A significant midterm election is approaching, with voters gearing up for the pivotal General Election on Tuesday, November 3. Early voting in Travis County begins next week, and residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the ballot and voting procedures. This guide serves as a resource to help voters navigate the upcoming election.
Travis County voters can expect a comprehensive ballot this election cycle. Key federal and state positions, such as U.S. Senator, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, agricultural commissioner, and comptroller, will be contested. Voters will also select representatives for the U.S. House of Representatives, the Texas House, and the Texas Senate. Additionally, justices for the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will be chosen, along with new members for the State Board of Education and the Austin Independent School District board.
Depending on your district, you may have the opportunity to vote for one of the five available Austin City Council seats. An interactive map is available to help residents identify their council district. The city will also present two significant bond propositions concerning libraries and parks, along with various amendments to the city charter.
Several county-level positions, including County Judge and County Clerk, will appear on the ballot as well, with candidates running unopposed. Even though these positions have no contest, casting a vote can reflect community support, potentially influencing future elections.
To review the complete list of races in Travis County, a sample ballot is accessible online. Voters are advised that they do not need to memorize their choices; bringing paper notes to the polling place is permitted. However, electronic devices such as phones and laptops are not allowed.
Checking Voter Registration
Voters can check their registration status through the Texas Secretary of State’s voter portal. If registration has lapsed, the deadline for this election has passed, but information on future registration can be found on the Vote Texas website.
If you are listed as a voter in suspense due to a suspected change of address, you can still vote. If you’ve moved within Travis County, you can cast your ballot at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. If you are registered in a different Texas county, you can only vote at the Travis County Clerk’s Office during early voting with a limited ballot.
Voting Schedule and Locations
Early voting in Travis County starts on October 19 and ends on October 30, with Election Day set for November 3. Residents can vote at any polling location within the county, and a list of these locations can be found online.
Polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. On the final two days of early voting, seven locations will extend their hours until 10 p.m. These sites include the Ben Hur Shrine Center, Lakeway Activity Center, Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, and others.
Required Identification
Voters must present a photo ID when casting their ballots. Accepted forms of ID include a Texas driver’s license, election identification certificate, personal identification card, handgun license, military ID, U.S. citizenship certificate, or passport. IDs can be expired for up to four years, and those aged 70 or older can use IDs that have been expired for any duration.
If a voter cannot provide one of the accepted forms of ID, alternative documentation is allowed, such as a government document with name and address, a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or certified birth certificate. These documents can be presented as copies or originals, and a form must be signed indicating the reason for not having an ID.
Polling Place Regulations
Campaigning is strictly prohibited at polling places. Political materials and signs cannot be distributed within 100 feet of voting locations, and voters are not allowed to wear campaign-related clothing. Recording devices are also banned inside polling areas, although phones can be used while waiting in line.
Voting by Mail
For those opting to vote by mail, the application deadline is October 23. Registered voters can qualify for mail-in voting if they will be out of their county on Election Day or during early voting, are sick or disabled, are 65 or older, are confined in jail but eligible to vote, or are expecting to give birth around Election Day.
Application forms for mail-in ballots can be found on the Texas Secretary of State’s website. Upon completion, the application must be mailed to the Travis County Clerk’s Office and received by October 23.
Once you receive your mail-in ballot, be mindful of the deadlines to ensure it is counted: it must be postmarked by November 3 and delivered by mail by November 4 at 5 p.m. In-person delivery of mail-in ballots can only be done at the county elections office on Election Day, and a photo ID is required.
Due to recent changes in postal service operations, there may be delays in mail processing. To ensure your ballot is postmarked on time, you can request a “manual postmark” at the post office. Voters can track the status of their mail-in ballots through the Texas Secretary of State’s ballot tracker.
