Reform Austin

Voting and elections are critical to our national infrastructure. Every year, Texans have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, and this one is no different. With the country’s democratic process moving forward in the midst of a pandemic, and vote-by-mail expansion in Texas stalled, Reform Austin has produced a guide on how to register and vote in the state.

Click here to check your registration status. If you are not registered to vote in the state, we encourage you to watch our video on:

Click here to view the printable online form.

To be eligible to vote in the state’s primary runoffs, all Texans must be: 

1. 18 years old or older
2. a citizen of the United States
3. a resident of the state
4. not a convicted felon (you may be eligible to vote if you have completed your sentence, probation and parole)
5. have been registered to vote as of the deadline (for the primary runoff, the deadline was June 15)

Not all Texans will be voting in person. Some have the opportunity to vote by mail. 

If you are over the age of 65, have a disability or are not in the county during the voting period, you can request a ballot by mail 11 days before the election. In order to receive a ballot by mail for the November Presidential election, applicants have until October 23 for their forms to be completed and mailed. With the COVID-19 pandemic still underway, the Texas Supreme Court has left it up to each individual voter to decide if they have a disability that qualifies them to request a mail ballot.  The official application to vote by mail is available at the Texas Secretary of State’s website. For a more in-depth description on how to request a mail ballot, watch our video below.

It differs depending on where you live. You can find more information on the candidates on the ballot here.

The pandemic-caused shortage of election workers has state and local officials searching for solutions. If you are interested in helping aid the election process, click here to learn more about all of the opportunities available.

If you are interested in becoming a poll worker, training courses are now offered online on the secretary of state’s website. You can sign up to help through your local county election division.

A lot has happened lately in Texas. Click here to see the latest in Texas election news.

Do I need my voter registration card?

No, voter registration cards let you know that you have successfully registered to vote. They contain information for where to vote on Election Day and a phone number if you have any questions.

Do you need to show identification to vote?

Yes! Photo I.D. is required to vote in the state of Texas.

What are the acceptable forms of identification?

In order to vote in Texas, you must bring an acceptable form of photo identification, these include:

1. 1. 1. 1. Driver’s license from a U.S. state
         2. Federal or state ID card
         3. Military ID card
         4. U.S. passport
         5. License to Carry a Handgun
         6. Pilot’s license
         7. Law enforcement employment ID (federal, state, or city)
         8. Offender ID issued by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or an ID from a federal or U.S. state correctional facility or institution
            

What if a voter does not possess an acceptable form of voter identification?

Voters who do not possess an acceptable form of photo I.D. or a supporting document have the option of casting a provisional ballot. In order to vote by provisional ballot, you will need to ask an election official at the polling location for aid.

What if I go to a polling place and they tell me I’m not registered?

First, you want to make sure you are at the right polling location. If you are not within your designated polling center, you will not be on the list of voters. However, if you are at the correct location and are not on the list, you can still cast a ballot. Again you will need to ask a poll worker for a provisional ballot. It is required that the state notify you as to whether your ballot was counted.

How do I find my polling location?

Some Texas counties allow voters to vote at any location in their jurisdiction. The counties participating in countywide voting are listed here. If your county does not participate in countywide voting, you’ll need to vote at the polling location for your assigned precinct. This can be found using the ‘My Voter Page’ on the secretary of state’s website.

What if I am serving in the military overseas?

You are eligible to absentee by filling out a federal postcard application, which needs to be returned no less than 11 days before the election.

What if I am a student?

You are eligible to vote absentee (or by mail) if you are still registered to vote at the address where you live when not at school.

What if I have a disability?

Every voter has the right to cast a private and independent ballot, including voters with disabilities. Polling places are required to be accessible and amenable. If you would rather not vote in person, you can request a ballot-by-mail. Just be sure to follow all applicable deadlines mentioned above.

Do I have to be registered with a political party to vote?

No!

For any additional voter questions, please email hello@reformaustin.org.