Editor's Note: Early voting in Texas ended Oct. 30, 2020. Election Day is Nov. 3, 2020. Registered voters may vote at any polling place in Tarrant County on Election Day from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Click here for a list of polling places. If you requested a mail ballot, it may be returned in person at the Tarrant County Elections Administration Office (2700 Premier St., Fort Worth.) If you choose to return your ballot through the mail, it must be postmarked by 7 p.m. Nov. 3, 2020 and received by 5 p.m. Nov. 4, 2020 to be counted. We have also put relevant Election Day information in bold below.

Early voting is now under way across Texas, and like most other things in 2020, this year’s election will look different. As you plan your vote, here is a guide to make sure your voice is heard while staying safe.

If You Plan to Vote In-Person:

Important Dates to Remember:

• Oct. 13: In-person early voting begins
• Oct. 30: Last day of in-person early voting
• Nov. 3: Election Day

How Do I Find My Polling Place?

• If you plan to vote early, you can vote at any early voting polling site in Tarrant County. Click here for a map of polling places and hours.
• If you plan to vote on Election Day, you can vote at any polling site in Tarrant County. Click here to find a polling site near you.
• Click here for information about wait times at polling locations in Tarrant County.

Do I Need ID to Vote?

Yes. Texas requires voters to present one form of photo ID when voting in person. The following forms of ID are acceptable:

•  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 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 (book or card) 

 What’s on the Ballot?

•  You can find a sample ballot by clicking here.

What Resources Are Available to Help People with Disabilities Vote More Easily?

• The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures everyone has a full and equal opportunity to vote. Click here for more information for voters with special needs.
• Voters with mobility issues are allowed to move to the front of the line
• Curbside voting is available during early voting and on Election Day. If you have someone with you, have them notify the election official. If you’re alone, look for a voting assistance button near handicap parking spaces.
• Call Tarrant County Elections at 817-831-8683 for more information. You can also find a pamphlet with more information on voting rights by clicking here. This information is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.

What Safety Precautions Are in Place to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19?

• Tarrant County has installed hand sanitizing stations at polling places and floor markers, to encourage social distancing.
• Masks are not mandatory to vote but strongly encouraged
• Click here to learn more about the county’s COVID-19 election safety guidelines. (This information is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.)

What if I am Currently Positive for COVID-19 or Self-Quarantining Following a Possible Exposure?

• Voters may request an emergency ballot. You can find the application here. 
• You may request curbside assistance at your early voting or Election day polling site. Look for assistance buttons near the handicap parking section. 
• You may ask to be moved to the front of the line. 

 Can You Help Me Find A Ride to the Polls?

• Throughout early voting and on Election Day, Tarrant County voters will be able to access free rides to the polls through public transit, including Arlington’s Handitran and Via on-demand rideshare programs. Simply show your current Texas ID or voter registration card.
• Click here to schedule your Handitran trip
• To use Via’s on-demand service, simply download Via’s app and enter the address of a Vote Center within Via’s service area or call 817-784-7382 to schedule a ride by phone. You will not be charged for trips scheduled to or from a Vote Center location. Click here to learn more about Via.

How Can I Serve as a Poll Worker?

• Click here to view the poll worker application and learn more about the student poll worker program.

If You Plan to Vote by Mail:

Tarrant County registered voters are eligible to request and receive a ballot by mail if any of the following conditions prevent them from voting in person.

• Expected absence from the county during both the early voting period and on Election Day
• Disability
• 65 years old or older
• Confinement in jail and not finally convicted of a felony

Important Dates to Remember if You Plan to Vote by Mail:

• Oct. 23: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail (The application must be received by this date, not postmarked)
• Nov. 3, 7 p.m.: Deadline to return ballot if carrier envelope is not postmarked, OR Wednesday, Nov. 4 (next business day after Election Day) at 5 p.m. if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at the location of the election on Election Day

How Do I Request a Mail Ballot?

• You may use the official application form (available here in English, Spanish and Vietnamese) or send an informal application that includes your name, the address at which you are registered to vote, one of the approved conditions for requesting a ballot, the address to which you want the ballot mailed and your signature. If the ballot is not to be mailed outside the county and not to the address at which you are registered, you must give an explanation as to the address (such as nursing home, hospital, etc.)
• You may e-mail or fax a request for a mail ballot, but you must also follow up that request with an application through the mail. According to Tarrant County, “In order for a faxed or email application for ballot by mail to be effective, the accompanying mailed application for ballot by mail must be received within four business days of the submission of the application by fax or email.” Click here to learn more.

How Do I Return My Completed Mail Ballot?

• By mail
  • Tarrant County Elections
    PO Box 961011
    Fort Worth, Texas 76161-0011
• Use a common on contract carrier
• Hand-deliver your ballot to the early voting clerk’s office at 2700 Premier St. in Fort Worth. Click here for a drop-off schedule and more information. This information is also available in Spanish and Vietnamese.

How Do I Know My Mail Ballot was Received?

• Voters who request a mail ballot can find confirmation their ballot was received through the Tarrant County Elections site. The County has put together a step-by-step video showing how to follow your ballot. It is also available with Spanish and Vietnamese subtitles by clicking here.

Click here to visit the Tarrant County Elections website. You may also call 817-831-8683.