Election Alert: Early Voting In Texas Begins Monday!

Hey, remember that early voting starts on Monday, May 20!

As you gear up for the May 28 runoffs, where candidates will battle it out for a spot on the November ballot, understanding the ins and outs of the voting process is crucial. From mail-in voting to early voting, here’s your comprehensive guide to participating in the upcoming elections and a closer look at what’s on the ballot.

There were 32 state and federal elections heading to runoffs because no candidate won more than half the votes. The most significant runoffs are in the Texas House of Representatives, where both Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton forced eight House Republican incumbents into runoffs, including House Speaker Dade Phelan.

Gov. Abbott went after Republican House Representatives who voted against his voucher proposal during the last Legislative session, and Paxton went after those Representatives who voted to impeach him.

Am I Registered to Vote?

You can check and verify your information through the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

Key Dates to Remember:

– May 17: Last day to apply for mail-in voting.
– May 20-24: Early in-person voting.
– May 28: Election day!  

Mail-In Voting:

Mail-in voting is available under limited circumstances in Texas:

– Individuals aged 65 or older
– Individuals with a sickness or disability that prevents them from voting in person
– Individuals that will not be in their county for the entire voting period
– Individuals expected to give birth within three weeks before or after election day
– Individuals confined in jail but otherwise eligible

Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted by May 17, with completed ballots due by 5 p.m. on May 29 (account for the time that it will take the county to receive your ballot in the mail after you apply.)

You can download an application here or request one to be mailed to you here.

Early Voting and Election Day: 

Early in-person voting provides an opportunity for voters to cast their ballots from May 20 to May 24. 

You are eligible to vote if you are properly registered and you can cast your ballot at any polling location in the county where you are registered to vote.

To check your country’s early voting locations check their official election office’s website.

On election day, May 28, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s crucial to check your polling location beforehand, as they may differ from early voting sites.

Proper identification is required when voting in person, with several acceptable forms of ID listed. For individuals without valid photo ID, provisional ballots are available. 

As Texans prepare to head to the polls for the May 28 runoffs, understanding the voting process and key dates is paramount, by staying informed and participating in the electoral process, voters can make their voices heard and shape the future of the Lone Star State.