HOUSTON — It’s time to make your voice heard, Houston!
Tuesday, March 5, marks the official day for primary elections, but early voting officially begins today.
Early vote centers in Harris County will be open Tuesday, Feb. 20 through Friday, March 1 (7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday).
On Election Day (March 5), vote centers will accept voters from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Here are some important things to know before casting your ballot:
What Should I Bring to Vote?
Voters should bring an acceptable form of photo ID when casting their ballot at a voting center.
According to Harris Votes, if you are 18-69 years old, then you may use an approved photo ID that has expired for up to four years. If you are 70+ years old, then the photo ID may be expired for more than four years.
If you do not have a photo ID, then you may fill out a reasonable impediment form, and use a supporting form of ID:
- Voter registration certificate
- Certified U.S. (including territory) birth certificate
- Current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck (must show your name and any address)
- Government check (must show your name and address)
- Any other government document showing your name and any address (Examples: An out-of-state license, a government employee ID)
- Voters who do not have an acceptable form of ID or a supporting document with them may vote on a provisional ballot but must come to any of the 10 branch locations within six days after the election to verify their identification (also known as “curing”).
- Library cards of any kind (Houston Public Library, Harris County Public Library’s Enhanced+ Photo ID) are not acceptable forms of ID.
Your printed sample ballot or handwritten notes
Phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices cannot be used within 100 feet of the entrance of a vote center. It is against the law, as they can be used as recording devices.
Need assistance when voting?
- If you need help in the voting booth, you may bring someone to help you read the screen, but you must notify the presiding judge so that your helper can take an oath and sign the appropriate paperwork, swearing they are not forcing you to vote against your will or persuading you to vote a certain way.
- If you are deciding to vote in person, rather than use your mail ballot, then bring your mail ballot to surrender.
- If you do not bring your mail ballot with you, no problem. The election workers will set you up so that you can vote provisionally.
Looking to apply for a mail ballot? The deadline is Feb. 23. Click here for an application.
Where Can I Vote?
Voters in Harris County can click here to find the nearest vote center. Voters do not have assigned vote centers and can choose whichever one they would like to go to in the county.
Sample Ballots
Click here to see sample ballots for the Democratic and Republican parties.
