Primer on voting in 2020

CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION

If you’ve voted in previous elections and haven’t moved out of the country, you’re probably ready to go. Check online at votetexas.gov/register. You’ll need your date of birth and either your name, county and ZIP code or your Texas driver’s license number. If you have your registration card, you also can use your voter ID number. If you’re not already registered, you won’t be able to vote on Nov. 3.

WHO CAN VOTE BY MAIL

Texas voters have to meet one of the following in order to vote by mail, also known as absentee voting.

Those 65 or older on Election Day.

Out of the county for both early voting and Election Day; for example, a student attending an out-of-state college, business traveler or military member on deployment.

In jail with charges still pending.

Sick or disabled and unable to visit a polling place. Election officials don’t have authority to require an explanation when this option is chosen.

HOW TO APPLY

Request an application for ballot by mail, also known as an ABBM. At the Texas Secretary of State website, sos.texas.gov/elections/. You can find a link to it under Frequently Asked Questions.

On your county election office’s website. At bexar.org/elections, click on Vote by Mail in the gray box on the upper right-hand side of the page. You can fill it out on the site and print it or download the form to print it and fill it out by hand.

At your county elections office.

You may receive an application in the mail. Bexar County is mailing applications to those 65 and older. The Texas Democratic Party and some candidates also are mailing applications to voters. Mail or deliver a completed application to your local county clerk’s office. Bexar residents send it to: Bexar County Elections (Early Voting Clerk); 1103 S. Frio, Suite 200; San Antonio, TX. 78207-6328.

You can deliver it in person during business hours by Oct. 12. Applications sent by mail have to arrive by Oct. 23, but you should get it in as early as possible.

WHEN AND HOW TO RETURN BALLOT

Once you receive your ballot in the mail, fill it out and return it. Mail it to county election office. Bexar residents send it to Bexar County Elections Administration Office, 1103 S. Frio St. Must be postmarked by 7 p.m. Election Day and received by 5 p.m. the day after if mailed within the U.S. If mailed from outside the U.S., must be delivered no later than five days after Election Day. Deliver it to your county election office during business or voting hours by 7 p.m. Election Day.