Secretary of State Hope Andrade Reminds Texas Voters
One Week Left to Vote Early in May 2012 Primary Elections

AUSTIN, TX – Texas Secretary of State Hope Andrade is reminding Texas voters they have until Friday, May 25 to vote early in the May 2012 Primary Elections. During the early voting period, registered voters may cast a ballot at any polling place in their county of residence.

“The voting process has never been easier in Texas,” said Secretary Andrade. Early voting provides the convenience and flexibility for voters to easily fit this important duty into their schedule.”

Voters should contact their local elections office to locate the polling place nearest or most convenient for them. Or, they can use the links at www.votetexas.gov. Polling place times will vary from county to county.

Secretary Andrade is also reminding voters that photo identification requirements in Senate Bill 14, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2011 do not apply in this election. To cast a ballot during Early Voting or on Election Day, voters should present their voter registration card or in lieu of a voter registration card, at least one of the following:

• A driver's license or personal identification card issued to you by the Texas Department of Public Safety. You may also bring a similar document issued to you by an agency of another state, even if the license or card has expired;
• A form of identification that contains your photograph and establishes your identity;
• A birth certificate or other document confirming birth that is admissible in a court of law and establishes the person’s identity;
• Your United States citizenship papers;
• Your United States passport;
• Official mail addressed to you by a governmental entity; or
• A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.

For more information on the voting process in Texas, please visit www.votetexas.gov.