Here’s everything Austin’s tech sector needs to know for the November 7, 2017, election.
REGISTER
To vote in Texas, you must be registered. You can find out if you’re registered here.
If you’re not registered yet, it’s too late to do so and vote in the November 7 election – but you should still register to get prepared for the next election. Simply fill out a voter registration application, print it, sign it, and mail it in at least 30 days before the next Election Day.
VOTE
Assuming you’re registered, get ready to vote.
When do I vote?
You can vote early from Monday, October 23, to Friday, November 3 – or on Election Day, Tuesday, November 7.
What should I bring when I vote?
Texas law requires you to present a photo ID such as your Texas driver license, Texas personal identification card, or passport in order to vote. Your ID must be current or expired by no more than four years. Additionally, free Election Identification Certificates are available from DPS driver license offices.
If you’re unable to obtain any of the approved forms of ID due to a “reasonable impediment or difficulty,” there are additional options to help you cast your ballot, including your voter registration card, paycheck, or utility bill.
Where do I vote?
- If you live in Travis County, you can vote at any voting location, both during early vote and on Election Day. Here’s the list of voting locations.
- If you live in Williamson County, you can vote at any voting location, both during early vote and on Election Day. Here’s the list of voting locations.
- If you live in Hays County, you can vote at any voting location during early vote. But on Election Day, you need to vote at the polling place that corresponds with your precinct number, which is located on your voter registration certificate. Here’s the list of locations for early voting and on Election Day.
If you live in another county, visit your county’s elections website to view a list of voting locations.
BALLOT INFO
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, but the big ticket items in Austin are the Austin ISD bond, two Travis County bonds, and seven proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. The best resource to educate yourself before voting is the League of Women Voters Voting Guide, which includes explanations of the ballot items, as well as arguments for and against.
ATA endorsed the Austin ISD bond proposal, and you can read why here.