As part of Austin Tech Alliance’s TechVotes program, here’s everything Austin’s tech sector needs to know for the May 22, 2018, primary runoff elections.
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 May 22 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.
VOTE
Assuming you’re registered, get ready to vote.
When do I vote?
Election Day is Tuesday, May 22, and the polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm.
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. Here’s the list of voting locations.
- If you live in Williamson County, you can vote at any voting location. Here’s the list of voting locations.
- If you live in Hays County, you need to vote on Election Day at the polling place that corresponds with your precinct number, which is located on your voter registration certificate. Here’s the list of Election Day locations.
If you live in another county, visit your county’s elections website to view a list of voting locations.
Why should I vote?
The May 22 primary runoff elections are the final round when voters select the Republican and Democratic candidates to run in the November general election. This includes members of Congress, the State Legislature, and all Texas statewide offices like Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General.
The overwhelming majority of Texas districts are either safely Republican or Democratic. This means that most Texas elections are determined in the primary. So if you sit out the primary election, you’re sitting out the election that matters most. Read more from ATA on why May matters.
BALLOT INFO
What is on your ballot depends on whether you choose to vote in the Republican or Democratic primary runoff. If you voted in the March primary, then you can only vote in that party’s runoff election. If you didn’t vote in the March primary, you can vote in either the Republican or Democratic runoff election – the choice is entirely up to you.
But you don’t need to register with a political party and you don’t need a political party ID card to vote in a primary election.
Get a personalized ballot from the League of Women Voters, which includes candidates’ biographies and information on their policy positions.