Are you planning to vote in the November election? Here’s what you need to know about Tarrant County

The November 5 election is fast approaching and there is a lot on the ballot for Tarrant County residents. If you are not yet registered to vote, time is running out.

In addition to electing the next president, local voters will decide Texas’ next U.S. Senator; who should occupy several state representative seats; and who is qualified to serve as sheriff of the county. That’s just scratching the surface – there’s a lot more to vote on in this year’s election.

The Fort Worth Report has put together a fall voting guide that includes dates to watch for, how to know who’s on your ballot and what to bring to the polls. Click the links below or keep scrolling to see the full guide.

Am I eligible to vote?

To vote in Tarrant County you must:

• A US citizen.
• A resident of Tarrant County.
• At least 18 years old on election day.
• Not convicted of a crime. However, once your sentence – including any probation or parole – has been completed in full, you will be eligible to vote again. This process is called restoration of rights. Further information can be found here.
• Not declared mentally incompetent by a court.

If you previously registered in another county and now live in Tarrant County, you will need to re-register with your new address.

Register to vote by October 7th

So you’re eligible to vote in Tarrant County, but you haven’t registered yet. The deadline to register to vote in November is fast approaching. Residents must register by Oct. 7 to cast their vote.

Not sure if you are registered? Tarrant County residents can find their registration status, polling locations and sample ballots by searching their name and date of birth here. If you are registered and just need to change your name or address, click here.

If you are not already registered, fill out a voter registration form (in English, Spanish or Vietnamese). Print out the completed form, sign it and deliver it by post or in person to the following address:

Voter registration

Tarrant County Voting Center

2700 Premier St

Fort Worth, TX 76111

If you do not wish to print the form, you may pick up a postage-paid voter registration form at the Tarrant County Election Center, all Tarrant County subdivision courts, U.S. Post Offices, town halls, libraries, and Tarrant County public assistance offices.

Bring acceptable identification

Now that you are registered to vote, make sure you will be successful in the election. Voters must present photo ID when voting. ID cards will be accepted at the polls up to four years after their expiration date. Acceptable forms of identification are:

• Texas driver’s license
• Texas voter ID card
• Texas ID card
• Texas firearms license
• US military ID card with photo
• United States Citizenship Certificate with Photo
• United States passport (book or card)

If you do not have ID upon arrival, you will be required to fill out a form explaining why you were unable to obtain photo ID. You must bring appropriate ID with you. Alternative forms of identification include a government document that contains your name and address, such as a voter registration certificate, utility bill, bank statement, or paycheck.

Check who is on your ballot

Before you go to the polls, make sure you know who you will see on your ballot. While the presidential contest at the top of the electoral roll is the biggest draw for most voters, there are many other positions for residents to vote for. These include, among others:

• United States Senator
• United States Representative
• Railway Commissioner
• Texas Supreme Court Justice
• Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals
• Members of the State Board of Education
• State representative
• Judge of the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals
• District Judge
• Tarrant County Sheriff
• Tarrant County Tax Assessor and Tax Collector
• Tarrant County Commissioner

Sample ballots are available in English and Spanish or English and Vietnamese. Voters can look up their ballot, print it and bring a completed ballot to the polling place for reference. It does not replace filling out the ballot paper cast at the polling station.

State law also allows voters to bring notes to polling places for reference. However, make sure these notes are handwritten or printed. According to the Texas Secretary of State, voters are not allowed to use electronic devices within 100 feet of polling places.

Early voting begins October 21st

So you are eligible to vote, you know what ID you will use to vote, and you have decided who you will vote for. Now it’s time to cast a vote. Tarrant County residents can begin voting as early as Oct. 21, when the 12-day early voting period begins. You have until November 1st to cast an early vote.

Voters can view a complete list of early voting locations on the Tarrant County website. Opening times vary depending on the day. Alternatively, you can use the county’s voter locator tool to find early voting locations near you. Tarrant County voters may cast their ballot at any polling location throughout the county.

Not interested in early voting? For those who prefer to vote on Election Day, polls will be open Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can view a complete list of polling locations on the Tarrant County website.

Do you still have questions?

If you have additional questions or concerns about voting, the county elections office is available to answer your questions.

Phone: 817-831-8683

Email: [email protected]

The election office’s opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This article first appeared on the Fort Worth Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.