Table of Contents
There are new voting laws in Texas and it’s important to know what has changed so you can participate in elections and have your voice heard. The Ballot by Mail Checklist provides guidance to help you apply for a Ballot by Mail, track your application status, and get additional help if you need it.
For the video version of this information, see the Ballot by Mail Checklist in ASL video.
Eligibility
To be eligible to vote by mail, you must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Are sick or have a disability
- Age 65 or older
- Going to be away from your county on Election Day and during early voting
- Confined in jail but still eligible to vote
- Expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after election day
Get an Application
To apply for a Ballot by Mail, make sure you use the new and updated application. The Texas Secretary of State’s Application for a Ballot by Mail webpage provides the application as a downloadable PDF. If you need a hard copy of the application, you can
Request an Application for a Ballot by Mail to have one mailed to you.
Application Help
If you have a disability and need assistance in completing your application or ballot, you have the right to receive assistance from a person of your choice. Assistants cannot be your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your union.
Application Tips
The first section of the application (1. Voter Information) asks you to provide either your Texas Driver’s License or Election ID Certificate number. If you do not have either of these forms of identification, you must enter the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
If you do have a Texas Driver’s License or Election ID Certificate number, list that number and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. If you cannot remember which number you used when registering to vote, include both your identification card number and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.
Below are some additional tips for completing the application.
- Answer all the questions
- Be sure to select which party you want to vote for in the Primary election
- Sign the form
- Apply early
Track Your Application
You can use the Texas Secretary of State’s Ballot by Mail Tracker to track the status of your application. If there any issues with your application or ballot, the county will contact you. You have the right to “cure” (correct) any issues on your application for ballot by mail.
Questions?
If you have questions, call the Disability Rights Texas Voters Hotline at 1-888-796-VOTE (8683).
Voting Texts
Sign up for the DRTx voting news & info text list so you receive important voting information and reminders on your phone. To sign up, text the word VOTE to 844-937-3904. (Messaging and data rates apply.)
Publication Code: HA36
www.DRTx.org
Statewide Intake: 1-800-252-9108
Sign Language Video Phone: 1-866-362-2851
Purple 2 Video Phone: 512-271-9391
Online Intake available 24/7: intake.DRTx.org
Disclaimer: Disability Rights Texas strives to update its materials on an annual basis, and this handout is based upon the law at the time it was written. The law changes frequently and is subject to various interpretations by different courts. Future changes in the law may make some information in this handout inaccurate.
The handout is not intended to and does not replace an attorney’s advice or assistance based on your particular situation.
To request this handout in ASL, Braille, or as an audio file, contact us.
Print This Page