In Harris County, we’ve seen a big turnout so far. According to the Harris County Clerk’s Office, as of Thursday, 1.04 million residents have voted early in person.
HOUSTON — Friday marks the final day of early voting across the Lone Star State.
In Harris County, we’ve seen a big turnout so far. According to the Harris County Clerk’s Office, as of Thursday, 1.04 million residents have voted early in person.
Political science experts said the campaigns for major races are keeping a close eye on early voting numbers.
“The campaigns know who’s cast the ballot and who hasn’t cast the ballot,” said Rice University Political Science Professor Mark Jones. “Since they have databases where they can predict how people vote — more or less — they’ll know if they’re doing good or if they’re not doing as well as they hoped.”
Jones said it also allows campaigns to target their resources better, reaching out to people who have not turned out to vote rather than people who have.
If you’re planning on early voting, here’s some important information to know before heading to the polls:
Where do I vote?
Below are links to county election offices, where they are keeping lists and maps of voting locations.
What do I bring with me to vote in person?
- Texas Driver’s License issued by Texas 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)
For voters aged 18-69, photo IDs must not be expired for more than four years, with the exception of U.S. Citizenship Certificate, which doesn’t expire. For anyone 70 years and above, acceptable forms of photo IDs can be expired for any length of time if the ID is otherwise valid.
For those who don’t have any of the above forms of ID, here are some supporting forms of ID that can be shown.
- 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).
You can learn more about acceptable forms of ID here.
What’s not allowed at voting locations?
According to Texas law, no one can use any wireless communication devices within 100 feet of voting stations. People also can’t use mechanical or electronic devices to record sound or images within 100 feet of voting stations.
You cannot use the following at polling locations:
- Cell phones
- Cameras
- Tablet computers
- Laptop computers
- Sound recorders
- Any other device that may communicate wirelessly, or be used to record sound or images
What you can’t wear to the polls
You can’t wear clothing or have any similar communication that relates to a candidate, measure or political party. If you do, a presiding judge can enforce the law within 100 feet outside a polling place entrance. You may be asked to cover up before going inside to vote.