Here’s a list of essential info for voters, even those who already voted early:
• First off, after the polls close, don’t forget to participate in your local precinct convention – held at your precinct polling location (see below) – even if you voted early. This is extremely important if you passionately support one of the Democratic presidential candidates – you’ll be giving up some of your influence over the nomination if you don’t – but Republicans should participate in theirs as well. (Dem conventions start at 7:15pm; Republicans will convene at 8pm.) Then go to your computer and follow all the Election Night action with Austin Chronicle Newsdesk.
Now, the more basic info for people actually voting today:
• Polls are open 7am-7pm. As long as you are in line at 7pm, you will be allowed to vote.
• You must vote in the precinct in which you are registered. Travis County precincts are here, and Williamson County precincts are here.
• If you aren’t certain whether you are registered, or in which precinct you are registered, look it up on either the Travis County or Secretary of State websites.
• You do not need a photo ID to vote! If you have your voter registration card, that is enough. If you don’t have your registration card but you know or believe you are registered, just about any other kind of document establishing your identity is sufficient, even including a utility bill with your name and address (see the FAQ section on the Secretary of State website below).
• If an election worker says he or she cannot find your name on the voter rolls, first try to establish whether you are at the right precinct polling place. If you believe you are, then demand to vote a provisional ballot.
• If have recently moved within your county and forgot to change your registration, you may return to your former precinct to vote, but you should complete a “change of residence” form when you do.
• You do not need to be registered as a member of either party to vote in today’s primaries. However, you will need to choose between one party’s primary or the other – you cannot vote in both.
• Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir recommends that you vote as early as possible. She told me that more than half of the people who vote today will do so after 3pm. Do yourself a favor and avoid the long lines at the end of the day.
• Capital Metro bus rides are FREE today if you show your voter registration card.
Some more comprehensive resources for voters with questions:
• The Texas Secretary of State
• Travis County’s Election Page
• Williamson County’s Election Page
• Election Protection (a hotline devoted to informing voters about their rights)
This article appears in February 29 • 2008.