Texas Early Voting: What you need to know

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Voters cast their ballots at a polling station for the 2024 primary elections during early voting ahead of the election day in Chicago, Illinois, United States on March 13, 2024. (Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)

HOUSTON - Early voting gets underway on Monday across Texas. Here's what you need to know to cast your ballot.

Texas early voting dates and poll locations

Any registered voter may vote early in person. Early voting for the Nov. 5, 2024 election begins on Oct. 21 and ends on Nov. 1.

In many Texas counties, you may vote at any early voting location in your county of registration.

To double-check in your specific county, visit the Am I Registered portal on the Secretary of State’s website during the early voting period. It will list the locations where you can vote early.

Early voting hours are generally 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. but may vary depending on the day of the week and the location.

Where do I vote? How to find your precinct

Your assigned polling place is based on where you live. Visit your county's election page for the polling locations and sample ballots.

You will also be able to find election day voting locations by visiting the state's webpage, which will be populated with voting sites a few days before election day. Or, you may want to contact the Election Official for State and County Elections in your county.

County Election Information

Harris County

If you have questions about your ballot, voting locations, or anything else, ask your county election office.

If you have more questions about the voting process, you can find more information here.

What races are on the ballot?

Visit your county's election page for sample ballots and additional resources.

The FOX 26 Elections page also has breakdowns of some of the hot ticket items Texans are voting on during this election.

Do I need an ID to vote in Texas?

In order to vote in person during early voting or on election day, Texas voters will be asked to present an acceptable form of photo ID. Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID:

Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
United States Passport (book or card)

Here is a list of the supporting forms of ID that can be presented if the voter does not possess an acceptable form of photo identification and cannot reasonably obtain one:

Copy or original of a government document that shows the voter’s name and address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate
Copy of or original current utility bill
Copy of or original bank statement
Copy of or original government check
Copy of or original paycheck
Copy of or original of (a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate or (b) a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document)

For more information on acceptable forms of ID and what you can do if you do not have one, click here.

Important dates for the November 2024 Presidential Election

Monday, Oct. 21 - Early voting begins for the November 2024 Presidential Election

Friday, Oct. 25 - Mail-in ballot application deadline for the November 2024 Presidential Election

Friday, Nov. 1 - Early voting ends for the November 2024 Presidential Election

Tuesday, Nov. 5 - 2024 General Election Day

Talking to your kids about the election

Parenting expert Petal Modeste discusses how you should talk about the upcoming election with your children.

When are polls open on election day?

The polls in Texas are open from 7 a.m. on the date of the election until 7 p.m. Anyone in line at the time the polls close will be allowed to cast their ballot.

How to vote by mail in Texas

Voting by mail is an option, but only for specific situations.

Here are the conditions to be eligible to vote by mail in the State of Texas:

be 65 years or older;
be sick or disabled;
be out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance; or
be expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day; or
be confined in jail, but otherwise eligible.

If you would like to vote by mail, you must apply to do so.

You can print the Application for Ballot by Mail here, or you can order one online here, and it will be mailed to you.

To track the status of your ballot by mail application or ballot, click here.