We are just 40 days away from the November 3rd Election, and Texas is getting into gear. This Election Day occurs during a very unconventional time globally, but Texas is taking extra precautions to keep voters safe.

This past Monday, Governor Greg Abbott announced that he was expanding the early voting period by six days; this gives voters more time to vote early instead of standing in long lines on Election day this November 3rd. Abbot explains, "By extending the early voting period and expanding the period in which mail-in ballots can be hand-delivered, Texans will have greater flexibility to cast their ballots, while at the same time protecting themselves and others from COVID-19."

If this option stands out to you and you want to utilize this fabulous option, check out these important dates.

  • · October 5 -- Last day to register to vote
  • · October 13 -- Early voting starts
  • · October 23 -- Last day to apply for a ballot by mail
  • · October 30 -- Last day of voting early in-person

If you want to go ahead and vote by mail, here are some key points to know.

To be eligible, you must:

  • · be 65 years or older;
  • · be sick or disabled;
  • · be out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting    by personal appearance; or
  • · be confined in jail, but otherwise eligible.

It should be noted that the Texas secretary of state-defined disability qualifications as being "a sickness or physical condition that prevents the voter from appearing at the polling place on Election Day without a likelihood of needing personal assistance or of injuring the voter's health." On top of that, the Supreme Court ruled elections workers do not have "the legal authority" to ask you to explain your disability when checking off that box on the form.

To submit an application by mail

Deadline to Receive Ballot by Mail

-All applications must be received by the early voting clerk no later than the 9th day before election day.

Whatever your means of voting ends up being the most important thing is to just go out(or stay in) and vote!

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