Deadline to register to vote is today

The deadline to register to vote in Texas is Tuesday, October 11, and the state has outlined several criteria people must meet in order to be eligible to cast their ballots.  

U.S. citizen

Resident of county where the voter registration application is submitted

Resident is at least 18 years old on Election Day

Resident isn’t a convicted felon

Resident hasn’t been declared “mentally incapacitated” by a court of law

Those who are new to Texas and registering to vote for the first time must complete the Texas Secretary of State’s online voter registration application.  After filling out the form, they must print and sign it before either dropping it off in person to their county election office, or sending it via email. 

Unlike some other states, Texas is not one that allows people to register to vote 100% online.

If you are a Texas resident with an in-state driver’s license or state I.D. but not registered to vote, you can register online while renewing, replacing or changing your contact information through the Department of Public Safety.  DPS’s website has an online portal where residents can update their driver’s license information.

In Texas, there are seven forms of approved I.D.; eligible voters need to bring one form with them to the polls.

Texas Driver License

Texas Election I.D. Certificate

Texas Personal I.D. Card

Texas Handgun License

U.S. Citizenship Certificate with Photo

U.S. Military I.D. Card

U.S. Passport (book or card)

If someone who’s eligible to vote doesn’t have any of these forms, they can bring their certified domestic birth certificate or court-admissible birth document; current utility bill; bank statement; government check; paycheck; or a government document with your name and address, including your voter registration certificate.

Voting by mail is an option for some Texas residents, including those who are 65 years and older; are sick or have a disability; are out of the county on Election Day and during early voting period; are expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day; or are confined to jail but otherwise eligible.

Election Day is scheduled for Tuesday, November 8.  In advance of that are key deadlines, including:

October 11:  Voter registration deadline

October 24:  Early voting begins

October 28:  Mail-in ballot application deadline

November 4:  Early voting ends

For more information about Texas elections, visit votetexas.gov.