The plan to extend voting hours and locations was first brought to commissioners by Travis County Clerk Rebbeca Guerrero, who said in a news release she wanted to make voting more convenient in the county.
Early voting for the Nov. 8 election begins Oct. 24 and ends Nov. 4.
Voting hours will be extended at five megacenters—the Austin Permitting and Development Center, PACE Campus Gym, Southpark Meadows shopping mall, Millennium Youth Complex and the Ben Hur Shrine Center.
Those locations will be open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. on Oct. 29 and Nov. 4.
Travis County voters can also go to any of the other 38 early voting polling locations in the county, which will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
“In Travis County, people should be able to cast their ballot when and how it works for them,” County Judge Andy Brown said in a news release. “We stand with our essential workers to ensure our democracy works for everyone.”
The county also increased election worker pay to $20 an hour and gave de-escalation training to employees for added safety.
“These positions are absolutely essential to making sure that everybody has an opportunity to vote and vote without intimidation.” Commissioner Jeff Travillion said during the Sept. 20 meeting.
Voters can check their registration status, download a personalized sample ballot and view a list of polling locations at www.votetravis.com.
