We hope you’re exercising your right to vote on Tuesday! There’s a lot at stake in the election—and that includes more than just the top of the ticket. When you head to the polls, you’ll also be making decisions on local races, candidates, and bonds. There’s no better (or easier!) way to get involved and voice what kind of community (and state, and country) you want to live in.
We’ve put together some info about how to vote and who and what you’ll be voting for. Check it out, and then make a plan to vote!
When and where do I vote?
On Election Day, you must vote at the polling location for your precinct. This is based on the address on your voter registration. To find your polling location, enter your address here. All polling locations are open from 7 AM – 7 PM. If there are long lines or waits, the polls must stay open past 7 PM for the voters who arrived before that time.
What do I need to bring?
Voter ID rules are a little confusing in Texas, especially at this moment. Voters still need to bring photo ID, but if you do not have a valid ID, you can bring a supporting document and declare that you had an impediment to getting a photo ID.
Valid photo IDs include:
- Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
- Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS
- United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph
- United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph
- United States passport
* If you have any of the above items as photo ID, you don’t need your voter registration card in hand.
If you couldn’t obtain any of the above, you can still vote! You’ll need to bring one of the following, and poll workers will help you submit a declaration explaining why you couldn’t get a photo ID.
- 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 (original required if it contains a photograph)
How can I get to the polls?
Our friends at VIA Transit are offering free rides on Election Day! Just show your valid voter registration card when you board for a free fare. Go here to find out how to get to your polling location on a VIA route.
Yellow Cab San Antonio has also partnered with the League of Women Voters of San Antonio to offer free or discounted rides to the polls. To schedule a trip on Election Day, call 210-222-2222.
What will be on the ballot?
We’re all familiar with the presidential candidates, but there’s a lot more to vote for—and it can feel a little overwhelming. But, everything on the ballot is important and deserves a few minutes of your time. You’ll be voting for a U.S. Representative, state Senators and Representatives, local judges, and more. To learn more about these positions, and what exactly the elected officials do, read our ballot blog.
SAISD residents will also vote on a bond and tax ratification election, which will have big implications for the district and its students. (Read more about the TRE and bond election at The Rivard Report.) South San Antonio ISD residents will vote on several board seats. (Read more about South San ISD candidates at the Express-News.)
You can see a sample ballot from Bexar County here. You can also visit Vote411.org, powered by the League of Women Voters, to enter your own address, see your personalized ballot, and learn more about the candidates in every race. You can even make your selections on the website, and then print out your ballot and take it with you when you vote.
