What this is
Your complete guide to voting in Harris County - from registration to Election Day, covering everything you need to make your voice heard.
Am I registered?
Check at harrisvotes.com or votetexas.gov.
If you are NOT registered:
Deadline: You must register at least 30 days before Election Day.
How: Print and mail a voter registration application from votetexas.gov, or pick one up at any post office, library, or the Harris County Tax Office.
Texas does not offer online voter registration.
If you moved: Update your address with the county at least 30 days before the election.
What to bring
Texas requires photo ID. Acceptable forms:
Texas driver's license or personal ID (even if expired up to 4 years)
Texas Election ID Certificate (free from DPS)
Texas concealed handgun license
US passport
US military ID
No photo ID? You can sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present a supporting document (utility bill, bank statement, government document with your name and address).
Early voting
Texas early voting typically runs from 17 days to 4 days before Election Day.
Any location: During early voting, you can vote at ANY Harris County early voting site regardless of your home address.
Extended hours: Most sites open 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM on weekdays, with weekend hours.
Wait times: Check real-time wait times at harrisvotes.com.
Election Day
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Best times: Midday Tuesday-Thursday typically has the shortest lines.
Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM.
Your precinct: On Election Day you must vote at your assigned polling place. Find it at harrisvotes.com.
If you are in line by 7:00 PM, you WILL be allowed to vote. Do not leave the line.
Vote by mail
In Texas, you can vote by mail if you are:
65 years or older
Going to be outside Harris County during the entire early voting period AND on Election Day
Confined in jail but otherwise eligible to vote
Apply at harrisvotes.com. Applications must be RECEIVED (not postmarked) by 11 days before the election.
What's on the ballot
Harris County voters elect:
Federal: President (every 4 years), U.S. Senate (6-year terms), U.S. House (2-year terms)
State: Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, state legislators, Railroad Commission, State Board of Education
County: County Judge, Commissioners, Sheriff, District Attorney, County Clerk, Tax Assessor, judges
Local: Houston Mayor and City Council (odd years), HISD Board (when applicable), HCC Board (even years)
Propositions: Bond elections, constitutional amendments, local ballot measures
See a sample ballot for your specific address at harrisvotes.com.
Tips for first-time voters
Vote early if you can. It is faster, more convenient, and any location works.
Research your ballot before you go. Candidate information is available at vote411.org (League of Women Voters).
You can bring notes or a filled-out sample ballot into the voting booth.
If you make a mistake, ask a poll worker for a new ballot before you cast it.
Bring a friend. Voting together makes it easier for first-timers.
You have the right to assistance in the voting booth if you need help reading or operating the machine.
Electioneering (campaigning) is prohibited within 100 feet of the polling place.
Problems at the polls?
If you experience any issues:
Ask to speak to the presiding judge at your polling location.
Call the Harris County Elections Administrator: 713-755-6965
Call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
Vietnamese/Asian languages: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
About Harris County Elections Administrator
The Harris County Elections Administrator conducts all federal, state, county, and local elections in Harris County, the third-largest county in the United States with over 2.5 million registered voters. The office manag…
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