Guide to Texas Voting Requirements

As the November 5, 2024, presidential election approaches, it’s important to know how to register to vote and the deadline to do so. You should also know how and where to vote, and the identification needed to cast your vote. Without understanding the requirements to vote in Texas and preparing for the election, you risk facing challenges and roadblocks when casting your ballot.

The Cochran Firm Texas has long been an advocate of the right and duty to vote. We encourage everyone to be informed about the process and political platforms of the candidates at the local, state, and national levels. There are many resources available to help you decide who to vote for if you’re unsure, but that’s just one part of being ready for November 5.

Election Day is your chance to vote for the candidate you believe best represents your vision for America – the future leader and party that will address the issues and needs that matter most to you. If you don’t prepare ahead of time, you may be unable to take part in this cornerstone of democracy. This guide to Texas voting requirements can help ensure you get to vote, and that you don’t encounter any difficulties during the process. 

Register to Vote in Texas

The deadline to register to vote for the upcoming presidential election is October 7, 2024. If you’re already registered, you’re one step closer to meeting Texas voting requirements. If not, you may register to vote online (complete, print, and then mail the form to your county election office) or request a mailed voter application.

In-person delivery of your voter registration application must be received 30 days before Election Day. When mailing your application, it must be postmarked at least 30 days before the election. If the paperwork is completed properly and submitted on time, you’ll receive a voter registration certificate in the mail.

Review and Update Voter Registration Information

Are you unsure of your voting status? You can check it online, and you’ll need to use one of the following three criteria:

• Voter Unique Identification Number (VUID) and date of birth
• Texas Driver’s License (TDL) and date of birth
• Name, county, and date of birth

It’s important to review your Texas voter registration information if your address or name has changed in the last two years. This information must be updated so that you go to the right polling station and your name and address match your voter registration details. Otherwise, you’re likely to encounter problems when you try to vote on Election Day.

You can change your voter name or address online or submit it in writing to your county voter registration official. After updates are made, you’ll receive a new voter certificate in the mail within 30 days.

Voter ID Requirements in Texas

Only specific forms of identification are accepted at Texas polling locations. Under Texas law, seven forms of photo ID are acceptable, and one of these must be shown when voting in person. Four of the identifications are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety, and include your Texas Driver’s License, Election Identification Certificate, Personal Identification Card, and Handgun License. The other forms of accepted ID for voting in Texas are a U.S. Military ID Card (with photo), a U.S. Citizenship Certificate (with photo), and a U.S. Passport.

There are other criteria related to the expiration date of the card or document used as your voter ID in Texas and the age of the voter. Review the accepted voter IDs and specific requirements surrounding the identification you choose to use in person, whether on Election Day or if you vote early.

If you don’t have one of the seven accepted IDs, you must get a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (RID). Know ahead of time what’s needed for an RID, including supporting identification. Permanent exemptions for voters with a disability are available as well.

How to Vote in Texas

Once you’re registered and have the required identification, the next step is knowing how to vote in Texas.  

Early Voting: In-person early voting usually becomes available the 17th day before the election. Voting this way ends on the 4th day before Election Day. You may vote at any early voting location in your county in Texas and can find these locations through the My Voter Portal site a few days before early voting begins. You’ll need to bring an accepted form of voter ID.

Voting In-Person on Election Day: Like early voting, in-person, Election Day voting locations will be made available through the My Voter Portal a few days before November 5. Make sure you have one of seven forms of accepted photo ID or the supporting information for an RID. It’s a good idea to know ahead of time where to vote in Texas so that the day goes smoothly.

Voting by Mail: Voting by mail in Texas is available for people 65 years or older, those who are sick or disabled, pregnant women expected to give birth three weeks before or after Election Day, people in jail but still eligible to vote, or will be out of the country during early voting and on Election Day. You must be registered to vote when you request a mail-in ballot, and the last day to apply for one is October 25, 2024.

Once completed, these ballots must be mailed to the U.S. Postal Service or delivered in person to your county’s Early Voting Clerk’s Office. In general, mail-in ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Other Election Preparations

Beyond the Texas voting requirements listed above, you can prepare for the election by knowing what will be on your ballot beyond the presidential candidates; there may be local and state officials to elect, and being informed of these is important. After all, what happens in your county and state affects you and your family. Let your voice be heard. Get out and vote!