2024 VOTE: Mail-in ballot applications available

AUSTIN – As of  Jan. 1, Texans can now apply for a ballot by mail to start the voting process in the March 5 primary election for local, state, and national offices.

VOTING REGISTRATION

Before you can vote by mail, you must be registered to vote. 

Voter registration in Texas must be done by Feb. 5 and requires the following:

• You must be a U.S. citizen.

• You must be at least 18 years of age on Election Day.

• You must be a resident of the county where your application will be submitted.

MAIL-IN VOTING ELIGIBILITY

In Texas, “no excuse” mail voting is prohibited. 

Instead, according to the secretary of state’s office, you must meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

• Absent from the county for the entire early voting period and election day

• Age 65 years or older

• Sick or disabled

• Incarcerated and awaiting trial

• Expecting to give birth three weeks before or after the election

APPLICATION PROCESS

Online application forms can be downloaded from the county election office or the secretary of state’s website. You can request a form be mailed to your address or print one directly from the site.

You will need to provide one form of ID from the following list or, alternatively, the last four digits of your Social Security number:

• Texas driver’s license

• State personal identification number

• Election identification certificate number

You can deliver absentee ballots by mail or directly in person to your county’s early voting clerk. Unless postmarked, the early voting clerk must receive your ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day. 

Postmarked ballots must be received by 5 p.m. the next day, while overseas mail-in ballots with postmarks must be received by 5 p.m. on the fifth business day following Election Day.

The final day to request a mail ballot is Feb. 23.