Voting is a fundamental right, and in Texas, there are multiple ways to cast your ballot. For the 2024 elections, understanding your voting options is crucial. One convenient option available to eligible Texas voters is voting by mail. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to vote by mail in Texas in 2024.
Who is Eligible to Vote by Mail in Texas?
Texas law has specific eligibility requirements for voting by mail. You can apply for a mail-in ballot if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Age 65 or Older: If you are 65 years of age or older, you automatically qualify to vote by mail.
- Sickness or Disability: If you have a sickness or disability that prevents you from voting in person, you are eligible to vote by mail.
- Absence from County: If you will be out of your county of residence during both the early voting period and on Election Day, you can vote by mail.
- Expected Childbirth: If you are expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day, you are eligible for mail-in voting.
- Confined in Jail (but otherwise eligible): If you are confined in jail but are otherwise eligible to vote, you can vote by mail.
It’s important to note that these are the exclusive categories for mail-in voting in Texas. If you do not meet one of these criteria, you will need to vote in person during early voting or on Election Day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Texas Mail-In Ballot
If you are eligible to vote by mail, here’s how to apply for your mail-in ballot in Texas for the 2024 elections:
1. Obtain an Application for Ballot by Mail (ABBM) Form
You can get the ABBM form in two ways:
- Download and Print: You can download and print the official ABBM form directly from the Texas Secretary of State’s website. Ensure you have a PDF reader installed on your device to open and print the form.
- Order Online to Receive by Mail: Alternatively, you can order an ABBM form online through the Texas Secretary of State’s online portal. The Secretary of State will then mail you the official application form. This is a convenient option if you do not have access to a printer.
2. Complete Sections 1 Through 5 of the ABBM Form
Carefully fill out Sections 1 through 5 of the ABBM form. This includes providing your personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, voter registration information (if known), and the reason for your eligibility to vote by mail. Accuracy is key to ensure your application is processed without delays.
3. Sign and Date Section 5
In Section 5, you must sign and date the application. Your signature is crucial for verifying your identity. Ensure your signature matches the signature on your voter registration record.
4. Complete Section 6 if Applicable (Witness or Assistance)
Section 6 is only required under specific circumstances:
- Witnessed Signature: If you were unable to sign the application yourself and someone witnessed your signature, that witness must complete Section 6.
- Assistance in Completing or Mailing: If someone helped you complete the application or mailed it on your behalf, that person is also required to complete Section 6. It is important to understand the rules regarding assistance to ensure compliance with Texas election laws.
5. Prepare and Mail Your Application
Follow these steps to properly submit your ABBM application:
- Postage: Affix appropriate postage to your envelope. If you printed the application, you must use your own envelope and add postage. If you ordered the application online and received a pre-addressed form, follow the instructions provided, usually involving folding, sealing the top tab, and adding postage.
- Address to Early Voting Clerk: Address and mail the completed ABBM to the Early Voting Clerk in your county. The Early Voting Clerk is typically your County Clerk or Elections Administrator.
- Fax or Email Submission (with Hard Copy Follow-up): In addition to mailing, you have the option to fax or email a scanned copy of your completed and signed application to the Early Voting Clerk, if their office has a fax machine or email option. You can find contact information for your county’s Early Voting Clerk on the Texas Secretary of State’s website. Crucially, if you fax or email your application, you MUST also mail the original, hard copy of the application. This hard copy must be received by the Early Voting Clerk no later than the 4th business day after the fax or email submission.
Important Notice: Do not send your completed ABBM application to the Secretary of State’s Office. To ensure timely processing, send it directly to your county’s Early Voting Clerk.
Track Your Mail-In Ballot
Once you have submitted your ABBM and it has been approved, you will receive your mail-in ballot. After you mail back your completed ballot, you can track its status online using the Ballot Tracker on the Texas Secretary of State’s website. This tool allows you to see if your ballot has been received and counted, providing peace of mind that your vote has been recorded.
Special Provisions for Military and Overseas Voters
Military personnel and overseas voters have access to the standard mail-in voting process. However, there are also special provisions for military and overseas voters designed to accommodate their unique circumstances. These provisions may include different deadlines and methods for receiving and returning ballots. If you are a military or overseas voter, it is advisable to review these specific guidelines.
Conclusion
Voting by mail in Texas for the 2024 elections is a viable option for eligible voters. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following these step-by-step instructions, you can successfully apply for and cast your mail-in ballot. Make sure to apply early and track your ballot to ensure your voice is heard in the upcoming Texas elections. For more detailed information on early voting and other voting methods, please read the Early Voting in Texas pamphlet.
