With the US general election on November 5, 2024, voters in Houston and across Texas have a chance to participate in this important event.
Polling hours on election day
In Texas, including Houston, polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. (Central Time) on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Voters in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast their ballots, ensuring everyone present has a chance to participate.
For voters in parts of Texas that observe Mountain Time, such as El Paso County, polls open and close one hour later by local time, running from 8 a.m. CST to 8 p.m. CST. This adjustment aligns polling hours across Texas so that all voters have equal access to voting within their respective time zones.
Where to vote
Voting Locations in Houston and Surrounding Counties
Houston is in Harris County, where registered voters can use any polling location within the county to vote on Election Day. This flexibility applies to several other nearby counties, including Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, and Liberty counties. Residents in these counties have the convenience of selecting a polling place that best suits their schedule and location.
However, voters in Montgomery and Waller counties must vote at their designated precincts. Voters residing in these areas should verify their precinct location on their county’s official election website. Harris County offers an updated list of polling locations on its website, which is recommended for last-minute location checks due to possible changes or additions in polling sites.
Identifying your polling place
To locate your polling place, you can visit the election information page on your county’s website. These sites offer interactive maps and lists of polling locations:
Harris County: Harris Votes
Fort Bend County: fortbendcountytx.gov
Montgomery County: elections.mctx.org
Brazoria County: brazoriacountytx.gov
Each county’s site also includes sample ballots and information on local measures and candidate races.
Identification requirements for voting
Texas law mandates that voters present a form of photo ID at polling places. Acceptable IDs include:
- Texas Driver’s License
- Texas Personal Identification Card
- Texas Election Identification Certificate
- Texas Handgun License
- US Passport
- US Military ID with a photograph
- US Citizenship Certificate with a photograph
If a voter does not have one of these photo IDs and cannot reasonably obtain one, they may present alternative forms of identification, such as a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or a certified birth certificate. Texas also allows a government document that includes both the voter’s name and address.
Finding your polling place
To locate the nearest polling place, voters can use resources like the Texas Secretary of State’s website or USA.gov’s polling place lookup. These tools provide up-to-date information, ensuring voters find a convenient and accessible location on Election Day.
For residents in Harris County, the Harris County Elections Administration also offers a robust website that includes maps and search tools for polling locations. Checking ahead of time can help avoid confusion on Election Day, especially for those voting in densely populated areas where lines may be longer.
Races and issues on the ballot
The November 2024 ballot includes federal, state, and local races, with prominent races such as the US presidential election. Additionally, voters in Texas may have propositions or local measures, depending on their specific counties and municipalities. Sample ballots and candidate guides are available on county election websites and platforms like USA.gov, which offer detailed candidate and issue comparisons.
