SAN ANTONIO — Voting for the 2024 election is already underway in the Lone Star State. Texans can head to the polls to cast their votes for president and other federal, state, and local elected officials in early voting for the Nov. 5 election.
Before you head to the polls, there are a few things you should know about the rules in place at voting locations about what you can bring and wear. You also need an approved photo ID to vote in person.
Where do I vote?
During early voting, voters can cast ballots at any polling location in the county where they are registered to vote. It is the same on Election Day, Bexar County allows voters to cast ballots at any location.
When do I vote?
Early voting in Bexar County for the general election is open from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1. Here's when those sites are open each day:
- Monday, Oct. 21 to Friday, Oct. 25: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 26: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 27: noon to 6 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 28 to Friday, Nov. 1: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Texas law says that if someone is in line to vote before 7 p.m. on Election Day, they will be allowed to vote. But that is not a requirement for early voting and policies may vary by location.
What form of ID do I need?
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.
Are there any dress guidelines?
Per Texas Election Code, voters are forbidden from wearing badges or attire related to a candidate or measure appearing on the ballot within 100 feet of the polling location. Otherwise, you could be subject to a Class C misdemeanor.
What if I am unable to enter a polling location?
Voters unable to enter a polling location can also request curbside voting, which must be made available at every polling place for voters with disabilities unable to enter a polling location.
If a voter has a mobility problem that substantially impairs their ability to move or walk, the voter can request priority to vote in person and skip the line at the polls. If they have an assistant, the assistant can also skip the line at the voter’s request.
Voters can choose an individual to help them with interpretation and completing their ballot at the polls. This can be a family member, friend or someone else, as long as the person is not the voter’s employer or a representative of their union.
A voter may also be assisted by poll workers. If a voter needs sign language interpretation and does not have a person of their choice to help them, it is recommended they call their election officials ahead of time to request assistance.
Read more about assistance and accommodations from the Texas secretary of state’s office here.
What do I do if I am voting by mail?
If you’re voting by mail within the U.S., your ballot must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day and received by your county by 5 p.m. Wednesday in order to be counted. Read more about photo IDs, registration requirements and mail-in ballots in our voter guide here.
