From the inbox:
Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart urges voters to prepare before heading to vote on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. “Harris County Voters can find their Election Day polling location and review the list of acceptable forms of identification required to vote by visiting www.HarrisVotes.com.”
Unlike Early Voting, on Election Day, voters are required to vote at their designated polling location for their precinct. Election Day polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All voters in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast their ballot.
“All voters should make sure they have an acceptable form of identification. New to this election are options for voters who do not possess one of the acceptable photo IDs,” reminded Stanart, the chief election officer of the County. According to state guidelines,
A voter must show an acceptable photo identification at the polling location before the voter may be accepted for voting, unless the voter has a reasonable impediment to obtaining one of these forms of acceptable photo identification or the voter qualifies for one of the other exemptions. The forms of acceptable photo identification include:
• Texas Driver’s License issued by the Department of Public Safety (“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; or
• United States Passport.With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 4 years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place.
If a voter does not possess one of the forms of acceptable photo identification listed above, and the voter cannot reasonably obtain such identification, the voter has the right to execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present one of the following supporting documents: Valid voter registration certificate; Certified birth certificate (must be an original); 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 other government document that displays your name and an address (though an original is required if it contains a photograph).
“For voters with disabilities, look for the greeter wearing the bright lime vest. They are there to ensure your access to the voting process,” concluded Stanart. “The election officials at the polls are there to ensure every voter has a great election experience. I encourage every registered voter to join us at the polls.”
To review a list of acceptable credentials to vote at the polling location, find a list of the Election Day polling locations, view a personal sample ballot and other election information, voters may visit the Harris County Clerk’s website at www.HarrisVotes.com or call 713.755.6965.
You can find your polling place here – remember, unlike early voting, there is only one place you can go if you vote today. Metro is offering a free ride to the polls if you need it. For all of the chatter about early voting turnout, it remains to be seen how many people there are left to vote today. I think that just on sheer population increase, we’re going to see a decent bump in turnout over 2012, both in Harris County and statewide. Whether the turnout rate climbs above 62-63% locally or above 60% statewide, that’s the real question. Have you voted yet> You have till 7 PM.