TEMPLE, Texas — Voters will be heading to the polls in the Nov. 5, 2024 elections to pick the next president of the United States: Former President Donald Trump or current Vice President Kamala Harris.
There are several other key races that Central Texans will decide. In Texas, voters will also decide a hotly contested U.S. Senate race between incumbent Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Rep. Colin Allred, as well as other representatives.
Early voting in the general election gets underway on Monday, Oct. 21 and will run through Friday, Nov. 1.
Stay with KCEN 6 News and kcentv.com for complete election coverage. Download the KCEN 6 News mobile app for updates sent to your phone.
Important dates for the Nov. 5 general election
- Last day to register to vote: Monday, Oct. 7
- First day of early voting in person: Monday, Oct. 21
- Last day to apply for ballot by mail: Friday, Oct. 25
- Last day of early voting in person: Friday, Nov. 1
- Last day to receive ballot by mail: Tuesday, Nov. 5, which is Election Day.
What's on the ballot?
- Bell County sample ballots
- Bosque County sample ballots (scroll down to "sample ballots" and click your precinct)
- Brazos County sample ballot
- Burleson County sample ballot
- Coryell County sample ballots
- Falls County sample ballot
- Grimes County sample ballot
- Hill County sample ballot (under first section of Notice of Elections)
- Lampasas County sample ballots
- Limestone County sample ballot
- Madison County sample ballot (under 'General Election' tab)
- McLennan County sample ballots
- Milam County sample ballots (scroll down to "sample ballots" and click your precinct)
- Robertson County sample ballots
Other individual counties will post their sample ballots soon. For now, you can see a basic sample ballot from the state here.
Where do I vote?
Below are links to county election offices, where they are keeping lists and maps of voting locations for both early and day-of voting.
Am I registered to vote?
Before heading to the polls, you need to make sure you're registered to vote! there's a link and just a couple steps to determine if you are.
How do I register to vote?
If you're not registered to vote, you have until Oct. 7 to do so. All you have to do is fill out the application and return it to your county election office before the deadline. If you need to change any information on your voter registration record, you can do that, too. Here's where you can get the forms and information on registering to vote.
What do I bring with me to vote in person?
- Texas Driver License issued by Texas DPS
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
- Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
- United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
- United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
- United States Passport (book or card)
For voters aged 18-69, photo IDs must not be expired for more than four years, with the exception of U.S. Citizenship Certificate, which doesn't expire. Anyone 70 years and above, acceptable forms of photo IDs can be expired for any length of time if the ID is otherwise valid.
For those who don't have any of the above forms of ID, here are some supporting forms of ID that can be shown.
- Copy or original of a government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate;
- Copy of or original current utility bill;
- Copy of or original bank statement;
- Copy of or original government check;
- Copy of or original paycheck; or
- Copy of or original of (a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate or (b) a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document).
You can learn more about acceptable forms of ID here.
What's not allowed at voting locations?
According to Texas law, no one can use any wireless communication devices within 100 feet of voting stations. People also can't use mechanical or electronic devices to record sound or images within 100 feet of voting stations.
You cannot use the following at polling locations:
- Cell phones
- Cameras
- Tablet computers
- Laptop computers
- Sound recorders
- Any other device that may communicate wirelessly, or be used to record sound or images
What you can't wear to the polls
You can't wear clothing or have any similar communication that relates to a candidate, measure or political party. If you do, a presiding judge can enforce the law within 100 feet outside a polling place entrance. You may be asked to cover up before going inside to vote.
How should I plan for voting?
Many Texas counties, including Bell and McLennan, allow voters to vote at any polling location in the county. Voters are encouraged to plan which location they plan to go to and verify what hours they will be open. This information can be found on your county's elections page, also listed above under "Where do I vote?"
With record numbers of registered voters this election, voters are encouraged to expect and plan for long wait times at polling locations. Bell County even has a portal where voters can check wait times at polling locations throughout the county. That portal can be found at this link.
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