HOUSTON — Are you ready to make your voice heard, Houston?
Election season is here and it’s important for Harris County voters to be informed about the early voting process. Early voting allows you to cast your ballot ahead of Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024), offering flexibility and convenience. As of 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, Harris County has recorded 103,000 total in-person early votes. Here’s what you need to know to participate in early voting in Harris County.
1. Key Dates for Early Voting
– Early Voting Period: Starts on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, and ends on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. Make sure to plan accordingly, as early voting times can vary by location.
2. Who Can Vote Early?
Any registered voter in Harris County can vote early in person, with no need for a specific reason. However, if you wish to vote by mail, you must meet one of the following criteria:
– 65 years of age or older
– Sick or disabled
– Expecting to be out of the county during early voting and on Election Day
– Confined in jail (but otherwise eligible to vote)
3. How to Check Your Voter Registration Status
Before heading to the polls, ensure you are registered to vote. Visit the Harris County Voter Registration Search to verify your registration status or to find your precinct and other details.
4. Early Voting Locations
Harris County offers a wide range of early voting locations. You can vote at any polling location during the early voting period, regardless of your designated precinct. Polling locations are available across the county, including at libraries, community centers, and county buildings.
To find a location near you, visit https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers or https://appfiles.harrisvotes.com/harrisvotes/prd/docs/VotingInfo/VoteCenters_en-US.pdf.
5. What to Bring to the Polls
Texas law requires voters to show a photo ID at the polls. Acceptable forms of ID include:
– Texas Driver License
– Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC)
– Texas Personal Identification Card
– Texas License to Carry a Handgun
– U.S. Military Identification Card with photo
– U.S. Citizenship Certificate with photo
– U.S. Passport (book or card)
If you do not have an ID, you may still vote by signing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and providing an alternative form of ID, such as:
– A current utility bill
– Bank statement
– Government check
– Paycheck
– A certified birth certificate
6. Early Voting Hours
Most locations follow these general hours:
– Monday – Saturday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
– Sunday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Check specific polling locations for exact times.
7. Voting by Mail
If you meet the eligibility criteria (age, disability, etc.), you can apply to vote by mail. Here’s how:
– Application Deadline: The application to apply for a mail-in ballot must be received by the county by Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 (not postmarked). The deadline for mail-in ballots to be returned or postmarked is Nov. 5, 2024.
– How to Apply: Submit a mail-in ballot application via mail, fax, or email. You can download the application at https://www.harrisvotes.com/.
Once you receive your ballot, make sure to return it early. The mail-in ballot must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day, and it must be received by 5 p.m. on the following day.
8. What’s on the Ballot?
During early voting, you’ll be able to vote in several key races and on important issues such as:
– Presidential Election
– Congressional Elections
– State Legislature Races
– Local City and County Offices
– Propositions and Referendums
For a complete list of races and referenda, you can view a sample ballot by visiting https://www.harrisvotes.com/Voter/SampleBallot.
9. Voter Assistance and Accessibility
Harris County offers a range of services to ensure all voters can participate, including:
– Curbside voting for individuals with mobility issues
– Language assistance (Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and other languages available)
– Ballot marking devices for voters with disabilities
For more information on accessibility options, visit the Harris County Elections Office.
10. Important Reminders
– Be Informed: Research the candidates and propositions beforehand to save time at the polling station.
– Avoid Peak Times: If possible, vote during non-peak hours (mid-morning or mid-afternoon) to avoid lines.
– Stay Safe: Be mindful of health guidelines or restrictions that may still be in place.
For more information about early voting in Harris County, visit harrisvotes.com or call the Harris County Clerk’s Office’s Election Department at 713-755-6965. Make your voice heard and vote early!
