While the actual voting method can vary based on the polling location and type of election, voters in Texas can expect the in-person voting process to follow the same basic steps.
According to VoteTexas.gov, upon arrival at the polling location, the voter will be asked to present one of the seven acceptable forms of photo identification unless the voter has a permanent exemption on the voter's registration certificate. If the voter does not possess a form of acceptable photo identification and cannot reasonably obtain one, the voter may show a supporting form of identification to the election official and execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
The election official will then ask if the voter has recently moved before asking the voter to sign the list of people who have voted in the precinct.
Depending on the type of election, the voter will then be handed one of the following:
- a paper ballot on which the voter will select his or her choices and which will be counted by hand;
- a paper ballot on which the voter will select choices by darkening an oval, completing an arrow, or marking with the aid of a voting machine; or
- a slip of paper with a numerical access code or a ballot activator card. In the next available voting booth, the voter will then enter the code or card and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the voting process.
- Paper ballots: Voters mark their ballot by hand with an indelible marker—a marker that cannot be erased—or pen and place the finished ballot in a ballot box. Local officials then count the votes by hand.
- For step-by-step instructions for using a paper ballot, click here.
- Optical scan voting systems: Voters mark their choices on preprinted ballots by either connecting arrows or filling in bubbles next to the candidates' names. The ballot is then inserted into an electronic ballot counter, which then counts the marked bubbles or arrows on each ballot and automatically computes the totals for each candidate and/or issue.
- For step-by-step instructions for using an optical scan voting system, click here.
- Direct Record Electronic systems: Voters record their choices electronically directly to the machine. While there are several types of DREs, some with dials and others with touch screens, they all enable voters to move back and forth between ballot pages to select the candidates and/or issues they wish to vote for. Once the voter has made their choices, the DRE provides a summary screen that presents those choices and gives the voter the ability to go back and make any changes before pressing the "vote" or "cast ballot" button.
