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Secretary Cascos reminds Texans about Early Voting Oct. 19-30

Photo ID required for voting at the polls

October 17, 2015
Contact: Alicia Pierce or Mari Bergman
512-463-5770

Austin, TX — Today, Texas Secretary of State Carlos H. Cascos reminded Texans that early voting for the November 3 Election begins on Monday, October 19, and runs through Friday, October 30.

“I encourage voters to take full advantage of the convenience of voting early,” said Texas Secretary Cascos.  “I also want to remind voters that there is still a requirement to present a photo ID when voting in person.”

Texas’ photo ID requirement is in effect. This will be the fifth statewide election with the photo ID requirement for Texans.

To cast a ballot in person, voters should present one of the following approved forms of photo ID:

  1. Texas Driver License – issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS)
  2. Texas Personal Identification Card – issued by DPS
  3. Texas Concealed Handgun License – issued by DPS
  4. United States Military Identification card containing the person’s photograph
  5. United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
  6. United States Passport – issued by the U.S. government
  7. Election Identification Certificate – issued free by DPS

In almost all cases, voters voting by mail will not need to present a photo ID.  Texans age 65 and older and people with disabilities are automatically qualified to vote by mail. The last day to request a ballot by mail in time for the November 3 Election is Friday, Oct. 23.   

Any citizen who does not have an approved ID can apply for a free Election Identification Certificate (“EIC”) at:

  1. Any of the more than 220 Texas driver license offices during regular business hours;
  2. Select driver license offices on Saturday (PDF), Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.;
  3. EIC mobile station locations (PDF);
  4. Alternate approved locations (PDF) issuing only EICs in select counties.

More information on locations to obtain an EIC is available here.

If a citizen needs a certified copy of a birth certificate in order to obtain an Election Identification Certificate, that birth certificate can be obtained for free.  More information about obtaining a free birth certificate for purposes of obtaining a free Election Identification Certificate is available here.

Voters can contact their county elections office to locate the most convenient polling place, or they can follow the links at www.votetexas.gov. During Early Voting, polling place times will vary from county to county.

Texans can remain current on election information by following the Secretary of State on Twitter and Instagram, as well as “liking” the Texas Secretary of State on Facebook.

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