Early voting begins Monday, October 23, 2006, in Texas. Election day is November 7, 2006. I always encourage people to vote early, to avoid the long lines and bureaucratic delays on election day.
The Dallas Morning News has an informative article about answers to voters’ questions. Quoting from the article:
When and where do I vote?
On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Dallas Morning News will publish a list of polling places that day.
Can I still register to vote in this election?
No. The deadline was Oct. 10. Applications postmarked by Oct. 10 are accepted.
I will be out of town Nov. 7. Can I vote early?
Early voting starts Monday at early voting locations. All mail-in ballots returned by 7 p.m. Election Day will be counted, regardless of when they were postmarked.
If I voted for one party’s candidate in the primary, can I vote for his or her opponent in the general election?
Yes. You are not locked into one party’s candidates for the general election.
Are all the races being contested?
No. Some races drew only one contender, meaning the unopposed candidate wins automatically.
Do I need to take my registration card to the polls?
Although it is not necessary, election officials urge voters to bring their registration cards to save time and avoid confusion. Voters are required to present identification. Under the Help America Vote Act, a person who shows some sort of identification is allowed to vote — even if that person is not listed on the voter registration list or is outside his or her precinct. The registrar determines whether the provisional voter is registered, and a ballot board makes the final determination of eligibility. They both have seven days after the election to tell interested parties whether provisional ballots will be counted.
Can I take a voter’s guide or other printed materials into the voting booth?
Yes. Voters may carry notes, campaign leaflets or other printed materials with them into the booth. However, voters may not distribute campaign materials to other voters within 100 feet of polling places.
