Voting

You can register to vote in Travis County if you are:

• A United States citizen
• A Travis County resident (you do not need a fixed address to be considered a “resident” – see the FAQ below)
• At least 17 years and 10 months old when you register, and you are 18 years of age on Election Day
• No longer on probation, parole, or otherwise “on paper” for a felony conviction (see the FAQ below)

You have to vote in the county where you’re registered. If you’re registered in a different county, you can update your information using the “How to Register” options below, or by filling out this change of address form (Please note: You’ll need to print the form and mail it in to the Texas Secretary of State’s office.).

How to Register

You can register to vote on your own by mailing an application the Travis County Tax Office. You can find and fill out an application:

• Online (Please note: You’ll need to print the form and mail it in to the Texas Secretary of State’s office.)
• At any Travis County Tax Office
• At any Austin-area public library or U.S. Post Office, as well as some state offices (Department of Public Safety and Health and Human Services)

When you register, you’ll receive your official registration card within 30 days. If you haven’t received your card within 30 days, you can call the Travis County Tax Office Voter Registration Office at (512) 854-9473. (Note: If you registered in person with a volunteer deputy registrar, they have 5 calendar days to turn in your registration form.)

For a list of voter registration events happening around the community, visit the League of Women Voters calendar here. Remember, the last day to register is October 7!

1. How do I check if I’m already registered to vote?

You can check the Texas Secretary of State’s website to see if you’re registered. Important: If you’re registered and the county is any besides Travis County, you’ll need to fill out a change of address form (see “How to Register” above). If you don’t, you won’t be eligible to vote in Travis County.

2. Can I register and vote without an address?

Yes, you can register to vote by listing the location where you “reside” in Texas. You can list your shelter’s address on your voter registration form if that is your home and the fixed place you return to. If you are homeless, then you can describe the location that you return to regularly that you consider your home, such as by listing your street corner or park. (Courtesy of the Texas Civil Rights Project)

3. Do I need a mailing address to register to vote?

Yes, but your mailing address does not have to be the same location as where you are living. You can list the address where you can and do receive mail if that is different from where you reside. Many shelters allow you to use their address as a mailing address. (Courtesy of the Texas Civil Rights Project)

Visit this resource guide for a list of places you can sign up to have your mail sent to.

4. Can I vote if I have a felony conviction?

Yes, as long as you’re “off-paper” and have completed all of the terms of your sentence, including any parole, supervision, and/or probation. (Courtesy of the Texas State Law Library)

5. Can I still vote even if I don’t have an ID with my current address on it?

Yes, the ID you use to vote does not need to have your current address on it. For a list of IDs you can use to vote, you can find more information at VoteTexas.gov. (Courtesy of the Texas Civil Rights Project)

6. What if I don’t have a photo ID?

You can still vote without a photo ID, but you’ll another form of identifying document. There’s a list of acceptable documents here. If you vote with one of these documents rather than a photo ID, you’ll also need to fill out a “Reasonable Impediment Declaration” form when you get to the polls.

7. Can I get an ID before Election Day?

Yes, but you’ll need to get the process started soon. It takes about 10 business days, on average, for an ID to be mailed to a service provider by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). So, for example, if you go to the Charlie Center to get your ID, go no later than October 17 to ensure there’s time to pick up your ID before Election Day. Here’s a list of other providers that can help with ID.

8. Is there somewhere safe I can store my ID documents that I’ll need to vote?

The Downtown Austin Community Court (DACC) can store vital documents (ID, Driver License, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Voter Registration, Passport, Certificate of Naturalization etc.). To access the service, visit DACC’s walk-in case management at One Texas Center (505 Barton Springs Rd.) to make the request. Staff recommends visiting prior to 2 p.m. to ensure you can see a case manager.

9. How can I get to the polls?

Capital Metro buses are free on Election Day.

Also, if you’ve gotten services from our Homelessness Response System (HRS) in the last few years, or if you’re currently unhoused, you’re probably eligible for a free two-year bus pass to use any time. Learn how to get one at this link.

10. How do I use the voting machine?

Travis County has a website dedicated to explaining the process. Click here to learn more. There’s also a helpful video that shows the process, which you can watch below.

12. Can I vote by mail?

Yes, Travis County allows for mail-in voting if you meet any of the following criteria:

• 65 years of age or older on Election Day
• Sick or disabled
• Expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day
• Away from the county of residence on Election Day and during the early voting period
• Confined in jail, but eligible to vote

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is October 25, 2024. Learn more about mail-in voting in Travis County here.

13. What should I do if my voter registration hasn’t come in after 30 days?

When you register, you’ll receive your official registration card within 30 days. If you haven’t received your card within 30 days, you can call the Travis County Tax Office Voter Registration Office at (512) 854-9473. (Note: If you registered in person with a volunteer deputy registrar, it might take a little longer than 30 days because they have 5 calendar days to turn in your registration form.)

Travis County provides supports and resources to help people vote who have a variety of accessibility needs. Learn more about the options available at the link below.

Travis County Accessibility

Want to know what your ballot will look like? Visit vote411.org to search by your location and find ballot information, check your registration, find upcoming debates near you, and more.

vote411.org

Want to learn more about the issues and candidates? The League of Women Voters (LWV) publishes a non-partisan Voter’s Guide every election cycle. It won’t tell you how to vote – just what you’re voting on. The guide will be available at the link below by October 11, 2024.

LWV Guide

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas put together a guide for what to do if you face discrimination at the polls. Find the resource at the link below, along with a hotline to call if you have problems voting.

ACLU – Know Your Rights

Want to help your friends or the folks you serve register to vote? Travis County makes it simple. Sign up for a short training course at the link below.

Become a VDR

If you want to be an election worker during early voting or on Election Day, please visit the link below. All positions are paid.

Become an election worker