With Election Day looming, stations urged to help boost turnout
posted on 2.08.2016- Voting deadlines, I.D. requirements
Texas voters will have a rare chance March 1st to help decide who will carry the banner for Democrats and Republicans in the Presidential election come November, but if history is any indication turnout will fall far short of the state’s walking tall reputation. Not even the plethora of local, state House and Senate, and federal Congressional races can be counted on to draw out Texas’ infamously apathetic voters.
Broadcasters are encouraged to try to reverse that trend in part by blanketing the airwaves and their social media outlets with messages reminding voters of deadlines, voter identification requirements and voting rights.
State officials at this time do not appear to be planning a push to encourage voting, but they are planning an effort to remind voters of the state’s controversial photo identification requirements which some voting rights groups allege are discriminatory.
Election Dates & Deadlines
- Tuesday, Feb. 16 – First day of early voting
- Friday, Feb. 19 – Last day to apply for ballot by mail
- Friday, Feb. 26 – Last day of early voting
- Tuesday, March 1 – Election Day, last day to return ballot by mail
How to Vote by Mail
Registered voters may request a mail-in paper ballot if they plan to be out of the county during the early voting period or on Election Day, if they are at least 65 years old, or if they are sick or disabled.
How to Vote Early
Voters can vote at any early voting location from Tuesday, Feb. 16, through Friday, Feb. 26. Local county offices can provide lists of early voting locations, usually online.
How to Vote on Election Day
Election Day is March 1. Voters must vote at a neighborhood polling place in their precinct. Some counties allow voting at any official polling place in the county. Polling places are typically listed online. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Voter Identification
- Photo ID is required for voting in person. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Texas driver license
- Texas Election Identification Certificate (Details)
- Texas personal identification card
- Texas concealed handgun license
- U.S. military identification card
- U.S. citizenship certificate
- U.S. passport
Voting Rights
- On Election Day, voters who are in line at 7 p.m. must be allowed to vote.
- Voters may be assisted by any person of their choice as they cast their ballots.
- Voters with special needs will be accommodated at all polling places.
- Voters who encounter problems at the polls always may cast a provisional ballot.
Questions? Contact TAB's Oscar Rodriguez or call (512) 322-9944.
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