This presidential election is the most important election in modern history. We have the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Important Dates
October 5: Last Day to Register to Vote in Texas (Click here for other states)
October 13-30: Early Voting in Texas (Click here for other states)
October 23: Last Day to Apply for a Mail in Ballot in Texas (Click here for other states)
November 3: Election Day (Last day to receive mail in ballot)
How do I register to vote?
The deadline to register and be eligible to vote in the November 3, 2020 election in Texas is October 5, 2020 (click here for other states). This can be either the postmark date or the date the application is received in the office of the voter registrar. You may, of course, register at any time before that date to ensure that your registration is effective for voting in November.
1. Obtain a voter registration application from your voter registrar's office, libraries, most post offices, and high schools.
2. You can also fill out a voter registration application online or request a postage-paid application be mailed to you.
Note: If you fill out a voter registration application online using the above link, you must print the completed application and send it to your county voter registrar’s office.
How can I verify if my registration is current?
● Or, you can call the voter registrar’s office in the county where you reside.
Can I vote by mail?
Only specific reasons entitle a registered voter to vote early by mail (no longer called absentee voting). You may request a ballot by mail if you:
Will be away from your county on Election Day and during the hours that early voting is conducted;
Are sick or disabled;
Are 65 years of age or older on Election Day; or
Are confined in jail.
Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID in Texas:
● 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 one of the forms of acceptable photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one:
● Copy or original of a government document that shows the voter’s name and an 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; or
● 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).
After presenting one of the forms of supporting ID listed above, the voter must execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON ID REQUIREMENTS CAN BE FOUND AT https://www.votetexas.gov/mobile/id-faqs.htm
If you live outside of Texas, click here to learn the acceptable forms of ID in your state.
Where to Vote
You can find polling locations for your state here. You may also want to contact the Early Voting Clerk for State and County Elections in your county.
Democracy Is Participatory
Democracy only works when we all participate. This year, democracy itself "is on the ballot." If we do not show up in unprecedented numbers, we may not longer have the right to vote in this country. This isn't hyperbole. Vote like democracy depends on it, because this election it really does.