Election 2010

Voter Registration

Jobs. Health Care. Social Security. National Defense. On issue after issue, Democrats are working hard to move Texas forward, but we need your help. Your vote is your voice. You can register to vote in just a few easy steps: First, fill out and print a voter registration form. Then, mail the form to your county elections administrator. The address will be provided upon completing the application.

Problems can arise if a voter has moved, has changed their name (e.g. marriage) or has not voted in a while. If you are unsure whether or not you are properly registered, you can use the following link to confirm your registration and find out your precinct number.

https://team1.sos.state.tx.us/voterws/viw/faces/SearchSelectionVoter.jsp

TIP – Don’t wait until the deadline to register. Occasionally a voter registrar does not comply with the law and they unlawfully fail to process all of the last-minute applications prior to the start of early voting and your name may not appear on the list when you go to vote. There may also be a problem with your application that you may need time to resolve before you can vote. Register today and relax!

Dates to remember:

October 4 – Last day to register to vote (registration application must be postmarked by this date)

Early Voting by mail

You may vote early by mail if you are:

  • going to be away from your county on Election Day and during early voting;
  • sick or disabled;
  • 65 years of age or older on Election Day; or
  • confined in jail, but eligible to vote.

You can request an application for a ballot by mail by clicking here http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqabbm.shtml

Dates to remember:

  • September 3 – First day to request a ballot by mail
  • October 26 – Last Day to request a ballot by mail (must be received by Early Voting Clerk)
  • November 2 – Ballot by mail must be received by the Early voting Clerk

Early Voting in person

Avoid long lines and confusion on Election Day by voting Early. You can vote early at any location in your county during the Early Voting period. Days and hours for Early Voting vary, so contact your County Early Voting Clerk for specific information. A list of Early Voting Clerks can be found at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/county.shtml

TIP – Peak voting times are 7-9am, 11am-1pm, and 5-7pm (before and after work and during lunch). If possible, vote during off-peak hours to get in and out quickly.

Dates to remember:

  • October 18 – First Day of Early Voting in person
  • October 29 – Last Day of Early Voting in person

“Curbside” Voting

If you can drive or if you have a friend or relative who can drive you, you don’t even have to get out of the car. This procedure is called “curbside voting” and is available to any voter who has difficulty walking or standing for long periods. The election official will bring your ballot to your car outside the polling place. Curbside voting is available during early voting and on Election Day. State and Federal law requires all early and Election Day polling locations to be physically accessible to voters with disabilities. It is recommended that you call ahead to notify the early voting clerk that you want to vote from your car.

Election Day Voting – Tuesday, November 2, 2010

On Election Day, you must vote at your precinct specific polling location. Your precinct number is listed on your voter registration certificate. Polls are open from 7am to 7pm. Contact your local elections official to find out your Election Day polling location. A list of elections officials can be found at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/county.shtml.

TIP – If you vote on Election Day, vote as early in the day as possible to allow time to take care of any problems that may arise.

Be Prepared

A provisional ballot is a last resort – vote a regular ballot if at all possible. If an election judge or clerk questions your eligibility or suggests that you cast a provisional ballot, try to find out what can be done to cast a regular ballot, because the majority of provisional ballots will not be counted. For example, if you are not on the rolls at one polling place, you may be on the rolls in a different precinct, where you could cast a regular ballot. Something as simple as going back home to get any necessary ID may allow you to cast a regular ballot.  Do not cast a “hasty” provisional ballot unless there’s no alternative – or no time (e.g. 6:45 pm) – available.

Bring Your Voter registration card or another valid ID with you, including a government-issued ID, school ID, utility bill, phone bill, or paycheck with your name and current street address (a more complete list is included in the “Voting Rights Flyer”). Under HAVA, if you’re a newly registered voter and did not provide an ID when you registered by mail, it will be required when you go to the polls.  If you have a current voter registration card and are on the voter rolls when you go to vote, you should not be asked for additional ID, but it’s better to play it safe.

Locate your correct polling place before Election Day. Knowing where you are supposed to vote avoids any mistake or confusion that could deny your right to cast a regular ballot, and it saves time.  Click here to find out your precinct number https://team1.sos.state.tx.us/voterws/viw/faces/SearchSelectionVoter.jsp.  Poll Locations will be available closer to Election Day.

Learn How to Use Voting Equipment Before You Vote. Many local election officials provide materials or information on websites that help voters learn how to use new voting systems. And at the polling place, every voter has the right to ask election officials any necessary questions to clearly understand the process, including how to use the voting machine.  You can also “test drive” the electronic voting equipment by clicking the links below.  To find out which system is used by your county, click here http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/sysexam/voting-sys-bycounty.pdf.

Check to Make Sure Your Ballot is Marked Correctly.  When you have marked your ballot, take the time to double check and see that it is correct, to make sure your vote counts

Know Your Rights

As a registered voter, you have certain rights that cannot be violated. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with these rights so that you will be prepared when you go to vote.

Download a copy of your rights to take with you into the polls by clicking on the links below.

Voting Right Flyer

Additional resources and information about voting can be found on the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/index.shtml

Want to do more?

  • Serving as an election judge or clerk is one of the best ways to safeguard elections. Properly trained election workers can help ensure a smooth election. If you would like to serve as an election worker, contact your County Democratic Party.
  • County Democratic Parties and Democratic candidates need volunteers on Election Day to watch the polls, hand out literature, and to help give rides to the elderly. Even if you can only help for part of the day, volunteer.