The U.S. Supreme Court is letting Texas move forward with its new voter ID law. That follows a decision from an appeals court to uphold the law, after it was initially struck down by a district judge.
That means you will in fact need to present a valid photo ID to cast a ballot in this year's election.
Here’s what you need to know:
Voter ID Requirements
You will need one of seven required forms of current or expired within 60 days photo identification:
1) A Texas Driver's License
2) A Personal ID card, issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
3) A Concealed Handgun License, issued by Texas DPS
4) A U.S. Military ID with photograph
5) A U.S. Citizenship Certificate with photograph
6) A U.S. Passport
or 7) An Election Identification Certificate (EIC) issued by DPS.
If you still need an ID, you can get the EIC at your local DPS office. You will need to prove citizenship and identity; more details are here.
Exemptions from the photo ID requirement are made for voters with disability or voters expressing religious objection. Further details are here.
DPS Locations and Hours
Alpine
3500 North Highway 118, Alpine, TX 79830. 432-837-7580
Mon, Thur, Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tues, Weds: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
CLOSED FOR LUNCH: Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Presidio
800-A N Business Highway 67, Presidio, TX 79845. 432-229-3768
Mon—Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
CLOSED FOR LUNCH: Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Van Horn
1300 N Frontage Road, IH-10, Van Horn, TX 79855. 432-283-2039
Thursday ONLY: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Pecos
148 North Frontage Road, I-20 West, Pecos, TX 79772. 432-447-3532
Mon—Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
EXCEPT Thurs: CLOSED.
Jeff Davis
Jeff Davis County residents can be issued an Election Identification Certificate (EIC) ONLY from Judge George E. Grubb, County Judge: 432-426-3968
Early Voting
Early voting begins Monday Oct. 20 and ends Friday Oct. 31. There are two ways to vote early: in person or by mail.
You are only eligible to vote early by mail if you:
1) will be away from your county on Election Day and during early voting;
2) are sick or disabled;
3) are 65 years of age or older on Election Day; or
4) are confined in jail.