As Election Day approaches, Texas residents have the option to cast their ballots early.
Early voting provides a convenient way for citizens to avoid long lines and last-minute rushes on Election Day, November 5, 2024.
Early voting starts on October 21 and runs through November 1, 2024, in Texas. If you’re unsure where to vote or what to bring, this guide will help you navigate early voting locations, hours, and requirements, with an emphasis on how to find early voting locations by ZIP code.
Dates for Early Voting in Texas
- First day of early voting: October 21, 2024
- Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot: October 25, 2024 (the application must be received by this date)
- Last day of early voting: November 1, 2024
- Election Day: November 5, 2024
What Is Early Voting?
Early voting allows registered voters to cast their ballots before Election Day at specific polling locations within their county of residence.
Texas law allows any registered voter to vote early in person, no excuses are needed. Voters can choose any early voting location in their county, regardless of their designated precinct, unlike on Election Day when voters must go to their assigned polling places.
How to Find Early Voting Locations by ZIP Code
Finding early voting locations is straightforward and can be done through multiple resources.
The Texas Secretary of State’s website (VoteTexas.gov) provides a “My Voter Portal” tool where voters can input their ZIP code and other identifying information to find the closest early voting locations.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit VoteTexas.gov: On the homepage, click on the “Voting in Person” section.
- Select “Where’s my Polling Place?”: This link will take you to the My Voter Portal.
- Enter Your Details: You’ll need to input your name, county, date of birth, and ZIP code.
- Find Early Voting Locations: The portal will show you all the available early voting locations in your area, their addresses, and the hours of operation.
Alternatively, many counties have their own election websites, which provide a similar tool to look up polling places by ZIP code. For example:
- Tarrant County: Early voting information
- Dallas County: Voting locations
- Travis County: Polling place lookup
These sites often feature interactive maps, lists of polling places, and detailed instructions.
Early Voting Hours
Polling place hours can vary depending on your county and the specific day. Generally, most early voting locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
On Sundays, polling locations might have limited hours, typically from noon to 6 p.m. However, it’s always best to verify this information either through the My Voter Portal or your county’s elections website.
For example:
- Tarrant County: Early voting locations are typically open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some sites may have extended hours on specific days.
- Travis County: Locations are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on most days, except for Sundays when the hours may be from noon to 6 p.m.
Special extended voting hours are also available in some counties. For example, Travis County has extended hours on October 31 and November 1, when polls will stay open until 10 p.m. at select locations.
What Do I Need to Bring to Vote?
To vote early in Texas, you must bring an acceptable form of ID. Here are the primary types of identification that are accepted at polling places:
- Texas driver’s license
- Texas election ID certificate
- Texas personal ID card
- Texas handgun license
- U.S. citizenship certificate with a photo
- U.S. military ID card
- U.S. passport
If you’re unable to present one of these forms of ID, you can fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polling site and provide a supporting document, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or government check with your name and address on it.
Are Cellphones Allowed at Polling Places?
No. According to Texas law, the use of wireless communication devices, such as cellphones, tablets, and laptops, is prohibited within 100 feet of the voting stations.
Poll watchers and voters alike are required to turn off their devices while in the voting area. The intention behind this rule is to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the voting process.
Races and Propositions on the 2024 Ballot
Aside from the high-profile race for the U.S. presidency, several significant local, state, and federal races will appear on the Texas ballot.
Here are some of the most important elections:
- U.S. Senate: Incumbent Senator Ted Cruz is facing a challenge from Colin Allred.
- U.S. House of Representatives: Multiple Congressional seats in Texas are up for grabs, including three North Texas districts that will see new representation. Long-serving U.S. Reps. Kay Granger and Michael Burgess are not seeking re-election, leading to competitive races.
- Texas Senate and House: Several state legislative seats are contested, impacting the balance of power in Austin.
- Texas Supreme Court: Three seats on the state’s highest court are also being contested.
- Local Offices: County positions like sheriffs, district attorneys, and county commissioners are on the ballot in various Texas counties. For example, in Hays County, voters will decide on a proposition for a $439 million bond to fund infrastructure and transportation projects.
In addition, local issues like the Dallas City Charter amendments are on the ballot, which would make significant changes to the governance of the city.
Early Voting Locations in Major Texas Counties
To make it easier for you to find early voting locations in key Texas counties, here are examples of how you can locate sites based on ZIP codes:
Travis County (Austin Area)
Voters in ZIP codes like 78701, 78702, and 78758 can cast their ballots at locations such as:
- Austin City Hall, 301 W. Second St., Austin, TX 78701
- University of Texas Union, 2308 Whitis Ave., Austin, TX 78712
- Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave St., Austin, TX 78702
Dallas County
For residents in ZIP codes like 75201, 75230, and 75243, early voting locations include:
- Dallas County Records Building, 500 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75202
- Park Forest Branch Library, 3421 Forest Ln., Dallas, TX 75234
- Richland College, 12800 Abrams Rd., Dallas, TX 75243
Harris County (Houston Area)
Residents of ZIP codes 77002, 77056, and 77099 can vote at locations such as:
- Harris County Administration Building, 1001 Preston St., Houston, TX 77002
- Trini Mendenhall Community Center, 1414 Wirt Rd., Houston, TX 77055
- West Gray Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray St., Houston, TX 77019
Bexar County (San Antonio Area)
In ZIP codes like 78201, 78232, and 78258, voters can head to:
- Bexar County Elections Department, 1103 S. Frio St., San Antonio, TX 78207
- Palo Alto College Gymnasium, 1400 W. Villaret Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78224
- Brookhollow Library, 530 Heimer Rd., San Antonio, TX 78232
Williamson County (Georgetown, Round Rock)
Early voting sites in ZIP codes 78626, 78664, and 78681 include:
- Georgetown Annex, 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626
- Round Rock Randalls, 2051 Gattis School Rd., Round Rock, TX 78664
Why Early Voting Matters
Early voting offers flexibility for people with busy schedules and provides a safeguard against unforeseen events that could prevent someone from voting on Election Day.
Additionally, early voting helps distribute the workload for election officials, contributing to a smoother and more efficient voting process.
Texas is among the many states offering this convenient option, and by using resources like the My Voter Portal to find early voting locations by ZIP code, residents can ensure they have every opportunity to participate in shaping the future of their communities, state, and country.