FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2014
(512) 463-0121
(LAREDO) — Monday, Oct. 6, is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 4 elections, Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, reminded Texans today (Monday).
"The Oct. 6 deadline is fast-approaching, and it is critical that eligible Texans register to vote," Senator Zaffirini said. "Every vote will make a difference in the important local, state and federal elections that will be decided in November."
Early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 20, and ends on Friday, Oct. 31. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Qualified voters are U.S. citizens who will be 18 by election day; residents of the county in which they register; not convicted felons (unless a person's sentence is completed, including any probation or parole); and not declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law.
Voter registration applications are available at local voter registration offices and many post offices, libraries, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Human Services offices and the Texas Secretary of State's website, http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/reqvr.shtml.
Texans who want to find out if they are already registered should visit http://votetexas.gov/. Voters who have not received their voter registration cards or who need to change names or addresses also should contact their local voter registrars.
Texans who vote in person are required to show one of the following forms of photo ID at the polls:
- Texas driver's license—unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting
- Texas personal identification card—unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting
- Texas concealed handgun license—unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting
- U.S. passport book or card—unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting
- U.S. Military identification with photo—unexpired or expired no longer than 60 days at the time of voting
- U.S. Citizenship Certificate or Certificate of Naturalization with photo
Persons who do not have any of these types of ID may apply for a free Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at Driver's License offices and EIC mobile locations.
"Every eligible Texan should plan ahead and make sure he or she has the necessary photo ID before going to the polls this November," Senator Zaffirini said.
Photo ID is not required for voting by mail or for persons with documented disabilities who apply for a permanent exemption with their local voter registrar.
Constituents with questions or concerns about voting should call their local voter registrar or the Texas Secretary of State's Office at 800/252-VOTE.
SENATOR JUDITH ZAFFIRINI encourages Texans to register to vote by the Oct. 6 deadline. The first Mexican American woman elected to the Senate, she urges her constituents to participate in the democratic process and to suggest ideas for legislation.
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