Early voting for May 4 election is underway. What to know before heading to the polls.

Brandi D. Addison, USA TODAY NETWORK
·2 min read

Early voting is underway across Texas for the May 4 election.

Here's what you need to know for the upcoming election.

Key dates for the local elections

  • April 4: The last day to register to vote

  • April 23: The last day for counties to receive mail-in ballot requests

  • April 30: The final day for early voting

  • May 4: Election Day (also the deadline for mail-in ballots)

What's on the ballot?

Ballots vary across counties. Statewide, there are over 200 bond elections for school districts, water districts, hospital districts, and community colleges. Municipal elections feature contests for school board and city council positions, along with property appraisal district boards. Additionally, there are various local propositions, such as the decriminalization of marijuana in Lubbock County.

Sample ballots can be found online.

Acceptable identification to bring to the polls

All voters must bring one of the seven approved forms of ID to the polls. These include:

  • Texas driver license

  • Texas election ID certificate

  • Texas personal ID card

  • Texas handgun license

  • U.S. citizenship certificate with photo

  • U.S. military ID card

  • U.S. passport

If you do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of these forms of identification, you can still vote by filling out a reasonable impediment declaration and showing a copy or original of one of the following approved IDs:

  • Birth certificate

  • Current utility bill

  • Bank statement

  • Government check

  • Paycheck

  • Government document with name and address (such as the voter registration certificate)

Know your rights as a voter.

As a voter you have the right to request the following, according to the Secretary of State:

  • A ballot with written instructions on how to cast a ballot.

  • The polling place official can give instructions on how to cast a ballot (but not suggestions on how to vote).

  • Cast your vote in secret and free from intimidation.

  • Receive up to two more ballots if you make a mistake while marking the ballot.

  • Bring an interpreter to assist you as you qualify to vote if you do not understand the English language.

  • Help to cast your ballot if you cannot write, see the ballot, or understand the language in which it is written.

  • Report a possible voting rights abuse to the Secretary of State (1-800-252-8683) or to your local election official.

  • Cast a provisional ballot if your name does not appear on the list of registered voters.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Early voting for May 4 election is underway. Here's what to know