Early voting kicks off today in Austin, marking the beginning of the March 3 primary elections. Voters in Travis County will have the opportunity to help determine the nominees for both the Republican and Democratic parties ahead of the November general election.
This year’s primary election features a slate of crucial state and local races. Voters will select candidates for prominent positions, including Texas governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, U.S. senator, and all state House seats.
While primary elections in Texas typically see lower voter turnout, they provide an essential opportunity for voters to select from a wider array of candidates, increasing the chances of supporting someone who aligns with their views. Due to significant gerrymandering in the state, many races are effectively decided in the primary stage.
This guide aims to help voters understand what will be on their ballots, formulate a voting plan, and proudly wear their ‘I Voted’ sticker after casting their votes. Additionally, voter guides for Williamson County and Hays County have been made available.
What’s on My Ballot?
Several key statewide races will appear on the ballot, including contests for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, U.S. senator, and Texas comptroller. Voters will also find a congressional district race and, depending on their location and party affiliation, one of two Travis County Commissioner races.
In the race for the Precinct 4 position, which represents a significant portion of South and Southeast Travis County, four Democrats are vying for the spot left vacant by the retiring incumbent, Margaret Gomez, who has served for over three decades. Similarly, four Democrats are competing for the Precinct 2 position, which covers parts of West, Central, and Eastern Travis County north of the river, challenging incumbent Brigid Shea, who has held her office since 2015.
Voters will also encounter multiple state propositions and various county-level offices, including district judges and justices.
Sample ballots for Republicans and Democrats are available online, and personalized ballots based on residential locations can be accessed through the Vote 411 website.
Am I Registered to Vote?
To verify your voter registration status, visit the Texas Secretary of State’s My Voter Portal. The registration deadline for this election has already passed, but those who missed it can register for future elections via the Vote Texas website.
When and Where Can I Vote?
Early voting in Travis County is set from February 17 to February 27, with Election Day on Tuesday, March 3. Residents of Travis County can vote at any polling location throughout the county.
Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Notably, on the final two days of early voting, February 26 and February 27, seven early voting sites will remain open until 10 p.m. These locations include:
- Ben Hur Shrine Center
- Carver Branch Library
- Lakeway Activity Center
- PfISD Rock Gym
- Randalls Brodie
- Travis County Clerk, 5501 Airport Blvd.
- UT Texas Union
On Election Day, polling places will also operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. As long as you are in line by the time the polls close, you will be able to cast your ballot.
What Should I Bring to the Polls?
Voters are required to present a photo ID, which should be current or can be expired for up to four years. For those aged 70 and older, any expired photo ID is acceptable. Accepted forms of identification include:
- Texas driver’s license
- Texas election identification certificate
- Texas personal identification card
- Texas handgun license
- U.S. military identification card with a photograph
- U.S. citizenship certificate with a photograph
- U.S. passport
If obtaining an ID poses a challenge, alternatives include government documents showing your name and address, such as a voter registration certificate, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or a court-admissible birth document. These can be presented as either a copy or original, but you will need to sign a form stating that you encountered a reasonable impediment to acquiring an ID.
What Should I Not Bring to the Polls?
Voters are prohibited from bringing recording devices, including cellphones and cameras, into the polling area, as recording is strictly forbidden. Any notes must be written or printed on paper. Additionally, attire that promotes any party, candidate, or proposition, even if not listed on the ballot, should be avoided.
What If I Want to Vote by Mail?
Voting by mail is not an option for everyone. Eligible voters must submit an application by the deadline of Friday, February 20, at 5 p.m.
Registered Texans can vote by mail if they:
- Will be away from their county on Election Day and during early voting
- Are sick or disabled
- Are 65 years of age or older on Election Day
- Are confined in jail but eligible to vote
- Are expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day
Applications for mail-in ballots can be printed and completed in both English and Spanish. It is important to note that a new application is required for each election, even if you applied in previous years.
Once the mail-in ballot is received, several critical deadlines must be observed to ensure it is counted:
- Postmarked by March 3 at 7 p.m.
- Received by mail by March 4 at 5 p.m.
- In-person delivery by March 3 at 7 p.m.
- Military and overseas ballots must be received by March 9
Mail-in ballots can only be hand-delivered to the county elections office on Election Day, and a photo ID is required. Friends or family members are not permitted to submit ballots on your behalf.
Recent changes in U.S. Postal Service operations may influence mail delivery times, potentially affecting when ballots are postmarked. If there are concerns about meeting the deadline, voters can request a “manual postmark” at the post office.
Tracking the status of your mail-in ballot is possible through the Texas Secretary of State’s ballot tracker.
