Voting and Voter Registration

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See also: Harris County Elections Department

Elections

There are generally at least two election days each year in Texas:

  • 2nd
    Saturday in May
  • 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday in November

In 2008, there are more election days to accomodate Primary elections and runoffs, when political parties choose their candidates for the general election. Because Texas has specified 'Uniform Election' days, you will be able to vote for a variety of local, regional and state offices and measures on the same ballot.

There are a few places to get information on candidates and ballot measures, including:

Texas Secretary of State

League of Women Voters

Voting on Election Day

When you register to vote (see below), you will be assigned a precinct number, which can be used to find out where you should vote and who you will be able to vote for. You can also search for your precinct using your street address. You will need your voter registration card or other acceptable forms of ID.

All voting in Houston is done by electronic 'eSlate' voting machines. You will vote for each race and measure and will then be asked to confirm your choices before the votes are officially placed.

Voting by Mail

If you will be out of town on an election day or have another approved reason to vote by mail, you can apply for a mail-in ballot. Your application must be received at least 60 days before an election for you to vote by mail in that election.

Early Voting

Texas allows voters to vote up to 17 days before the official election day. There are many early voting locations in Harris County and this is an easy way to fit your civic duty into a busy schedule.

Voter Registration

see also: Harris County Tax Office

To register to vote in Harris County, you must submit a voter registration application, which is available in several languages. Follow the link above to download an application and/or find information on submitting an application.

Eligibility

You may register to vote if you:

  • Are a resident of Harris Count
  • Are at least 17 years, 10 months of age (To vote, you must be 18)
  • Are a U.S. citizen
  • Have not been declared totally mentally incapacitated or partially
    mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a final judgment
    of a court exercising probate jurisdiction
  • Are not finally convicted of a felony—or have satisfied the court’s requirements after a felony conviction or have received a pardon

Renewal

The Harris County Voter Registration Department mails renewal Voter
Registration Certificates at the end of every odd-numbered year.

Change of Address or Name

Follow this link to change your voter registration name or address. You must file this change at least 30 days before an election for the change to be valid for that election.