Politics & Government

How late is too late to turn in a ballot? Texas voters have this much time to get it done

Voters head to the polls for early voting at the Tarrant County Sub-courthouse in Mansfield on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024.
Voters head to the polls for early voting at the Tarrant County Sub-courthouse in Mansfield on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. ctorres@star-telegram.com

Voters, you have until 7 p.m. on Tuesday to elect your next president, senators, and other state representatives.

Texans will be voting for presidential candidates, the Senate, and, of course, other important propositions and government positions.

Americans should know who their next president is by Wednesday, Nov. 6. However, you need to cast your ballot on time.


⚡ More trending stories from our newsroom:

Elon Musk says Fort Worth's F-35s are a waste of money

How Texas’ Greg Abbott ramrodded the Bible into schools | Opinion

What will Tarrant County do about the Mansfield Subcourthouse?


When is the latest I can drop off my ballot?

On Election Day, voters don’t have to fill out their ballot by Tuesday at 7 p.m. but rather just make it to the polling place before closure. By law, it is a voter’s right to fill out a ballot if they show up on time.

“A voter who was in line or waiting to enter the polling place at 7:00 p.m. is entitled to vote even if the ballot is cast after the posted closing time,” says the Texas Secretary of State.

If a voter is sending their ballot by mail, the postmark should show a time at or before Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.

How to make sure you are prepared for the polls

When you go to vote, be sure that you have at least one of the seven forms of acceptable IDs. Also ensure that you are registered in the county you are voting in.

  • Texas driver’s license

  • Texas election ID certificate

  • Texas personal ID card

  • Texas handgun license

  • U.S. citizenship certificate with photo

  • U.S. military ID card

  • U.S. passport

If you do not have any of these forms of ID, you may also fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and show different proof of citizenship.

When will I know the voting results?

According to Texas State Law, all counties must have their votes submitted 24 hours after the polling location closes.

  • Early Voting Results will be released no later than 7:15 p.m.

  • Tarrant County will release result reports hourly until 1 a.m. (9 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m. and midnight). This means Tarrant County should have their results by 1 a.m.

  • By Texas law, all counties must have their results submitted by 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

This story was originally published November 4, 2024 at 4:11 PM.

Ella Gonzales
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER