Remember to exercise your right to vote in the New Year:
In 2011, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 14 (SB 14) creating a new requirement for voters to show photo identification when voting in person. While pending review within the judicial system, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in Shelby County v. Holder, which effectively ended all pending litigation. As a result, voters are now required to present an approved form of photo identification in order to vote in all Texas Elections.
Below is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID:
Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS); Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS; Texas personal identification card issued by DPS; Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS; United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph; United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph; United States passport.
With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place.
You are eligible to register and vote if you are:
A citizen of the United States; A resident of Bexar County; At least 17 years and 10 months of age and you must be 18 years of age by election day; Not declared mentally incompetent by a court of law; Not a convicted felon, or, if so convicted you have: 1. Fully discharged your sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, supervision, or completed a period of probation ordered by any court; or, 2. Been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disability to vote.
First Time Voters
If you are registering for the first time by mail, you must provide valid identification that shows your name and address. If you do not provide identification at the time of registration, you will receive a letter requesting proof of identity. Otherwise, you will be required to present such identification when you vote, either in person or by mail.
Your voter registration will become effective 30 days after it is received or on your 18th birthday whichever is later.
If you move to another county, you must re-register in the county of your new residence. When you go to the polls to vote, present your certificate as proof of registration.
You may vote without your certificate by signing an affidavit at the polling place and showing some other form of identification.
If you lose your certificate, notify the Voter Registration Office in writing to receive a new one.
You will automatically receive a new certificate every two years if you haven’t moved from the address at which you are registered.
Voter registration applications are available at:
Bexar county Elections Office 203 W. Nueva, Suite 3.61
Texas Department of Public Safety Offices (DPS)
Public Libraries
Additionally, you may obtain an application by calling the Voter Registration Office at (210) 335-6625.
As always you can visit VoteTexas.Gov for more information.