Early voting is underway in Texas and members of the OLLU community have the opportunity to receive a free ride to the polls to cast their votes. The Political Science department, the Center for Women in Church and Society and the Law and Politics Society are sponsoring rides to the polls Tuesday. Those who wish to participate should meet in the Main Building visitor parking lot at 12:30 p.m. for a ride to Las Palmas Library, the early voting site.
Texas law requires identification to vote. Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
- Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas election ID certificate issued by DPS
- Texas personal ID card issued by DPS
- Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS
- U.S. Military ID card containing the person’s photograph
- U.S. citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph
- U.S. passport
Earlier this year, a federal court found the Texas Voter ID law to be discriminatory. The court also ruled that a voter without an acceptable form of ID may cast his or her vote after providing alternative identification and signing a reasonable impediment declaration. With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than four years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. Contact OLLU’s Texas Representative, Rep. Justin Rodriguez at 512-463-0669 or 210-521-7100 with any questions regarding identification needed to vote.
Acceptable forms of alternative identification include:
- Valid voter registration certificate
- Certified birth certificate (must be an original)
- Original or copy of a current utility bill
- Original or copy of a bank statement
- Original or copy of a government check
- Original or copy of a paycheck
- Original or copy of a government document with the voter’s name and an address (original required if it contains a photograph)
Early voting ends Nov. 4. For those who do not vote early, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.