If you’re voting on Election Day, polls in Texas are open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. local time.(DeAndres Royal/North Carolina Central University via Getty Images)
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Election Day is almost here, and Texas voters have a lot to decide. On the ballot are 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution — measures that touch nearly every corner of public life, from taxes and education to infrastructure and the courts.
The proposals include billions in property tax cuts approved by lawmakers earlier this year, new funds for water projects, technical colleges and dementia research, and targeted tax breaks for homeowners, small businesses and veterans’ families. Others would address bail limits, judicial oversight and parental rights.
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Here’s a guide to what you need to know before casting your ballot.
What time do polls open on Election Day in Texas? What time do polls close?
If you’re voting on Election Day, polls in Texas are open from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. local time.
As long as you’re in the line by 7 p.m., you will be allowed to vote even if you haven’t been admitted inside a polling place. You have the right to stay in line as long as it takes to be able to cast your ballot.
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What’s on the Texas ballot?
Texas voters will decide on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution, including a package of billions of dollars in property tax cuts approved by state lawmakers earlier this year. Most proposals would deliver targeted tax breaks for homeowners, small businesses, veterans’ spouses and others, or ban new state taxes on capital gains and inheritances. Others would create new funds for water projects, technical colleges and dementia research, and address bail limits, parental rights and judicial oversight.
Can I still vote early?
No. Early voting ended on Friday, Oct. 31.
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Am I registered to vote in Texas?
Voter rolls are updated on a regular basis, and if your status has changed, you haven’t voted in two general elections, or you have not responded to flyers verifying your address, you might have been removed.
A number of organizations provide a service that allows you to check voter registration, including Rock the Vote.
You can verify your voter registration status on the Texas Secretary of State’s website. Submit the form to see your voter status, address, county, voter ID number, political party and your voter status. “Active” means you are eligible to vote.
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How to prevent delays while voting at the polls
If you encounter a delay at the voting booth, here’s what the Brennan Center for Justice suggests:
- Check your registration status and polling location before voting.
- Understand your Texas rules before heading to the poll.
- Try to go to the polls early.
- Pay attention to your voting machine.
What do I need to bring to vote on Election Day in Texas?
According to VoteTexas.Gov, the following is a list of acceptable forms of ID required to vote in the Nov. 4 election.
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- Texas driver’s license
- Texas election ID certificate
- Texas personal ID card
- Texas handgun license
- U.S. citizenship certificate with photo
- U.S. military ID card
- U.S. passport
Those who are unable to present one of the forms of ID listed above may fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polls and present an alternative form of ID. That could be a utility bill, bank statement, government check or voter registration certificate.
What are my voting rights?
As stated on the Texas Secretary of State website, the following are your rights to vote in Texas:
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- A ballot with written instructions on how to cast a ballot.
- Ask the polling place official for instructions on how to cast a ballot (but not suggestions on how to vote).
- Cast your vote in secret and free from intimidation.
- Receive up to two more ballots if you make a mistake while marking the ballot.
- Bring an interpreter to assist you as you qualify to vote if you do not understand the English language.
- Help to cast your ballot if you cannot write, see the ballot, or understand the language in which it is written.
- Report a possible voting rights abuse to the Secretary of State (1.800.252.8683) or to your local election official.
- Cast a provisional ballot if your name does not appear on the list of registered voters.
- Vote once at any early voting location during the early voting period within the territory conducting the election.
- File an administrative complaint with the Secretary of State concerning violations of federal and state voting procedures.
