Early voting underway in state election

Texas voters began casting early ballots Monday to decide the fate of 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution.
The Donley County Clerk’s Office reported 20 people had voted locally as of early Tuesday afternoon.

Early voting will continue through October 31 at the Donley County Courthouse Annex. Polling hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this week through Friday and next week on Monday through Wednesday, October 27-29. Voters can take advantage of extended early voting hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on October 30 and 31.

Election Day will be Tuesday, November 4.

“Early voting is an opportunity to cast your ballot ahead of Election Day at a time and place that may be more convenient for you,” said Secretary Nelson. “Whether you decide to vote early or wait until Election Day, now is a good time to make a plan.”

During early voting, Texans can vote at any polling location in their county of registration. Statewide, eligible voters will weigh in on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution.

An analysis of each proposed constitutional amendment is available to the public through the Texas Legislative Council at tlc.texas.gov/publications.

Texans can find information about how to vote in person and what to bring to the polls at VoteTexas.gov, the state’s official online voting resource. Voters can also check their registration status through this website.

Under Texas law, voters who possess one of the seven acceptable forms of photo ID must present that ID at the polls when voting in person. The acceptable forms of photo ID are: Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS); Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS; Texas Handgun License issued by DPS; Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS; United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph; United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph; or United States Passport (book or card).

Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven approved forms of photo ID may fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polls and present an alternative form of ID, such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check or a voter registration certificate.

Under Texas law, the use of wireless communications devices within a room in which voting is taking place is not permitted. Voters may bring written notes or voter guides with them into the polling location.

Some Texans qualify to vote by mail. You may vote by mail if you are: 65 years of age or older on Election Day; Sick or disabled; Expecting to give birth within three weeks of Election Day; or Absent from your county of registration during the Early Voting period and on Election Day. Applications for ballot by mail must be received, not postmarked, by county early voting clerks on or before October 24.