Voter Guide: What to know for the May 2024 primary runoff elections
AUSTIN (KXAN) — While the Texas primaries were held in March, some candidates advanced to runoff elections being held this month. Voters will choose the final candidates who will represent the Democratic and Republican parties on the ballot in November’s general election.
Unlike the March primaries, early voting this time only lasts for five days from Monday, May 20 through Friday, May 23. Election Day is Tuesday, May 28.
Full coverage of the Texas primary elections
Here’s what you need to know before heading to the polls.
Which primary can I vote in?
Texas is an open primary state, which means you don’t have to be a registered Democrat or Republican to vote in that party’s primary.
When you get the polls, you’ll be asked which primary you’d like to vote in. You can only vote in one party’s primary.
If you voted in the March primary, you can only vote for the same party in the runoff. For example, if you voted in the Democratic primary, you cannot vote in a Republican runoff, and vice versa. If you didn’t vote in the primary, you can choose which runoff to vote in.
What am I going to see on my ballot?
While most races were decided in the March primary, several local races advanced to runoffs, including county commissioners, justices of the peace and tax assessor-collectors.
What do all the county elected positions do?
Democratic voters in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lampasas, Lee, Llano, Milam, Travis and Williamson counties will vote in a primary runoff for a justice position on the 3rd Court of Appeals. There is also a runoff in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 31 in Burnet and Williamson counties.
Republican voters in Burnet, Fayette, Gillespie, Lampasas, Lee, Llano, Milam and Williamson counties will vote in a primary runoff for a position on the State Board of Education. There is also a runoff in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 35 in Hays and Travis counties.
In addition, several local and county races will appear on the ballot:
Where can I find a sample ballot?
Sample ballots are available on each county’s elections website. Use the table below to find your sample ballot:
Mark your calendars
Monday, April 29: Last day to register to vote
Friday, May 17: Last day to apply to vote by mail
Monday, May 20: Early voting begins
Friday, May 24: Early voting ends
Tuesday, May 28: Election Day
Hours for early voting are typically Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., although some locations in Travis County have extended hours until 10 p.m. on Friday.
Early voting locations
Below are the early voting locations in Travis County, courtesy of the Travis County clerk. You can also find a list of the locations here.
Election Day voting locations
Below are the Election Day voting locations in Travis County, courtesy of the Travis County clerk. You can also find a list of the locations here.
What do I need to bring with me?
Under Texas law, voters are required to bring identification with them to vote. Here are the accepted forms of identification:
Texas Driver License
Texas Election Identification Certificate
Texas Personal Identification Card
Texas Handgun License
United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
United States Passport
What’s not allowed?
Under Texas law, you cannot use most wireless communication devices within 100 feet of a voting station, nor are you allowed to record sound or images in that space. Those restricted electronics include:
Cell phones
Cameras
Tablet computers
Laptop computers
Sound recorders
Any other device that may communicate wirelessly, or be used to record sound or images.
You are also not allowed to wear clothing, hats, flags, etc. that relate to a candidate currently on the ballot within 100 feet of the voting station.
Local county elections offices
Below are links to each county elections website in the KXAN coverage area. Each will have information including phone numbers, polling locations and addresses. You can also check wait times at polling locations.
KXAN will have full coverage on Election Day, May 28.
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