Early voting is in full swing through Nov. 4, and Houston-area residents have already turned out in record numbers. If you haven't cast your ballot yet, here are a few tips from the Texas Secretary of State to keep in mind before you head out to vote.

Registration confirmation

The deadline to register to vote in this election was Oct. 11, but voters who registered for a previous election and haven't moved should still be registered. You can check your voter registration status online using name, birthdate and zip code, and vote at the precinct for the address on file. What if you don't live at that address anymore? If you moved and didn't update your address, you may still be able to vote. If the move was within the same county, you should return to your old precinct to vote, according to the Secretary of State. While at the old precinct, fill out a "statement of residence" form to update your address.

Casting a provisional ballot

Registered voters who moved to a new county and didn't update their address can request a provisional ballot at an early voting location in their new county. Provisional ballots generally won't include local or school bond measures, but they do include any candidates and measures that are shared between both counties. An important thing to note: provisional ballots are only available during early voting.

Where to vote

Fort Bend County maintains a map of polling locations on its website. On Election Day, the map will be color-coded to show which locations have the longest and shortest wait times. Fort Bend County residents can vote at any early voting location, but the locations closest to Richmond include:

What to bring

Photo identification is no longer required to vote in Texas, but it can still be used as verification of your identity. Voters without a photo ID will need to submit a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form [PDF] and an item from the following list when they show up to vote:
  • Valid voter registration certificate
  • Certified birth certificate (must be an original)
  • Copy of or original current utility bill
  • Copy of or original bank statement
  • Copy of or original, government check
  • Copy of or original paycheck
  • Copy of or original government document with your name and an address (The original is required if it contains a photograph.)

When to vote early

Fort Bend County early voting hours are:
  • Saturday, Oct. 29 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 30 from noon-5 p.m.
  • Oct. 31-Nov. 4 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.