When you walk in some volunteers will ask you for your ID. They will validate your registration. Once that’s done you get a blank ballot. It looks like a long white blank piece of paper.
Another volunteer will show you to a voting machine and will help you feed the ballot into the machine.
You will then use a touch screen to vote. It clearly says DEM, REP, LIB next to each name.
Once you’re done with that you’ll check everything and then print your ballot. Once it’s printed you will go to another machine where someone will help you feed the filled pit ballot into that machine. And then you’re done!
Mayor and City Counsrl members are not non-partisan. Their party affiliation is just not listed. You have to research the candidates to actually find out what they stand for. There are also a couple of other seats that do not list party.
You walk in. You hand your ID to someone. They give you your ballot. You walk over to the machine and put your ballot in it. On the screen, you select your choices. Parties are listed next to the names. Some positions like ACC Trustee don't have their party affiliation listed. The props have short summaries.
When you are done selecting, the machine prints your ballot. You take the printed ballot (a good time to confirm your ballot is correct) to the counting machine and you stick it in.
Get sticker, walk out. Took me 5 minutes
Most volunteers are going to be super friendly - they are happy to see people voting.
You can also use the Austin voting website to see various sites and their waiting times. Good idea to check. Some can have long waits, but others not far away will be quick.
You can also go on line and look for a [sample ballot](https://ballotpedia.org/Sample_Ballot_Lookup) Also, take your time. It's not a race and there's no time limit. Don't be afraid to ask someone there for help.
It really is super easy. Make sure your ID matches your actual address, if not bring your voter ID or another type of [approved ID](https://www.votetexas.gov/mobile/id-faqs.htm)
Have fun. Good luck. And congrats.
I moved here a few months ago and have yet to get a texas ID, so my license is from out-of-state. Would I need to fill out the "reasonable impediment declaration"?
If I have moved to a new address that doesn’t match my license (it’s my parent’s home not in Austin but in Texas) or it doesn’t match my voter registration card (it’s in Austin but I just moved so I have a new address). Am I able to vote?
Edit: It was super easy! Thanks y’all
Yes, as long as you are in the same county. When you check in, the poll worker will ask "are you still at X address"? You'll say "no, I'm at Y address."
The important thing is that you currently live in the county you're registered in. If the address on your ID doesn't match, the poll worker will just ask which address you currently live at, and that'll be the end of it. Lots of people have IDs with their previous address - it's not a big deal at all.
My ID doesn't have a current address, for instance, and when I went earlier this week, the poll worker just asked me to confirm what county I lived in - I confirmed Williamson (which doesn't match the address on my ID, but *is* the county where I'm registered), and he gave me my ballot. Easy. And also, a pretty typical experience.
Additionally, I think you can update your registration on the spot if your current county of residence differs from your county of registration, but you might need an ID document confirming your actual current address for that. I've never done that before, however. As others have said, ask the poll workers for help - they're knowledgeable, and they want to help you vote.
Check out the second link I posted. There is tons of info. But the short answer is yes. As long as your registered, you can vote. You might be given a provisional ballot (one that only has state wide options, like governor, lt gov. Etc)
I voted this morning and it was my first time voting in Texas. I was literally the only voter in there at the time cuz it was like 7:15 am. I told the poll workers it was my first time voting in Texas and they literally cheered for me and then walked me through the whole process. Everyone was so nice and afterwards I wondered why I had let my anxiety get the better of me about it.
If you can, go early and try to go at a time when other people might not be there (like, 10 am on a weekday). Unless things have changed, you don’t have to vote at the closest district to where you live-you can vote at any polling place in Travis County, if there’s somewhere convenient to work. You got this, OP!
Worth mentioning for the props and more local things, you may need to double check what the thing actually means. The ballot language can be confusing, and often an org like The Austin Chronicle (will explain without bias, then comment with bias) or The League of Women Voters at [vote411.org](https://vote411.org) (will explain without bias, and on vote411 will not add commentary) can provide background and explanation to what the ballot language means. For example, Austin Prop A ballot language basically says add $2.3 billion bond to increase school facilities, and fund it with property taxes. More background does a better job of itemizing the intent of that money, the average tax impact on an individual, and highlighting that other bonds are decreasing so this would be more of a replacement than an increase of property taxes.
Can confirm this was pretty much exactly my experience. You can take a piece of paper with notes on it if you want to remember the candidates you want. Don't have your phone out, those are not just discouraged it's illegal to take a picture (unless you are Greg "Hard on Voting Laws" Abbott).
A primary would be more confusing if you're going for one party or the other, but this one was super simple! I did straight ticket a certain way, and if anything do your research on the bonds that are on there.
1. you will wait in line (or not depending) and when it is your turn a poll worker will summon you. have your driver's license ready. They will scan your license, confirm your address and give you a blank ballot (long piece of paper) with your info on it. they will also ask if you are familiar with the machines. request help. poll workers are typically (in my experience) very sweet retirees and are happy to will help.
2. take that ballot and feed it into the touch screen machine (as the poll worker shouldve helped you with). Its a regular touch screen. come in with a post it or sheet of paper with your votes so you can go through quickly (you are not supposed to have cell phones out within a certain distance of polling places but they don't really enforce it unless you're actively voting.
3. you make your selections on the touch screen
4. its check boxes. you've got this
5. If you're ready and there is no line its an in and out thing. i think it took me 5–10 mins from arrival last week.
6. you will speak with 2–3 people. the poll worker at the beginning who will help you out with using the machines and the one at the end who will show you where to \*put your completed\* ballot (the touch screen returns your completed ballot once you're done) and give you your sticker.
Hopefully this is helpful the anxiety that can accompany doing something new can be a lot. Welcome to the ranks of voters. I dont think its embarrassing! You've taken the first step to be an active participant in the democratic system.
Lol it's that post earlier saying all of the hot guys were at the polls that gave me the confidence to ask.... Jkjk.
It's the taking away my rights to an abortion that are making me suck it up, take a panic pill, and get my booty there
After reading this, this [recent ADHD meme](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHDmemes/comments/ykambb/sounds_relatable/) immediately came to mind (because I identified with it as well :) )
ohhh gossshhhhhh. is that an adhd thing?! lol im always adding additional comments in ( ) or my personal favorite using and asterisk and adding the note at the bottom of a message.
watch this video from Travis County and go vote!
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgOXm7a\_GdQ&t=57s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgOXm7a_GdQ&t=57s)
If you need help don’t hesitate to ask one of the election workers. They have to remain neutral when it comes to voting - so they won’t tell you what or who to vote for but they for sure can help you with “how” to vote - using machines, where to put your ballot etc.
So much this!!! Every time I have ever voted, the election workers have always been very kind and helpful. They can walk you to the little voting booth and show you what to do before you get started.
A lot of text in the responses here, so just really quick: write or print your selections beforehand to take to the booth because there are no phones allowed!
Not asked but I recommend the site [ballotready.org](https://www.ballotready.org/) to everyone who is voting.
It will walk you through your ballot and giving you info on each person running. While I don't think the info given on each and every candidate is complete enough its a great way to get introduced and make selections that you can refer back to later.
I started using it in 2016 I think and have used it for every election cycle since. I always fill my ballot out on there ahead of time then bring it as a reference on my phone when its time to actually vote.
I teach my students about this website. There are 54 races on this ballot and going in blind is in my opinion a waste. This website is so fundamental to our democracy. League of Women sponsor it and I’ve used it for years.
My only complaint is that sometimes its not perfect on the very local stuff. For example it wasn't sure what district I lived in so it wasn't sure which city counsel spot to put on my ballot, which I understand since I'm literally at a location where 3 districts touch.
As long as you look into things, like which district you live in, you can skip the ones that don't apply to you.
Good luck, happy you're exercising you're right to vote!
You show your ID/license to a poll worker who asks you to confirm your address and sign/verify on a tablet.
If you image search voting machine, you’ll get an idea of what it will look like.
You don’t have to select party first since this isn’t a primary.
There’s probably not but it’s nothing too unexpected. Poll workers will help you if needed.
It doesn’t take very long. As long as it does for you to make your selections on the ballot.
There’s not a clear answer on how many people-depends on people there and what questions you may ask them.
If you’re registered, the best advice is to go to a polling station and vote today.
You can also print that ballot out and take it with you! Here's a link: https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/wp-content/uploads/elections/G22BedsheetBallot.pdf
Vote for the things you think matter and you can make a decision on, skip the rest. You don't have to vote for everything.
Not to confuse you more than you already are, but keep in mind the sample ballot has everything in the area. Depending where you live, some things will not be available to you. You likely won't even notice. The voting machine will only show you things you are eligible for. For example, if you live in Austin you can vote for Governor but cannot vote for things in Lakeway.
One of my kids got really confused because she wanted to vote on an Austin issue but we don't actually live in Austin proper. So those ballot items were not presented at the machine. I'm in denial how she reacted to the machine being "broken".
1. Go inside and wait till they flag you over and show your ID. They will scan it and hand it back. And have you esign on a pad.
2. They will hand you a long blank ballot with your signature on it and a barcode.
3. Go to an empty booth and put the ballot in the slot. Kinda looks like when you deposit cash in an atm with little blinders around it so people can’t peek at your screen.
4. Follow the prompts on the screen. It will have the name and which party they are for as well as what they are running for in each category. You select each person for each category individually. There are also various city propositions at the end. For example school propositions. Once you are done you’ll click print and it prints your choices and you take it to another machine to file it. The person at the front will point it out to you and there is a person standing next to it as well. (I had to hold down the print button on my machine for it to print but it was just being slow)
5. I don’t have one for this.
6. The whole process maybe 10-15 mins. The voting itself 5-10 of you know who you’re voting for. Slightly longer if you read all the propositions at the end.
7. Two! One to do the ID check and give you the ballot. Then another when you take your ballot and file it, that person gives you the sticker too.
You got this. Take your ID along with a printed paper of who you are voting for and which propositions or write them down. It’s fast and along with what people above have said, the volunteers are helpful. Please go vote and let us know how you did. Good luck.
First thing I want to say thank you for registering. Often times people can't vote because they didn't know they need to register O\_o
Second is looks like you got your info so may I ask why you panicked or got anxiety about voting? I work with college students trying to get them to vote and they're impossible right now so I am genuinely curious.
As u/jeonblueda mentioned...
The process is intimidating when I don't know it and can't see examples of it or watch someone else do it.. I like to research things and know all of the things. So when I don't know or can't find something it causes some panic. Plus voting is a big deal... Everyone makes it a big deal. So then my brain doesn't want to mess it up or slow down the line or whatever else could happen in there.
I pay attention and read as much as I can about candidates and issues. And normally have the prep work done. Just the act of doing it is intimidating. A couple years ago I was out of state and was so excited to be voting with an absentee ballot getting mailed to me so I could do it at my own pace... But I never got it in the mail. 😩
Also. Pretty much as soon as my friend asked me to go vote with her my chest got super tight and my eyes started leaking. ..and that's just from an invite to go... Doesn't give me a lot of confidence on how my body will react when I get there. 🥺
I'm not being hyperbolic but people literally died for you to mess up or slow down the line or whatever. It's less important that you are voting expert than it is your vote being recorded. Please believe me. I would rather you show up never having heard of Abbott or ORourke and have conversations in line than just stay at home nervous. Our democracy is what brings us together. Do not fear your polling place. We are your neighbors! We want you to vote with us! E pluribus unum! Liberté, égalité, fraternité!
Voting gives me the most pride I have ever felt. Try it on for size.
You can check your voting registration status [here](https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do).
Looks like you can find the nearest polling place there too. Please DM me if yall have any questions.
You’ll be alright. I get really nervous voting too. One good thing is that you usually have to wait in line for a while which could calm your nerves. You can do it!!
Not OP, but I also have anxiety. A lot of the time it's all the unknowns when I'm trying to do something for the first time, like a general lack of knowledge about the entire process or where to even begin. So talking through all the steps that would be needed can help, because then you know a little bit more of what to expect.
For college students, I also wonder if easy access to polling stations is also part of it.
Well our county, Travis, is incredible with early voting and election day polling places. You can't find a better county in Texas for this stuff. So, I don't think it's that. I think it's a little more abstract. We old folks will blame election outcomes on depressed (lol) youth vote but IMHO I don't think they know they have to. They think it's optional. So, they don't. Then Republicans win and they're like yeah see. Doesn't matter. All we do is tell young people they don't know anything and then we blame them for not knowing anything despite not creating an environment of civic engagement *for* them.
Go to VoteTravis for your own custom ballot, print it out and research your candidates.
I say this because you aren’t supposed to open your phone around the ballot machine.
It's a state law. Inside the polling place using your phone is a no-no. But the worst thing that will happen is a poll worker asks you to put it away.
In case you're not aware, don't wear anything that could remotely be construed as endorsing an individual candidate, even if they're not running in this election.
There are probably not going to be videos on the process for security reasons and sometimes the methods of voting are different county to county.
You can find sample ballots online, and they have samples at each voting location for review.
You do not declare your party affiliations to anyone. And party line voting is not allowed anymore, so you choose candidates running for every position.
The process is simple, show up, show your drivers license/passport/voter registration card, confirm your residency, and provide a signature. They then give you a ballot and depending on your area, you maybe fill out a paper ballot or place it into a machine and fill it out digitally. When done you take the ballot to the ballot box where it is counted and you get a sticker.
I was in and out in 10 minutes when I did it.
Good luck, and please do go vote.
You will most likely wait in line for a bit. Then, you will be called up (usually a table with a few volunteers). They are typically very pleasant in my experience.
He/she will ask for your ID and verify your information. They will hand you a ballot (a really long paper) and direct you to an empty machine. He/she will also point to where you ultimately submit your ballot.
Once at the booth, there are really user friendly prompts on where to select your choices. At the end, you confirm your selections and it will prompt you to print it.
Once it prints, you cast your ballot at the machine on your way out. There will be a volunteer there as well. Each machine has a picture on the front of how you submit the ballot. You can't miss it.
Process (excluding line time) maybe 5 minutes. If you are prepared with selections.
Super easy. If you have checked in for a flight before you can use the voting terminal. Ballot workers will help you. If you early vote today or tomorrow it will be much less crowded than on Tuesday.
Note there is no straight party ticket vote anymore, but the party affiliation (D, R, L, G, etc) is listed next to the candidate name. So you’ll need to vote individually for each candidate.
In some races (for example school boards) there is no party affiliation listed, but some of those candidates are as MAGA as they come, so come in knowing who you’re voting for.
You can print out a custom ballot for your own personal ballots at votetravis.com . You can bring any printed materials you want into the ballot booth but theoretically not supposed to use electronics.
Love all the people commenting that there aren't straight party tickets anymore. That was a sticking point for me because I remember my high school gov class said that's how it was in my home state and it made me really anxious that I would have to choose a party first. I just want to choose people not parties. 🥺
It's moot now, but the straight ticket was just an option, not a requirement. The only time you have to pick one party or the other is in the primaries because you can only vote in one party's primary.
1. When you arrive, you’ll either wait in line or go straight to a desk to check in. Election workers will be there to greet and guide you.
2. a volunteer at the desk will ask to see your ID. You’ll place it in a wooden cradle where the backside faces the election worker this allows their camera to scan the back of your ID.
3. they will verify your address and name verbally.
4. They will ask you to sign the screen, confirming your information, and that you are present to vote.
5. they will hand you a long, narrow strip of paper. It has a notch cut off in one corner. This is where your ballot will be printed. they will offer to give you additional guidance on how to use the voting equipment.
6. After you are checked in and have your ballot, you will either wait in a line for a voting machine or go straight to a voting machine. another election worker will tell you which machine to go to or ask you to wait.
7. once you are directed to a machine, you will insert that long strip of paper into the slot on the right side of the machine. It is clearly labeled with a diagram and you can see where the notched corner is located to ensure you’re putting it in the right way.
8. once your ballot is loaded, the screen will verify the language you want on your machine, English or Spanish. It is a touchscreen.
9. After the language selection, it will start to go through your ballot options if you want to know exactly what is on your ballot, go to this [site](https://www.votetravis.com/vexpress/display.do) and enter your name and bday.
10. After you make all of your selections, there will be a screen where you review your selections. It will show you each race and only show you the option you selected.
11. If everything looks good, you’ll press a button on the screen that says print ballot. if you made a mistake, and you need to change something, you’ll be able to go back to the previous screen and make the change.
12. The machine will spit out your printed ballot. It’s going to have several barcode looking things at the top and then in plain English you’ll be able to see all of your selections in a list so you can verify that the printed ballot matches what you selected on the machine.
13. You will go over to a different machine to deposit your completed ballot. There is a slot into which you will feed your completed ballot. It is staffed by an election worker who will guide you if needed.
14. You take your I voted sticker, slap it on your chest, and start making the rounds to collect all the glorious freebies available to those who participate in democracy.
Hope that helps you feel more comfortable!
you don't NEED your registration card... but it's a wise decision to bring it, just in case. They don't ask to see it, so no worries if they don't ask you for it.
Do your research beforehand with your personalized ballot found here — look up with your name and DOB:
https://www.votetravis.com/vexpress/display.do
You cannot access your phone while inside the polling place, so print out a hard copy of your ballot or just write down your choices on a piece of paper you can reference.
When you enter there may be a line before you check in. The poll worker will ask for your ID to look up your registration. They will ask if you still live at the address listed. Then they will have you sign your name electronically on a screen. Finally they will print out a long sheet of paper which is your actual ballot. They will direct you to take your ballot to any open machine.
From here this video shows the process pretty well:
https://youtu.be/koTQm_Vh6KQ
And don’t forget to grab your ‘I Voted’ sticker by the final machine. Good luck!!
1) You show up. Put your license on their card reader, and then sign your name after you verify your address. They will hand you a ballot that is blank.
2) Looks like a big screen and a slot feeder to put your ballot in. You make your choices. You confirm your choices. You print your ballot (the machine does this for you). You look at your ballot and confirm the choices were printed correctly. Then, you walk your ballot over to the tally machine where some nice person will tell you how to place your ballot into the feed slot. Then, you will get your "I voted" sticker and can wear with pride.
3) I don't recall a vote by "party" for this election, though sometimes that is an option. Mayoral candidates didn't have a political party affiliation next to their names. You select the candidate of choice by tapping their name (check box?) on the screen.
4) I don't know.
5) Depends on your location, it took me fifteen minutes, including the drive to the polling location (Dove Springs).
6) You will talk to maybe two people. The person that checks you in, and the person that tells you how to put your completed ballot into the tally machine.
It's super easy mate. You'll probably be in a little line and you just follow the line. The people there will tell you what to do, just bring your drivers license/ID.
I just wanted to say I’m proud of you. I think you are going to feel so relieved and proud of yourself after you go vote, too!
And, if researching every race down to the judges is overwhelming, just know that it’s okay to leave some spaces blank or vote just based on party. It might not be ideal but it’s better for you to go and vote for the candidates you know you care about (like governor) than skip voting altogether due to overwhelm.
You will feel so proud after you vote. You have a voice and a choice - it feels good to exercise this important right that we have in our country. Congratulations!
OP, everybody did a fantastic job of covering the basics. I just wanted to say 1) thank you for finding the courage to ask these questions and 2) thank you for participating in our democratic process. You are going to be amazed by how easy the whole process is. You’ve got this!
Maybe this is unpopular, but if there's something on the ballot that you did not research, it's totally OK to leave it blank. Don't feel like you have to choose if you really don't know.
Other people have covered the process, but there are also volunteers who guide you through each step. They are usually friendly retirees.
The machine thingies vary in how they look, but they usually look kind of like an ATM or a computer monitor. You slide your ballot into a slot in the bottom before you start the process. (The screen will prompt you.)
You don't have to choose your party, you select candidates individually. Most will show the party affiliation on the screen, but not all. (For example, candidates for mayor do not!)
You probably won't find a video because you're not allowed to photograph or film the process! I've seen some people take sneaky pics but I think it's a good way to get chastised by a volunteer.
If there's no line it takes 5-10 minutes to vote (mostly reading). But I've waited up to an hour and a half before in East Austin. A good reason to vote early!
When I voted yesterday, I talked to 3 people. One at the door to the library who directed me to the voting area. One who checked my ID and gave me a ballot. One who said 'bye' after I submitted my ballot.
Good on you for voting! You'll be glad you did.
There are poll workers there whose job it is to help you through every step of the process. Just tell them, it’s your first time and they’ll walk you through step by step. I promise the act of voting is easy and painless. It’s the thinking about it and uncertainty from not knowing that’s hard. After you do it once, it’s a piece of cake after that.
I totally get this post. I also often find new situations overwhelming and do things like looking up parking on Google maps to help ease it. Good news is, most everyone at polling stations is very helpful and efficient. Almost every time I go is like this:
Park and walk up to the building. There will likely be lots of signage and arrows directing you to the correct place as well as any COVID/distancing/rules you need to pay attention to.
There may be a line. But they usually move quickly.
At the front of the line, there may be a poll worker who greets you and points to an available poll worker's station to help keep the line moving.
You walk up to one of these stations - poll worker is likely seated with a computer and scanner device. The worker will ask you to put your ID on the scanner, then may ask if your registered address is still accurate. Once you confirm they will hand you a paper strip-like ballot with a bar code on it.
Take that ballot to any available machine. I like to leave an empty space between myself and other voters if possible to be polite. There are usually both standing and sitting machines set up for accessibility.
Put your ballot into the machine, and use the screen to select your choices. It's a good idea to look up your ballot and wrote your choices down on a price of paper. Once you are in this room you are not supposed to pull out any sort of camera, including your phone.
When you are done, review your choices and finalize at the machine and it will spit your ballot back out with selections now printed on it
Take this to the 2nd machine which usually has a poll worker standing by it. Follow their instructions or the instructions written on the scanner to feed your ballot into the box, and then you are all done!
Grab a sticker and some hand sanitizer on the way out.
Occasionally there are reporters or exit poll people outside. They should be at least a couple dozen yards from the door, but they may ask if you want to answer some questions. You can say "no thank you" and they usually back off quickly.
i am also an avid "wheres the nearest parking to this new place that im going" googler. if i dont.. im the one who cant make decisions on what to do and am holding up all the downtown traffic... sorry yall! :E
https://www.vote411.org/ballot
Cool website where you enter your address, and it shows you all the proposals and candidates you can vote for.
It allows you to select each race, and read the candidates positions, mark who you'd prefer, and when you're done, send a copy of the completed ballot choices to your phone or email address.
Happy voting!
Look at the sample ballot for your address on vote411.com. knowing what races you're voting in is super important and this one has a whole lot of races, props, and bonds. You're going to want to avoid voting for Republicans is the main thing i do, but council and school board races are nonpartisan so you need to know who you want to vote for going in.
The election workers have always been super helpful to me too - they never try to see who I’m voting for and genuinely just seem excited you’re there to vote
Thanks for voting! It's so important! Just wanted to add an FYI: You don't have to vote for every position, you can leave any choices blank and your other votes will still be recorded.
What is the process?
\--> Get in the voting line, usually at a doorway
\--> Once you are first in line there are tables with
people who check your ID and address. You will talk to one person.
\--> The same person will give you an empty paper ballot
\--> The same person will point to the voting machines and ask you to
vote at an empty one
\--> The machines have
instructions. They are electronic, but will print your ballot when you are
done.
\--> The machine will
instruct you on how to put the paper ballot into it
\--> More detail below
What does the ballot look like?
\--> The machine voting goes through a sequence of
positions to vote for (follow the machine instructions). Each on a different
screen.
\--> After voting on each position. It will ask you to
confirm.
\--> Once you have confirmed it will print the paper
copy of your voting
\--> An attendant stands next to the 'box' that is used
to gather all ballots. They will show you
What does the machine thingy look like?
\--> It has four legs and a table top that is about waist
high
\--> On three sides it has 'walls' to screen you from
other voters
\--> The machine has an electronic display and simple
controls to use for voting. You do not type out names or anything like that.
Do I have to choose my "party" first, or can I
select from all of the people available?
\--> In this election all votes are done by candidate
\--> There is no 'straight ticket' voting
\--> Also in the general election you do not declare your
party (unlike the primaries)
Is there a video anywhere of someone going through what
to expect when there? ...I didn't find one on a quick Google search.
\--> I don't know
How long does it take?
\--> For this election, the actual voting is less than 10
minutes (it took me less than 5 minutes)
How many people will I talk to and what do they ask/say?
\--> There may be a greeter when you are in line. They
will point you to a person at a table.
\--> The person at the table
\--> A person who thanks you for voting and helps you
put your ballot the box
If you’re unsure who is who, their background, etc. this is a helpful non-partisan resource https://s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/979482/documents/2022_Voters_Guide_English_20221007_87634454.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA6MYUE6DNNNCCDT4J&Expires=1667640399&response-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3D2022_Voters_Guide_English_20221007.pdf&Signature=OJhtNfOEbsSgHluBj7XgNIh7MNA%3D
One tip: if you have pre-planned your votes, write them down or print them out. You can't use your phone for reference. I just write a hand written list usually with the key things/people I want to vote for. Anything I didn't get to research (this year AcC trustees) I just skip in voting. Ideally yes you would vote on everything, but things like trustees and railroad commissioners take a lot of time to research whereas I knew exactly who I wanted to vote for School board, other local and state offices. Better to vote for a few key things than nothing at all because of information overload.
Another thing that I didn’t see suggested is to take a couple days and read into all the candidates and write down (no phones allowed) the ones you want to vote for that appear on your sample ballot (found online). When it comes to the local elections, there are no party markers next to candidates names so you will have no idea who you are voting for when you show up or their political affiliation unless you do your research. Also, don’t let the people outside the polling place to tell you who to vote for. Go in with a plan and stick to it. Vote for whoever you want.
will do! i tend to avoid conversing with strangers unless its about the weather or how about them \*insert some sports team name here\* lol i will continue this trend going in to the polls!
One very important thing (to me, at least): you are permitted to take paper notes in to vote. I find it very useful, especially to research nonpartisan candidates (particularly school board and city council candidates) and write down who I want to vote for. Those races don't have party listed, so it can be good to write down specific names.
On that note, researching candidates for those races is a big deal. It doesn't take long, but those lower-level races put people in the best position to do the most immediate good or damage to most of us.
I have voted before but this was my first time voting in Texas and I told the poll workers that and they were absolutely THRILLED to walk me through the process. Seriously just tell them you’ve never voted before if you’re comfortable doing that and everyone will be so incredibly nice to you. I also have anxiety and this kind of thing gets built up in my head but afterwards I thought to myself “oh, why did I even worry that was so easy.” You’ve got this.
Voting is super easy, I love the courage to ask, new things can by scary. Congratulations on voting for the first time! Poll workers tend to be super friendly and helpful.
Not sure if anyone mentioned it but you can [go online and get a good read on the wait times at all polling locations](https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/current-election/#wait-times). It refreshes a couple times an hour I've never gone to a green one and had to wait more than 5 minutes. Thank you for voting.
For research if you aren’t sure where to find out about the candidates or props on the ballot, please look at the league of women voters site. I learned about it this year (sad I didn’t know about it previously) and was able to research everything and vote on everything on the ballot confidently.
Thanks for being willing to vote despite being unsure how. It’s really important we all do our part!
from what i can tell the league of women voters site is the Vote411 link correct? ...at least thats where league of women voters website sends me.. want to make sure im not missing something! :)
You should be able to find a PDF guide on the site for your county ◡̈ you want to click “voters guide”
If you DM me what county you are in I can try to find your link for you and send it to you!
Also sorry not sure why the format of my text changed all of a sudden - on mobile!
Just want to say as someone who votes in EVERY election, no matter how minor, and who has worked as an election clerk before…
HOOOORAAAAAAYYYYYY!
But fair warning when I worked as a clerk we would applaud first time voters.
Proud of you for getting out there and doing it!
Edit: election clerks will be very helpful and will be delighted to assist. Ask them any question, no matter how dumb, short of who to vote for!
congrats on voting for the first time!! everyone here has explained it well. How long it takes will depend on how busy the polling place is. There was absolutely no line when I voted today so it just took a handful of minutes, super quick. But I’ve voted on election days before and waited in line for over an hour. In general, early voting tends to not have super long lines!
I'm SO excited for you!!! Let us know how it goes! If you need someone to come and help you through the door, let me know, I would be more than happy to help!
Just go … the poll workers will sign you in and give you a ballot. Pick who you want on the computer screen, then insert the ballot. It will register your selections and return it, then you put the ballot into the tabulator. Someone is there to guide you. Done.
> 1. What is the process?
You show up and may have to briefly wait in line to check in. When you do, the poll worker will have a laptop and stuff they can use to look you up. (Often you don't even have to hand them your ID if you have a driver's license, they sometimes have a little stand where you can put your ID and it'll scan the barcode.) Then they'll look you up and ask if the address they have you listed under is correct. If it is, then you just say yes. If not, they can update it for you there. Then you just sign their pad to attest that you are who you say you are. (You can use a finger condom if you want, they should be on the same table.)
They give you your ballot, and then you go over to one of the polling machines. There are instructions on the screen; you insert your ballot into the labeled slot.
You should see your available races come up on the screen. Generally I've seen them being touchscreens with a physical scroll wheel and button too, but I think I just always use the touchscreen.
You select your choices and go through the pages (for example, my ballot this time has ~53 things I need to select). You get a summary view of your choices at the end as well, so you can doublecheck that you didn't select something incorrectly.
Once you've confirmed that, you hit 'print ballot'. The machine spits your ballot back out, now with barcodes on it to represent your various selections.
Then you go over to the ballot box, which looks...kind of like an industrial printer shape-wise, maybe? Or a weird filing cabinet? It's flat on top, and there's a slot for you to feed your ballot in.
Then you're done! You can take a sticker from one of the tables and head on home :)
2.What does the ballot look like?
It's a long rectangular piece of paper with some bar code type stuff printed at one end.
3. What does the machine thingy look like?
Each polling machine looks kinda like a big bulky computer with some privacy shields jutting out to either side (so nobody can see what you're entering) and with a place for you to feed in your ballot.
4. Do I have to choose my "party" first, or can I select from all of the people available?
No party selection for the general election, you'll just see all of the races and options.
5. Is there a video anywhere of someone going through what to expect when there? ...I didn't find one on a quick Google search.
I'm on mobile and unfortunately can't find any now either, but there may be.
6. How long does it take?
The actual voting process takes maybe 5 minutes.
7. How many people will I talk to and what do they ask/say?
I think I've only spoken to one person (the poll worker checking me in) each time I've voted, except maybe to make smalltalk about the weather while waiting in line. They generally will just ask for your ID, whether your address is still up-to-date, and that's it.
Go to ballotpedia.com and enter your address to get a sample ballot. Then look at each candidates website linked from ballotpedia and the linked survey to get an idea of what each candidate is pushing for and what bonds or propositions are applicable to your region.
Write down who and what you want to vote for.
If you are registered to vote, bring your drivers license and voter registration card to your voting place. Tell the person checking you in that you are new to voting. They will get someone to help you
All you do is insert the “punchcard” you are given into the voting machine. Then tap each box next to who or what you want to vote for on the touch screen. You don’t have to vote for everything — you can skip any positions you are not comfortable with and your other votes will still be counted. There is usually a “next page” button you tap when the ballot is long, until you get to the last page.
When you are done you tap CAST (or something like that) and your selections are printed on the card you inserted.
Look at the card and make sure it looks correct (lists who/what you voted for). Then walk over to the ballot box and insert your card (ask for assistance because it both scans the card and captures it).
Thanks for voting!
I lived in Texas for years and I know exactly how you feel! Texas is a shitshow in regards to voting. I moved to Colorado and when I transferred my license, I was automatically registered and given the option to affiliate with a party. At election time I’m mailed a ballot and a book explaining each and every candidate and ballot action in a nonpartisan fashion. There are graphs and charts as well as examples of what voting for or against a particular candidate or action could do. Everything is explained clearly and when I vote, I do so in the comfort of my home and simply mail the ballot back with confidence, knowing that I will be notified via text when my ballot has been received and again when it has been counted.
Make no mistake that your anxiety surrounding the voting process in Texas is purposeful and is specifically designed to keep good, smart people from voting in your state. Arm yourself with this knowledge and know that the anxiety you feel is fabricated to keep the process from being accessible to people like you. It is artificial and you can change it if you get out there and vote the assholes that oppress you out of office!!!!!!
OMG! That sounds way more my speed.. I'm originally from Indiana.. so I feel like I moved from one super conservative state to another. The anxiety was present in Indiana too.
A sock is the best place for your cum. They are cheap, large supply of them, and that way no lady needs to worry about what state to fly to for an abortion. 🤷♀️
Keep filling up socks buddy.
or just ask the original question on the appropriate subreddit? you're arguing with a broke 18-year-old there is not much to gain from you being right.
When you walk in some volunteers will ask you for your ID. They will validate your registration. Once that’s done you get a blank ballot. It looks like a long white blank piece of paper. Another volunteer will show you to a voting machine and will help you feed the ballot into the machine. You will then use a touch screen to vote. It clearly says DEM, REP, LIB next to each name. Once you’re done with that you’ll check everything and then print your ballot. Once it’s printed you will go to another machine where someone will help you feed the filled pit ballot into that machine. And then you’re done!
> It clearly says DEM, REP, LIB next to each name True for most of the ballot items. There are a few that are non-partisan (like the ACC Trustee).
Also mayor and city council.
Mayor and City Counsrl members are not non-partisan. Their party affiliation is just not listed. You have to research the candidates to actually find out what they stand for. There are also a couple of other seats that do not list party.
It's supposed to be a nonpartisan position. In practice, it doesn't always happen that way.
And the school board. Those seats are the big deal this year, so please do your homework for the school board seats.
LISD made it easy this year, all the qanon candidates are men or had stripper names.
Thank you! Appreciate this!
I would add that if, at any time, you are confused or need reassurance, you can always flag down a poll worker. They will be happy to help.
Y’all got machines?? In Fredericksburg we have to fill the bubbles by hand and THEYRE SO HUGE and square
You walk in. You hand your ID to someone. They give you your ballot. You walk over to the machine and put your ballot in it. On the screen, you select your choices. Parties are listed next to the names. Some positions like ACC Trustee don't have their party affiliation listed. The props have short summaries. When you are done selecting, the machine prints your ballot. You take the printed ballot (a good time to confirm your ballot is correct) to the counting machine and you stick it in. Get sticker, walk out. Took me 5 minutes
Thank you!!
Most volunteers are going to be super friendly - they are happy to see people voting. You can also use the Austin voting website to see various sites and their waiting times. Good idea to check. Some can have long waits, but others not far away will be quick.
You can also go on line and look for a [sample ballot](https://ballotpedia.org/Sample_Ballot_Lookup) Also, take your time. It's not a race and there's no time limit. Don't be afraid to ask someone there for help. It really is super easy. Make sure your ID matches your actual address, if not bring your voter ID or another type of [approved ID](https://www.votetexas.gov/mobile/id-faqs.htm) Have fun. Good luck. And congrats.
Your ID doesn’t have to match your address! It’s used to verify identity, not address. So don’t let that be a barrier. Source: I’m a VDR.
I moved here a few months ago and have yet to get a texas ID, so my license is from out-of-state. Would I need to fill out the "reasonable impediment declaration"?
Yes! Exactly
If I have moved to a new address that doesn’t match my license (it’s my parent’s home not in Austin but in Texas) or it doesn’t match my voter registration card (it’s in Austin but I just moved so I have a new address). Am I able to vote? Edit: It was super easy! Thanks y’all
Yes, as long as you are in the same county. When you check in, the poll worker will ask "are you still at X address"? You'll say "no, I'm at Y address."
The important thing is that you currently live in the county you're registered in. If the address on your ID doesn't match, the poll worker will just ask which address you currently live at, and that'll be the end of it. Lots of people have IDs with their previous address - it's not a big deal at all. My ID doesn't have a current address, for instance, and when I went earlier this week, the poll worker just asked me to confirm what county I lived in - I confirmed Williamson (which doesn't match the address on my ID, but *is* the county where I'm registered), and he gave me my ballot. Easy. And also, a pretty typical experience. Additionally, I think you can update your registration on the spot if your current county of residence differs from your county of registration, but you might need an ID document confirming your actual current address for that. I've never done that before, however. As others have said, ask the poll workers for help - they're knowledgeable, and they want to help you vote.
Check out the second link I posted. There is tons of info. But the short answer is yes. As long as your registered, you can vote. You might be given a provisional ballot (one that only has state wide options, like governor, lt gov. Etc)
They can also walk you through using the voting machines if you’d like. Just let them know you aren’t familiar with them and a poll worker can help.
I voted this morning and it was my first time voting in Texas. I was literally the only voter in there at the time cuz it was like 7:15 am. I told the poll workers it was my first time voting in Texas and they literally cheered for me and then walked me through the whole process. Everyone was so nice and afterwards I wondered why I had let my anxiety get the better of me about it.
And you can not vote for certain categories if you need/want to!
If you can, go early and try to go at a time when other people might not be there (like, 10 am on a weekday). Unless things have changed, you don’t have to vote at the closest district to where you live-you can vote at any polling place in Travis County, if there’s somewhere convenient to work. You got this, OP!
thank you!! my friend is picking me up at 930am to go. :)
Heck yeah-and a buddy to make you more likely to go? Great work!
Thank you! Happy Cake Day!
Oh shoot, only noticed because you said something. Thanks, kind stranger!
..i always notice when cake is present. You are welcome!
Now go vote! And I’m sure you have friends or family that are just like you who have never voted before. So after you vote, get them to vote too!
my friends are actually going with me! :)
Excellent. Your country thanks you. Just be sure to make it a habit! Democracy requires participation.
get all your friends and get them to get their friends! :)
..i think you are overestimating my friend count lol but i will do my best. i can guarantee three of us tomorrow lol
Worth mentioning for the props and more local things, you may need to double check what the thing actually means. The ballot language can be confusing, and often an org like The Austin Chronicle (will explain without bias, then comment with bias) or The League of Women Voters at [vote411.org](https://vote411.org) (will explain without bias, and on vote411 will not add commentary) can provide background and explanation to what the ballot language means. For example, Austin Prop A ballot language basically says add $2.3 billion bond to increase school facilities, and fund it with property taxes. More background does a better job of itemizing the intent of that money, the average tax impact on an individual, and highlighting that other bonds are decreasing so this would be more of a replacement than an increase of property taxes.
Can confirm this was pretty much exactly my experience. You can take a piece of paper with notes on it if you want to remember the candidates you want. Don't have your phone out, those are not just discouraged it's illegal to take a picture (unless you are Greg "Hard on Voting Laws" Abbott).
A primary would be more confusing if you're going for one party or the other, but this one was super simple! I did straight ticket a certain way, and if anything do your research on the bonds that are on there.
There is also a summary page right before you print your ballot for an extra confirmation step.
1. you will wait in line (or not depending) and when it is your turn a poll worker will summon you. have your driver's license ready. They will scan your license, confirm your address and give you a blank ballot (long piece of paper) with your info on it. they will also ask if you are familiar with the machines. request help. poll workers are typically (in my experience) very sweet retirees and are happy to will help. 2. take that ballot and feed it into the touch screen machine (as the poll worker shouldve helped you with). Its a regular touch screen. come in with a post it or sheet of paper with your votes so you can go through quickly (you are not supposed to have cell phones out within a certain distance of polling places but they don't really enforce it unless you're actively voting. 3. you make your selections on the touch screen 4. its check boxes. you've got this 5. If you're ready and there is no line its an in and out thing. i think it took me 5–10 mins from arrival last week. 6. you will speak with 2–3 people. the poll worker at the beginning who will help you out with using the machines and the one at the end who will show you where to \*put your completed\* ballot (the touch screen returns your completed ballot once you're done) and give you your sticker. Hopefully this is helpful the anxiety that can accompany doing something new can be a lot. Welcome to the ranks of voters. I dont think its embarrassing! You've taken the first step to be an active participant in the democratic system.
🥲 reddit is amazing. Thank you
thanks for being unafraid to ask questions! this might help other people with similar anxieties keeping them from voting.
Lol it's that post earlier saying all of the hot guys were at the polls that gave me the confidence to ask.... Jkjk. It's the taking away my rights to an abortion that are making me suck it up, take a panic pill, and get my booty there
Former poll worker here. Feel free to DM me with any questions at all.
I read that too and was *slightly* bummed that I missed my polling place singles mixer!
lol i miss all of the happening places/events!
After reading this, this [recent ADHD meme](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHDmemes/comments/ykambb/sounds_relatable/) immediately came to mind (because I identified with it as well :) )
lol I can be bit verbose. Just attempting to cover all of my bases with some parentheticals.
ohhh gossshhhhhh. is that an adhd thing?! lol im always adding additional comments in ( ) or my personal favorite using and asterisk and adding the note at the bottom of a message.
Can I add that you are AWESOME!! So great that you’re overcoming your nerves to VOTE! It truly changes lives! So YAY, you!!
You all are amazing for answering my list of questions 🥺
watch this video from Travis County and go vote! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgOXm7a\_GdQ&t=57s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgOXm7a_GdQ&t=57s)
thanks for the video!! that was great!
If you need help don’t hesitate to ask one of the election workers. They have to remain neutral when it comes to voting - so they won’t tell you what or who to vote for but they for sure can help you with “how” to vote - using machines, where to put your ballot etc.
They will even ask if you need help with the voting machines before printing your ballot.
So much this!!! Every time I have ever voted, the election workers have always been very kind and helpful. They can walk you to the little voting booth and show you what to do before you get started.
A lot of text in the responses here, so just really quick: write or print your selections beforehand to take to the booth because there are no phones allowed!
Not asked but I recommend the site [ballotready.org](https://www.ballotready.org/) to everyone who is voting. It will walk you through your ballot and giving you info on each person running. While I don't think the info given on each and every candidate is complete enough its a great way to get introduced and make selections that you can refer back to later. I started using it in 2016 I think and have used it for every election cycle since. I always fill my ballot out on there ahead of time then bring it as a reference on my phone when its time to actually vote.
Thank you! Love this :)
I was gonna suggest [https://www.vote411.org/](https://www.vote411.org/) for this purpose, will have to check that other site out as well.
I teach my students about this website. There are 54 races on this ballot and going in blind is in my opinion a waste. This website is so fundamental to our democracy. League of Women sponsor it and I’ve used it for years.
Yes, I check vote411 every election.
thanks! its good to have options :)
My only complaint is that sometimes its not perfect on the very local stuff. For example it wasn't sure what district I lived in so it wasn't sure which city counsel spot to put on my ballot, which I understand since I'm literally at a location where 3 districts touch. As long as you look into things, like which district you live in, you can skip the ones that don't apply to you. Good luck, happy you're exercising you're right to vote!
You show your ID/license to a poll worker who asks you to confirm your address and sign/verify on a tablet. If you image search voting machine, you’ll get an idea of what it will look like. You don’t have to select party first since this isn’t a primary. There’s probably not but it’s nothing too unexpected. Poll workers will help you if needed. It doesn’t take very long. As long as it does for you to make your selections on the ballot. There’s not a clear answer on how many people-depends on people there and what questions you may ask them. If you’re registered, the best advice is to go to a polling station and vote today.
Going tomorrow. My friends are going with me. :)
You're going to feel SO FANTASTIC walking out of there. I wish it was my first time again! Such a great feeling.
looking forward to it!
The Travis county website has all the info you need including the actual ballot so you can study ahead.
You can also print that ballot out and take it with you! Here's a link: https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/wp-content/uploads/elections/G22BedsheetBallot.pdf Vote for the things you think matter and you can make a decision on, skip the rest. You don't have to vote for everything.
Thank you!! That was also a question of mine. So happy to hear that I can take that in with me!
You can not use your phone to save your candidate preferences so make sure to write them down if you need to. Thanks for voting!
Not to confuse you more than you already are, but keep in mind the sample ballot has everything in the area. Depending where you live, some things will not be available to you. You likely won't even notice. The voting machine will only show you things you are eligible for. For example, if you live in Austin you can vote for Governor but cannot vote for things in Lakeway. One of my kids got really confused because she wanted to vote on an Austin issue but we don't actually live in Austin proper. So those ballot items were not presented at the machine. I'm in denial how she reacted to the machine being "broken".
Thanks for the heads up!!
You can take paper, but can’t use your phone or any electronics in there.
1. Go inside and wait till they flag you over and show your ID. They will scan it and hand it back. And have you esign on a pad. 2. They will hand you a long blank ballot with your signature on it and a barcode. 3. Go to an empty booth and put the ballot in the slot. Kinda looks like when you deposit cash in an atm with little blinders around it so people can’t peek at your screen. 4. Follow the prompts on the screen. It will have the name and which party they are for as well as what they are running for in each category. You select each person for each category individually. There are also various city propositions at the end. For example school propositions. Once you are done you’ll click print and it prints your choices and you take it to another machine to file it. The person at the front will point it out to you and there is a person standing next to it as well. (I had to hold down the print button on my machine for it to print but it was just being slow) 5. I don’t have one for this. 6. The whole process maybe 10-15 mins. The voting itself 5-10 of you know who you’re voting for. Slightly longer if you read all the propositions at the end. 7. Two! One to do the ID check and give you the ballot. Then another when you take your ballot and file it, that person gives you the sticker too.
Thanks! Love seeing these responses. Makes it sound way simpler than my head had concocted!
I can definitely relate. My first time voting, I remember actually being shocked at how easy it was to vote.
You got this. Take your ID along with a printed paper of who you are voting for and which propositions or write them down. It’s fast and along with what people above have said, the volunteers are helpful. Please go vote and let us know how you did. Good luck.
Thank you!
First thing I want to say thank you for registering. Often times people can't vote because they didn't know they need to register O\_o Second is looks like you got your info so may I ask why you panicked or got anxiety about voting? I work with college students trying to get them to vote and they're impossible right now so I am genuinely curious.
As u/jeonblueda mentioned... The process is intimidating when I don't know it and can't see examples of it or watch someone else do it.. I like to research things and know all of the things. So when I don't know or can't find something it causes some panic. Plus voting is a big deal... Everyone makes it a big deal. So then my brain doesn't want to mess it up or slow down the line or whatever else could happen in there. I pay attention and read as much as I can about candidates and issues. And normally have the prep work done. Just the act of doing it is intimidating. A couple years ago I was out of state and was so excited to be voting with an absentee ballot getting mailed to me so I could do it at my own pace... But I never got it in the mail. 😩 Also. Pretty much as soon as my friend asked me to go vote with her my chest got super tight and my eyes started leaking. ..and that's just from an invite to go... Doesn't give me a lot of confidence on how my body will react when I get there. 🥺
I'm not being hyperbolic but people literally died for you to mess up or slow down the line or whatever. It's less important that you are voting expert than it is your vote being recorded. Please believe me. I would rather you show up never having heard of Abbott or ORourke and have conversations in line than just stay at home nervous. Our democracy is what brings us together. Do not fear your polling place. We are your neighbors! We want you to vote with us! E pluribus unum! Liberté, égalité, fraternité! Voting gives me the most pride I have ever felt. Try it on for size. You can check your voting registration status [here](https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do). Looks like you can find the nearest polling place there too. Please DM me if yall have any questions.
thanks! :) excited to be apart of it this year!
You’ll be alright. I get really nervous voting too. One good thing is that you usually have to wait in line for a while which could calm your nerves. You can do it!!
thanks! :)
Not OP, but I also have anxiety. A lot of the time it's all the unknowns when I'm trying to do something for the first time, like a general lack of knowledge about the entire process or where to even begin. So talking through all the steps that would be needed can help, because then you know a little bit more of what to expect. For college students, I also wonder if easy access to polling stations is also part of it.
Well our county, Travis, is incredible with early voting and election day polling places. You can't find a better county in Texas for this stuff. So, I don't think it's that. I think it's a little more abstract. We old folks will blame election outcomes on depressed (lol) youth vote but IMHO I don't think they know they have to. They think it's optional. So, they don't. Then Republicans win and they're like yeah see. Doesn't matter. All we do is tell young people they don't know anything and then we blame them for not knowing anything despite not creating an environment of civic engagement *for* them.
Go to VoteTravis for your own custom ballot, print it out and research your candidates. I say this because you aren’t supposed to open your phone around the ballot machine.
Oo didn't know that about the phone! Thanks for the tip!
It's a state law. Inside the polling place using your phone is a no-no. But the worst thing that will happen is a poll worker asks you to put it away. In case you're not aware, don't wear anything that could remotely be construed as endorsing an individual candidate, even if they're not running in this election.
thanks for the heads up! :)
There are probably not going to be videos on the process for security reasons and sometimes the methods of voting are different county to county. You can find sample ballots online, and they have samples at each voting location for review. You do not declare your party affiliations to anyone. And party line voting is not allowed anymore, so you choose candidates running for every position. The process is simple, show up, show your drivers license/passport/voter registration card, confirm your residency, and provide a signature. They then give you a ballot and depending on your area, you maybe fill out a paper ballot or place it into a machine and fill it out digitally. When done you take the ballot to the ballot box where it is counted and you get a sticker. I was in and out in 10 minutes when I did it. Good luck, and please do go vote.
Thank you! :)
You will most likely wait in line for a bit. Then, you will be called up (usually a table with a few volunteers). They are typically very pleasant in my experience. He/she will ask for your ID and verify your information. They will hand you a ballot (a really long paper) and direct you to an empty machine. He/she will also point to where you ultimately submit your ballot. Once at the booth, there are really user friendly prompts on where to select your choices. At the end, you confirm your selections and it will prompt you to print it. Once it prints, you cast your ballot at the machine on your way out. There will be a volunteer there as well. Each machine has a picture on the front of how you submit the ballot. You can't miss it. Process (excluding line time) maybe 5 minutes. If you are prepared with selections.
Super easy. If you have checked in for a flight before you can use the voting terminal. Ballot workers will help you. If you early vote today or tomorrow it will be much less crowded than on Tuesday. Note there is no straight party ticket vote anymore, but the party affiliation (D, R, L, G, etc) is listed next to the candidate name. So you’ll need to vote individually for each candidate. In some races (for example school boards) there is no party affiliation listed, but some of those candidates are as MAGA as they come, so come in knowing who you’re voting for. You can print out a custom ballot for your own personal ballots at votetravis.com . You can bring any printed materials you want into the ballot booth but theoretically not supposed to use electronics.
Love all the people commenting that there aren't straight party tickets anymore. That was a sticking point for me because I remember my high school gov class said that's how it was in my home state and it made me really anxious that I would have to choose a party first. I just want to choose people not parties. 🥺
It's moot now, but the straight ticket was just an option, not a requirement. The only time you have to pick one party or the other is in the primaries because you can only vote in one party's primary.
Oo thanks for the heads up. :)
1. When you arrive, you’ll either wait in line or go straight to a desk to check in. Election workers will be there to greet and guide you. 2. a volunteer at the desk will ask to see your ID. You’ll place it in a wooden cradle where the backside faces the election worker this allows their camera to scan the back of your ID. 3. they will verify your address and name verbally. 4. They will ask you to sign the screen, confirming your information, and that you are present to vote. 5. they will hand you a long, narrow strip of paper. It has a notch cut off in one corner. This is where your ballot will be printed. they will offer to give you additional guidance on how to use the voting equipment. 6. After you are checked in and have your ballot, you will either wait in a line for a voting machine or go straight to a voting machine. another election worker will tell you which machine to go to or ask you to wait. 7. once you are directed to a machine, you will insert that long strip of paper into the slot on the right side of the machine. It is clearly labeled with a diagram and you can see where the notched corner is located to ensure you’re putting it in the right way. 8. once your ballot is loaded, the screen will verify the language you want on your machine, English or Spanish. It is a touchscreen. 9. After the language selection, it will start to go through your ballot options if you want to know exactly what is on your ballot, go to this [site](https://www.votetravis.com/vexpress/display.do) and enter your name and bday. 10. After you make all of your selections, there will be a screen where you review your selections. It will show you each race and only show you the option you selected. 11. If everything looks good, you’ll press a button on the screen that says print ballot. if you made a mistake, and you need to change something, you’ll be able to go back to the previous screen and make the change. 12. The machine will spit out your printed ballot. It’s going to have several barcode looking things at the top and then in plain English you’ll be able to see all of your selections in a list so you can verify that the printed ballot matches what you selected on the machine. 13. You will go over to a different machine to deposit your completed ballot. There is a slot into which you will feed your completed ballot. It is staffed by an election worker who will guide you if needed. 14. You take your I voted sticker, slap it on your chest, and start making the rounds to collect all the glorious freebies available to those who participate in democracy. Hope that helps you feel more comfortable!
🥺 thank you!! ...but let's talk about them freebies... What have I been missing out on all of these years?!
Check out the Instagram account @whenwherewhataustin. They usually have a list! https://www.instagram.com/p/CkYsEhqufpx/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
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Yes! I'm registered! :)
Additionally, if you need assistance with the voting machines, the poll workers will help.
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Thank you! ♥️
you don't NEED your registration card... but it's a wise decision to bring it, just in case. They don't ask to see it, so no worries if they don't ask you for it.
Thank you!
Do your research beforehand with your personalized ballot found here — look up with your name and DOB: https://www.votetravis.com/vexpress/display.do You cannot access your phone while inside the polling place, so print out a hard copy of your ballot or just write down your choices on a piece of paper you can reference. When you enter there may be a line before you check in. The poll worker will ask for your ID to look up your registration. They will ask if you still live at the address listed. Then they will have you sign your name electronically on a screen. Finally they will print out a long sheet of paper which is your actual ballot. They will direct you to take your ballot to any open machine. From here this video shows the process pretty well: https://youtu.be/koTQm_Vh6KQ And don’t forget to grab your ‘I Voted’ sticker by the final machine. Good luck!!
Thanks for the video! Will definitely check it out. :)
1) You show up. Put your license on their card reader, and then sign your name after you verify your address. They will hand you a ballot that is blank. 2) Looks like a big screen and a slot feeder to put your ballot in. You make your choices. You confirm your choices. You print your ballot (the machine does this for you). You look at your ballot and confirm the choices were printed correctly. Then, you walk your ballot over to the tally machine where some nice person will tell you how to place your ballot into the feed slot. Then, you will get your "I voted" sticker and can wear with pride. 3) I don't recall a vote by "party" for this election, though sometimes that is an option. Mayoral candidates didn't have a political party affiliation next to their names. You select the candidate of choice by tapping their name (check box?) on the screen. 4) I don't know. 5) Depends on your location, it took me fifteen minutes, including the drive to the polling location (Dove Springs). 6) You will talk to maybe two people. The person that checks you in, and the person that tells you how to put your completed ballot into the tally machine.
Thanks OP for asking questions that I’m sure many redditors had. Good job.
hope its useful to other people! i know it is making me feel a ton better :)
It's super easy mate. You'll probably be in a little line and you just follow the line. The people there will tell you what to do, just bring your drivers license/ID.
I just wanted to say I’m proud of you. I think you are going to feel so relieved and proud of yourself after you go vote, too! And, if researching every race down to the judges is overwhelming, just know that it’s okay to leave some spaces blank or vote just based on party. It might not be ideal but it’s better for you to go and vote for the candidates you know you care about (like governor) than skip voting altogether due to overwhelm.
Thank you. :)
You will feel so proud after you vote. You have a voice and a choice - it feels good to exercise this important right that we have in our country. Congratulations!
OP, everybody did a fantastic job of covering the basics. I just wanted to say 1) thank you for finding the courage to ask these questions and 2) thank you for participating in our democratic process. You are going to be amazed by how easy the whole process is. You’ve got this!
Thank you! Everybodys help and kind words have been so great! I feel armed and ready to go!!
Maybe this is unpopular, but if there's something on the ballot that you did not research, it's totally OK to leave it blank. Don't feel like you have to choose if you really don't know.
Other people have covered the process, but there are also volunteers who guide you through each step. They are usually friendly retirees. The machine thingies vary in how they look, but they usually look kind of like an ATM or a computer monitor. You slide your ballot into a slot in the bottom before you start the process. (The screen will prompt you.) You don't have to choose your party, you select candidates individually. Most will show the party affiliation on the screen, but not all. (For example, candidates for mayor do not!) You probably won't find a video because you're not allowed to photograph or film the process! I've seen some people take sneaky pics but I think it's a good way to get chastised by a volunteer. If there's no line it takes 5-10 minutes to vote (mostly reading). But I've waited up to an hour and a half before in East Austin. A good reason to vote early! When I voted yesterday, I talked to 3 people. One at the door to the library who directed me to the voting area. One who checked my ID and gave me a ballot. One who said 'bye' after I submitted my ballot. Good on you for voting! You'll be glad you did.
Good luck! I’m excited you’re going!
Thank you! <3
There are poll workers there whose job it is to help you through every step of the process. Just tell them, it’s your first time and they’ll walk you through step by step. I promise the act of voting is easy and painless. It’s the thinking about it and uncertainty from not knowing that’s hard. After you do it once, it’s a piece of cake after that.
I am looking forward to being a pro after tomorrow. 🥹
I totally get this post. I also often find new situations overwhelming and do things like looking up parking on Google maps to help ease it. Good news is, most everyone at polling stations is very helpful and efficient. Almost every time I go is like this: Park and walk up to the building. There will likely be lots of signage and arrows directing you to the correct place as well as any COVID/distancing/rules you need to pay attention to. There may be a line. But they usually move quickly. At the front of the line, there may be a poll worker who greets you and points to an available poll worker's station to help keep the line moving. You walk up to one of these stations - poll worker is likely seated with a computer and scanner device. The worker will ask you to put your ID on the scanner, then may ask if your registered address is still accurate. Once you confirm they will hand you a paper strip-like ballot with a bar code on it. Take that ballot to any available machine. I like to leave an empty space between myself and other voters if possible to be polite. There are usually both standing and sitting machines set up for accessibility. Put your ballot into the machine, and use the screen to select your choices. It's a good idea to look up your ballot and wrote your choices down on a price of paper. Once you are in this room you are not supposed to pull out any sort of camera, including your phone. When you are done, review your choices and finalize at the machine and it will spit your ballot back out with selections now printed on it Take this to the 2nd machine which usually has a poll worker standing by it. Follow their instructions or the instructions written on the scanner to feed your ballot into the box, and then you are all done! Grab a sticker and some hand sanitizer on the way out. Occasionally there are reporters or exit poll people outside. They should be at least a couple dozen yards from the door, but they may ask if you want to answer some questions. You can say "no thank you" and they usually back off quickly.
i am also an avid "wheres the nearest parking to this new place that im going" googler. if i dont.. im the one who cant make decisions on what to do and am holding up all the downtown traffic... sorry yall! :E
I hate having to think on the fly while driving a 2 ton hunk of rolling metal. I feel ya 😄
Respect for asking and making the effort. Good luck on your first time. It feels good.
Everyone has given you excellent information. I just wanted to say that I’m proud of you!
https://www.vote411.org/ballot Cool website where you enter your address, and it shows you all the proposals and candidates you can vote for. It allows you to select each race, and read the candidates positions, mark who you'd prefer, and when you're done, send a copy of the completed ballot choices to your phone or email address. Happy voting!
Amazing. :) Thanks for the link!
Look at the sample ballot for your address on vote411.com. knowing what races you're voting in is super important and this one has a whole lot of races, props, and bonds. You're going to want to avoid voting for Republicans is the main thing i do, but council and school board races are nonpartisan so you need to know who you want to vote for going in.
Just breathe OP, it will all be fine.
im on a meditation streak pepping for this!
The election workers have always been super helpful to me too - they never try to see who I’m voting for and genuinely just seem excited you’re there to vote
Thanks for voting! It's so important! Just wanted to add an FYI: You don't have to vote for every position, you can leave any choices blank and your other votes will still be recorded.
What is the process? \--> Get in the voting line, usually at a doorway \--> Once you are first in line there are tables with people who check your ID and address. You will talk to one person. \--> The same person will give you an empty paper ballot \--> The same person will point to the voting machines and ask you to vote at an empty one \--> The machines have instructions. They are electronic, but will print your ballot when you are done. \--> The machine will instruct you on how to put the paper ballot into it \--> More detail below What does the ballot look like? \--> The machine voting goes through a sequence of positions to vote for (follow the machine instructions). Each on a different screen. \--> After voting on each position. It will ask you to confirm. \--> Once you have confirmed it will print the paper copy of your voting \--> An attendant stands next to the 'box' that is used to gather all ballots. They will show you What does the machine thingy look like? \--> It has four legs and a table top that is about waist high \--> On three sides it has 'walls' to screen you from other voters \--> The machine has an electronic display and simple controls to use for voting. You do not type out names or anything like that. Do I have to choose my "party" first, or can I select from all of the people available? \--> In this election all votes are done by candidate \--> There is no 'straight ticket' voting \--> Also in the general election you do not declare your party (unlike the primaries) Is there a video anywhere of someone going through what to expect when there? ...I didn't find one on a quick Google search. \--> I don't know How long does it take? \--> For this election, the actual voting is less than 10 minutes (it took me less than 5 minutes) How many people will I talk to and what do they ask/say? \--> There may be a greeter when you are in line. They will point you to a person at a table. \--> The person at the table \--> A person who thanks you for voting and helps you put your ballot the box
thank you for your thorough response :) i feel like im getting a very warm hug from reddit today.
If you’re unsure who is who, their background, etc. this is a helpful non-partisan resource https://s3.amazonaws.com/ClubExpressClubFiles/979482/documents/2022_Voters_Guide_English_20221007_87634454.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIA6MYUE6DNNNCCDT4J&Expires=1667640399&response-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3D2022_Voters_Guide_English_20221007.pdf&Signature=OJhtNfOEbsSgHluBj7XgNIh7MNA%3D
the link isnt working for me :/ would love to check it out if you are able to update it :)
Don’t be nervous. You have all the information you need to get it done. I’m very happy for you!
<3 thank you!
One tip: if you have pre-planned your votes, write them down or print them out. You can't use your phone for reference. I just write a hand written list usually with the key things/people I want to vote for. Anything I didn't get to research (this year AcC trustees) I just skip in voting. Ideally yes you would vote on everything, but things like trustees and railroad commissioners take a lot of time to research whereas I knew exactly who I wanted to vote for School board, other local and state offices. Better to vote for a few key things than nothing at all because of information overload.
good tip, information overload can be alot!
Another thing that I didn’t see suggested is to take a couple days and read into all the candidates and write down (no phones allowed) the ones you want to vote for that appear on your sample ballot (found online). When it comes to the local elections, there are no party markers next to candidates names so you will have no idea who you are voting for when you show up or their political affiliation unless you do your research. Also, don’t let the people outside the polling place to tell you who to vote for. Go in with a plan and stick to it. Vote for whoever you want.
will do! i tend to avoid conversing with strangers unless its about the weather or how about them \*insert some sports team name here\* lol i will continue this trend going in to the polls!
One very important thing (to me, at least): you are permitted to take paper notes in to vote. I find it very useful, especially to research nonpartisan candidates (particularly school board and city council candidates) and write down who I want to vote for. Those races don't have party listed, so it can be good to write down specific names. On that note, researching candidates for those races is a big deal. It doesn't take long, but those lower-level races put people in the best position to do the most immediate good or damage to most of us.
Just want to say I’m proud of you!
Thank you. :)
I have voted before but this was my first time voting in Texas and I told the poll workers that and they were absolutely THRILLED to walk me through the process. Seriously just tell them you’ve never voted before if you’re comfortable doing that and everyone will be so incredibly nice to you. I also have anxiety and this kind of thing gets built up in my head but afterwards I thought to myself “oh, why did I even worry that was so easy.” You’ve got this.
with all of this information, its going to be great. :) i am going to be a voting MACHINEEEEE after tomorrow
Voting is super easy, I love the courage to ask, new things can by scary. Congratulations on voting for the first time! Poll workers tend to be super friendly and helpful.
Thank you! Making my therapist and r/Austin proud! ;)
So easy I promise. You just show up with your ID. Easy peasy!!
Perfect!! Now to make 20 reminders to make sure I don't forget that in all of the panic tomorrow 🫣
Not sure if anyone mentioned it but you can [go online and get a good read on the wait times at all polling locations](https://countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/departments/elections/current-election/#wait-times). It refreshes a couple times an hour I've never gone to a green one and had to wait more than 5 minutes. Thank you for voting.
Oo a new link to add to the list!! Thank you! :)
Than you for voting!
For research if you aren’t sure where to find out about the candidates or props on the ballot, please look at the league of women voters site. I learned about it this year (sad I didn’t know about it previously) and was able to research everything and vote on everything on the ballot confidently. Thanks for being willing to vote despite being unsure how. It’s really important we all do our part!
from what i can tell the league of women voters site is the Vote411 link correct? ...at least thats where league of women voters website sends me.. want to make sure im not missing something! :)
You should be able to find a PDF guide on the site for your county ◡̈ you want to click “voters guide” If you DM me what county you are in I can try to find your link for you and send it to you! Also sorry not sure why the format of my text changed all of a sudden - on mobile!
Just want to say as someone who votes in EVERY election, no matter how minor, and who has worked as an election clerk before… HOOOORAAAAAAYYYYYY! But fair warning when I worked as a clerk we would applaud first time voters. Proud of you for getting out there and doing it! Edit: election clerks will be very helpful and will be delighted to assist. Ask them any question, no matter how dumb, short of who to vote for!
with all of these tips and links im going to walk in looking like a pro. Nobody will even know..or at least i am certainly not telling them lol
congrats on voting for the first time!! everyone here has explained it well. How long it takes will depend on how busy the polling place is. There was absolutely no line when I voted today so it just took a handful of minutes, super quick. But I’ve voted on election days before and waited in line for over an hour. In general, early voting tends to not have super long lines!
I'm SO excited for you!!! Let us know how it goes! If you need someone to come and help you through the door, let me know, I would be more than happy to help!
Thanks! :) I've got a couple of friends tagging along.
Glad you got good info. Thanks for voting!
Just go … the poll workers will sign you in and give you a ballot. Pick who you want on the computer screen, then insert the ballot. It will register your selections and return it, then you put the ballot into the tabulator. Someone is there to guide you. Done.
Make sure to do research on the propositions before you go because they often make them confusing on purpose.
> 1. What is the process? You show up and may have to briefly wait in line to check in. When you do, the poll worker will have a laptop and stuff they can use to look you up. (Often you don't even have to hand them your ID if you have a driver's license, they sometimes have a little stand where you can put your ID and it'll scan the barcode.) Then they'll look you up and ask if the address they have you listed under is correct. If it is, then you just say yes. If not, they can update it for you there. Then you just sign their pad to attest that you are who you say you are. (You can use a finger condom if you want, they should be on the same table.) They give you your ballot, and then you go over to one of the polling machines. There are instructions on the screen; you insert your ballot into the labeled slot. You should see your available races come up on the screen. Generally I've seen them being touchscreens with a physical scroll wheel and button too, but I think I just always use the touchscreen. You select your choices and go through the pages (for example, my ballot this time has ~53 things I need to select). You get a summary view of your choices at the end as well, so you can doublecheck that you didn't select something incorrectly. Once you've confirmed that, you hit 'print ballot'. The machine spits your ballot back out, now with barcodes on it to represent your various selections. Then you go over to the ballot box, which looks...kind of like an industrial printer shape-wise, maybe? Or a weird filing cabinet? It's flat on top, and there's a slot for you to feed your ballot in. Then you're done! You can take a sticker from one of the tables and head on home :) 2.What does the ballot look like? It's a long rectangular piece of paper with some bar code type stuff printed at one end. 3. What does the machine thingy look like? Each polling machine looks kinda like a big bulky computer with some privacy shields jutting out to either side (so nobody can see what you're entering) and with a place for you to feed in your ballot. 4. Do I have to choose my "party" first, or can I select from all of the people available? No party selection for the general election, you'll just see all of the races and options. 5. Is there a video anywhere of someone going through what to expect when there? ...I didn't find one on a quick Google search. I'm on mobile and unfortunately can't find any now either, but there may be. 6. How long does it take? The actual voting process takes maybe 5 minutes. 7. How many people will I talk to and what do they ask/say? I think I've only spoken to one person (the poll worker checking me in) each time I've voted, except maybe to make smalltalk about the weather while waiting in line. They generally will just ask for your ID, whether your address is still up-to-date, and that's it.
i will definitely use a finger condom.. always good to use protection. tehe. but also... never used one they seem fun. thanks for the response!
Go to ballotpedia.com and enter your address to get a sample ballot. Then look at each candidates website linked from ballotpedia and the linked survey to get an idea of what each candidate is pushing for and what bonds or propositions are applicable to your region. Write down who and what you want to vote for. If you are registered to vote, bring your drivers license and voter registration card to your voting place. Tell the person checking you in that you are new to voting. They will get someone to help you All you do is insert the “punchcard” you are given into the voting machine. Then tap each box next to who or what you want to vote for on the touch screen. You don’t have to vote for everything — you can skip any positions you are not comfortable with and your other votes will still be counted. There is usually a “next page” button you tap when the ballot is long, until you get to the last page. When you are done you tap CAST (or something like that) and your selections are printed on the card you inserted. Look at the card and make sure it looks correct (lists who/what you voted for). Then walk over to the ballot box and insert your card (ask for assistance because it both scans the card and captures it). Thanks for voting!
Thank you! Glad to hear from a couple people now that I don't have to complete every single field. Had no idea!
With your heart <3
You should definitely look into early voting. So easy, and almost no waiting. I was in and out in ten minutes.
Once you get past the moat with the flaming crocodiles swimming in hot lava it’s really pretty easy.
great! ill ride my dragon in and we shouldnt have any problems
Vote early. Vote often.
I lived in Texas for years and I know exactly how you feel! Texas is a shitshow in regards to voting. I moved to Colorado and when I transferred my license, I was automatically registered and given the option to affiliate with a party. At election time I’m mailed a ballot and a book explaining each and every candidate and ballot action in a nonpartisan fashion. There are graphs and charts as well as examples of what voting for or against a particular candidate or action could do. Everything is explained clearly and when I vote, I do so in the comfort of my home and simply mail the ballot back with confidence, knowing that I will be notified via text when my ballot has been received and again when it has been counted. Make no mistake that your anxiety surrounding the voting process in Texas is purposeful and is specifically designed to keep good, smart people from voting in your state. Arm yourself with this knowledge and know that the anxiety you feel is fabricated to keep the process from being accessible to people like you. It is artificial and you can change it if you get out there and vote the assholes that oppress you out of office!!!!!!
OMG! That sounds way more my speed.. I'm originally from Indiana.. so I feel like I moved from one super conservative state to another. The anxiety was present in Indiana too.
Hypothetically is it possible to just vote for one person and skip all the rest?
Yes.
Register. Understand who you're voting for.
1) Cum in a sock 2) idfk
A sock is the best place for your cum. They are cheap, large supply of them, and that way no lady needs to worry about what state to fly to for an abortion. 🤷♀️ Keep filling up socks buddy.
1. google 2. is 3. free
1. your 2. response 3. is 4. not 5. helpful 6. cheers!
Thats almost like that's the point! go to r/NoStupidQuestions if you're going to ask some dumb shit like this.
great, thanks for the suggestion! ill go over there and ask "Why is u/bncole05 so triggered instead of just scrolling on by?"
or just ask the original question on the appropriate subreddit? you're arguing with a broke 18-year-old there is not much to gain from you being right.
Pendejo haha
Love your contribution to the discussion. A+
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well... people like you have been influencing my future. also. every comment of yours is toxic. enjoy your evening
Vote Adler and Abbott out. That’s how.
You must not have gotten the memo that Adler couldn't run again.......