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
Harris County has a search engine to find your polling location on its
website. Montgomery County residents can access polling locations and times on the Montgomery County
website.
Residents can vote at any early voting location in their respective county, but the locations in Tomball and Magnolia include:
- Tomball Public Works Building
501 James St., Tomball
- Lone Star College-Creekside Center
8747 W. New Harmony Trail, The Woodlands
- Magnolia Community Center
422 Melton, Magnolia
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
Early voting hours are:
- Oct. 31-Nov. 4 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
