Parents will have one less excuse not to vote this Election Day. For the first time, all Greater Houston-area YMCAs are offering two hours of free childcare for children ages 6 months to 11 years old, so parents can cast their ballots on Nov. 8. According to the Texas Election Code Chapter 64 Title 6,  children 17 years old and younger are allowed into voting stations. However, the YMCA hopes to make the process easier on parents and legal guardians, said YMCA Director of Media Relations Heather Saucier. “The YMCA wants to make sure all Americans are able to exercise their voting rights,” she said. “The YMCA encourages civic engagement and wants to help busy parents and guardians make it to the polls.” YMCA Child Watch program times vary by location. The Monty Ballard YMCA Child Watch program, 22807 Westheimer Pkwy, will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. District Executive Director Brian Haines said the location will keep a one to 10 ratio of older children to adult volunteers and a one to five ratio of younger children. A plan also is in place in case of overflow. "We'll utilize more rooms for Child Watch and pull adults from other areas of the [YMCA] to make sure everyone is served," he said. "If we have to shut down part of the gym that night, we will." Haines said parents and guardians can call ahead and should account for five to 10 minutes to complete necessary paperwork. While in Child Watch, children will participate in arts and crafts, games, puzzles, blocks and story time. For information or to register, call The Monty Ballard YMCA at 281-392-5055.