October 29, 2020 Make your voice heard — have a plan when you go to the polls to ensure a successful voting experience.
We work hard to fight for the rights of our clients, and that extends to the ability to freely cast our votes. Your vote is your voice — and the very bedrock of our democracy. But it can be challenging for some to vote in Texas. These frequently asked questions and answers should help you navigate the polls.
Alongside voting rights advocates, Waters & Kraus successfully fought Texas’ recent efforts to block residents from registering to vote when they update their driver’s license information online. At Waters & Kraus, we are committed to ensuring your fundamental rights at the polls and preserving the sanctity of our democracy.
Plaintiffs are represented by the Texas Civil Rights Project, together with Waters & Kraus partners Peter Kraus, Charles Siegel, and Caitlyn Silhan.
Be Prepared with a Plan to Vote in Texas on Nov. 3
The 2020 election is anticipated to be a historic one with record turnout, including in Texas, where more than 11 million voters are expected to participate. Texans should make a plan to vote before heading to the polls. This includes educating yourself about eligibility and registration, what you will need to bring with you when you vote, how to find your polling location, and voting by mail, among other issues.
To help you navigate these matters, here is a guide to the most frequently asked questions about casting your ballot on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Q: How can I check my voter registration status?
A: You may look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Texas’ voter registration lookup tool provided by the Secretary of State’s Office.
Q: How do I find my polling location for Election Day?
A: You can find information about your polling place on your county’s website or through the Secretary of State’s website found here.
Q: What do I need to bring with me to vote?
A: Voters can use any one of these seven forms of ID to vote:
- Texas Driver License
- Texas Election ID Certificate
- Texas Personal ID Card
- Texas Handgun License
- US Military ID Card (with photo)
- US Citizenship Certificate (with photo)
- US Passport (book or card)
Q: I am concerned about COVID-19. Can I vote by mail instead of going to the polls?
A: The last day to request your mail-in ballot in Texas was Oct. 23. Eligibility requirements included registered voters who are age 65 and older or registered voters with a disability. Unfortunately, concerns about contracting COVID-19 due to exposure from voting doesn’t qualify as a disability, according to the Texas Civil Rights Project, which is part of the Texas Election Protection coalition, the largest non-partisan voter protection effort in the state.
Q: I requested a ballot by mail, but have decided to vote in person. What do I do?
A: As long as you did not submit your vote by mail ballot, you can still vote in person, according to the Texas Civil Rights Project. You can take your mail-in ballot to your polling site, and then you can vote a regular ballot. If you don’t have your mail-in ballot, you can cast a provisional ballot in person. Casting a provisional ballot requires written confirmation from you that you did not submit a mail-in ballot. Your provisional ballot will be counted once the county determines your eligibility — and that you did not submit a mail-in ballot.
Q: What can I expect at my polling place to ensure safety protocols due to COVID-19?
A: The Secretary of State’s Office has issued guidelines urging voters to maintain social distance of at least 6 feet and to bring their own hand sanitizer to the polls. More guidelines can be found here.
Q: I have other voting questions or need more information. Who can I contact?
A: Call the Texas Civil Rights Project’s Election Protection Hotline:
- English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
- Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
- Asian Languages: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683)
- Arabic: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
- American Sign Language (Video): 301-818-VOTE (301-818-8683)
- Disability Rights Texas: 888-796-VOTE (888-796-8683)
About Waters & Kraus, LLP
Waters & Kraus is a national plaintiffs’ law firm devoted to helping families in personal injury and wrongful death cases involving asbestos and mesothelioma, benzene exposure, dangerous pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and birth defects caused by pesticides, toxic chemicals, opioid use, and semiconductor chip manufacturing. The law firm also represents plaintiffs in qui tam whistleblower matters in cases that uncover false claims submitted to the government. Based in Dallas, Texas, with offices in Los Angeles, California, and by appointment in Moline, Illinois, Waters & Kraus has represented families from all fifty states and many foreign countries, as well as foreign governments.
Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel is the West Coast practice of Waters & Kraus, LLP, a national plaintiffs’ law firm.
