GREENWOOD - Early voting for the 2022 midterm elections is here. Texans can head to the polls to cast their votes for various state, congressional and local elected officials.
Early voting runs from Monday, Oct. 24, to Friday, Nov. 4. The last day to apply to vote by mail is Friday, Oct. 28. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.
But before you head to the polls, you should know you have rights as a voter and there are certain rules in place at voting locations about what you can bring and wear. You also need an approved photo ID to vote in person.
Check your county elections website for early-voting times and locations and Election Day locations. Or consider calling election officials to make sure polling locations haven’t changed.
You can also use the secretary of state’s website to see polling locations, but your county’s information will be the most up to date. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 8.
There are usually traffic cones or markers 100 feet from the entrance of a polling place. That’s because cellphones, cameras, computers and other devices that can record sound or images cannot be used within 100 feet of voting stations (where ballots are marked). Election officers may require voters to deactivate their phones once inside the polling location.
Campaigning is also forbidden within those 100 feet, which means voters cannot wear clothing or other items that publicize candidates, political parties or measures on the ballot. Items publicizing past candidates and measures not currently on the ballot are OK.
Voters are allowed to use written notes to cast their ballot at the discretion of election officers, who may determine if the material counts as campaigning.
You’ll need one of seven types of valid photo ID to vote in Texas: A state driver’s license (issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety).
A Texas election identification certificate (issued by DPS). A Texas personal identification card (issued by DPS). A Texas license to carry a handgun (issued by DPS). A U.S. military ID card with a personal photo. A U.S. citizenship certificate with a personal photo. A U.S. passport. Student IDs are not accepted. If you don’t have an approved photo ID, you can still vote by signing a “reasonable impediment” form and presenting valid supporting identification documents, such as a certified birth certificate, your voter registration certificate or a current utility bill with your name and address.
If you forget your ID, you can cast a provisional ballot, which can be counted only if you provide the required photo ID or documents within six days.