Early voting has begun in Harris County, and runs through Nov. 4. Election Day is Nov. 8. It’s too late to register to vote — but assuming that you’re already registered, here’s what else you need to know.
What Do I Need?
- Bring your driver’s license or other approved photo ID. If you’re between 18 and 69, an expired photo ID is okay if it expired less than four years ago. If you’re 70 or older, you don’t have to worry if the ID has expired.
- If you don’t have an approved photo ID, bring a voter registration certificate, U.S. birth certificate, current utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, government check or another government document that has your name and address on it. You’ll also need to fill out a Reasonable Impediment form at the polling place.
- Voters without an acceptable form of ID can vote on a provisional ballot, but must come to a branch location within six days after the election to verify their identification.
- You can bring a sample ballot or handwritten notes, but electronics are not allowed in the voting booth – so no, you can’t check notes on your phone.
- If you need assistance, you can bring someone to help you while you vote. They must notify the presiding judge. Your assistant will take an oath and sign paperwork that they’re not forcing you to vote or persuading you to vote a certain way.
What About the Ballot?
- Harris County’s ballot, the longest in Texas, is two pages long.
- It’s available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
- Voting machines allow you to increase the font size or contrast. After you finish voting, you’ll print your ballot from the voting machine and you’ll scan it into the machine near the exit. Here’s a video that breaks down how to use the new voting machines.
- You can preview your ballot here.
- The League of Women Voters and the Houston Chronicle offer nonpartisan voter’s guides to the election.
What About Logistics?
- Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. most days during early voting. On Nov. 3, voting hours extend until 10 p.m. On Oct. 30, polls open up later at noon.
- You can vote at any poll location during Early Voting and on Election Day. Find the closest poll location here.
- If you want to vote by mail, you must meet eligibility requirements. The deadline to apply is Oct. 28
