Texans face new ID and phone rules in Tuesday's general election
Voters in Tarrant County can cast ballots at any local center between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., but must bring specific photo identification and leave electronic devices outside the voting room.
By Vikram Harrison ·
Voters in Texas face a new set of rules for the Nov. 3 general election. The day is defined by strict identification requirements and limitations on electronic devices inside polling locations.
Polls in Tarrant County open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The Tarrant County Elections website states that anyone in line by the time the polls close will be allowed to vote. Registered voters in the county may choose any of the available Vote Centers rather than a specific precinct location.
The most prominent race on the ballot features Ken Paxton and James Talarico competing for the U.S. Senate. Paxton, the state Attorney General since 2014, defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary. Talarico, a former teacher and state representative since 2018, won the Democratic primary against U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
Photo identification is mandatory for in-person voting. Acceptable forms include a Texas driver's license, a personal ID card from the Department of Public Safety, a handgun license, a Texas election ID card, a U.S. passport, a military ID, or a certificate of citizenship or naturalization. For voters between 18 and 69, the ID must be current or expired for no more than four years. Voters aged 70 and older may use expired ID cards of any age.
If a voter lacks an acceptable photo ID, they may present supporting documents such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or birth certificate. The Texas Secretary of State's office notes that these supporting forms apply only when a voter cannot reasonably obtain a primary photo ID.
Electronic devices are restricted inside the voting room. Voters cannot use cell phones, cameras, tablets, laptops, or sound recorders in the room where ballots are cast. They may use these devices outside the room provided they do not record sound or images. Recording is prohibited within 100 feet of any voting station.
Political apparel is also banned within 100 feet of a polling station. Voters wearing shirts or items related to a candidate, measure, or party must remove or cover them before entering. Children under 18 may accompany their parents to vote. Voters who encounter issues can call the Secretary of State's toll-free hotline at 1-800-252-VOTE or email elections@sos.texas.gov.
