preventing any disruptions or improper conduct at the voting site.
Safeguard the integrity of ballots and voting equipment, ensuring votes are accurately recorded and securely stored.

What time do polls open and close during early voting?

Polling place hours may vary according to the day of the week or the voting location. Most locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but it's best to check your county's election page or see the times listed above.

Am I registered to vote for the November 5 election?

The deadline to register to vote was Oct. 7. If you're not sure if you're already registered, you can check here at Texas.gov (it will ask you to enter either your date of birth and first and last name and county, driver's license or voter unique identification number).

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

What time do polls open and close on Election Day 2024?

If you're voting on Election Day, polls in Texas are open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. local time, as per BallotPedia.

As long as you're in the line by 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote even if you haven’t been admitted inside a polling place. You have the right to stay in line as long as it takes to be able to cast your ballot.

Where can I vote on Election Day 2024?

On Election Day, if your county participates in the Countywide Polling Place Program (CWPP) or vote centers, you can vote at any location within your county. Otherwise, you must vote at your designated precinct.

Each residence is assigned to a specific precinct. To find your voting location, you can use the VoteTexas.Gov website and go to the “My Voter Portal” section, which will show available sites two days before Election Day.

What's on the ballot in the November 5 election?

Along with voting for the next president, eligible Texans can vote for other officials running on the local, state, and federal levels.

Here is a look at what's on the ballot according to the Texas secretary of state website:

1 U.S Senator (the seat currently held by Ted Cruz)
1 of 3 Railroad Commissioners
15 State Senators
7 State Board of Education members
3 members of the Texas Supreme Court
3 members of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
5 Chief Justices and various justices for Texas Courts of Appeals

Lower-level judges and local county offices will also appear on the ballot:

Various district judges, including on criminal and family courts
County Courts at Law
Justices of the Peace
District Attorneys
County Attorneys
Sheriffs
Constables
Tax Assessor-Collectors

What do I need to bring to vote on Election Day 2024?

According to VoteTexas.Gov, the following is a list of acceptable forms of ID required to vote in the Nov. 5 election.

Texas driver license
Texas election ID certificate
Texas personal ID card
Texas handgun license
U.S. citizenship certificate with photo
U.S. military ID card
U.S. passport

Those who are unable to present one of the forms of ID listed above may fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polls and present an alternative form of ID. That could be a utility bill, bank statement, government check or voter registration certificate.

More: How can you get a Texas ID, and how to vote in the 2024 election without it?

What are my voting rights?

As stated on the Texas secretary of state website, the following are your rights to vote in Texas:

A ballot with written instructions on how to cast a ballot.
Ask the polling place official for instructions on how to cast a ballot (but not suggestions on how to vote).
Cast your vote in secret and free from intimidation.
Receive up to two more ballots if you make a mistake while marking the ballot.
Bring an interpreter to assist you as you qualify to vote if you do not understand the English language.
Help to cast your ballot if you cannot write, see the ballot, or understand the language in which it is written.
Report a possible voting rights abuse to the Secretary of State (1.800.252.8683) or to your local election official.
Cast a provisional ballot if your name does not appear on the list of registered voters.
Vote once at any early voting location during the early voting period within the territory conducting the election.
File an administrative complaint with the Secretary of State concerning violations of federal and state voting procedures.

Presidential election stressing you out? Here's what you can do when you feel overwhelmed.