Register to vote

If you’re unsure if you’re registered to vote, check your status first. You can fill out this form to register. The deadline to register was Oct. 5.

Request an absentee ballot

In Texas, requesting a ballot requires a reason, like being disabled or out of the country, beyond fear of covid-19. You can find a full list of acceptable reasons here .

You can complete the application for a ballot here . The application must be received by Oct. 23. The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters request a ballot as soon as possible but not later than Oct. 19.

Ballots are mailed starting Sept. 19.

Fill out your ballot

Mailed ballots need more than your vote. Most require at least one signature and can’t have any stray marks. They must be sent back in the envelope provided.

Here’s a more detailed guide on how to make sure your ballot is counted. Be sure to follow the instructions that accompanied your ballot and contact your local election officials with any questions.

Return your ballot

Your ballot can be returned in person or by mail by you or a third party, with some restrictions. Return postage for ballots is not guaranteed to be prepaid in Texas, but may be offered in your city or county.

Ballots must be dropped off in person or postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by mail no later than Nov. 4. Check with local officials for specific times. The U.S. Postal Service recommends voters mail their ballot at least one week prior to the state deadline, by Oct. 27.

Your ballot is verified and counted

From identifying information and tracking bar codes on your ballot to signatures, a lot has gone into making sure your vote is accurate and will count by the time your ballot is returned.

In Texas, the signature submitted with your ballot will be checked against what election officials have on file. For certain problems with your ballot, election officials are required to contact you and offer you a chance to “cure” it so it can be counted.

Absentee ballots may start being processed Oct. 22 and formally counted Oct. 30 for counties with a population over 100,000. Smaller counties can begin processing Oct. 30 and formally counting after polls open on Election Day.

You’re all set

You can visit Texas’ election website for more details on voting. If you have any questions or issues or need to check the status of your provisional ballot contact your local elections officials.*

**https://www.washingtonpost.com/