With temperatures dropping across the state, it’s important that we keep in mind our fellow Texans who are without food, shelter, and clothing. We are so blessed to live in communities that help organize programs aimed at providing these basic necessities to the less-fortunate, and I want to encourage you and your family to seek out a local food bank or clothing drive where you can donate canned food and warm clothing to those in need. If you need help finding a local program or charity, please contact our state office and we will be happy to assist you.
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol. . .
House Interim Charge: Elections
The next stop on our journey of interim committee charges takes us to the House Committee on Elections. This seven member committee has the critical duty of overseeing the Texas Ethics Commission and the Texas Secretary of State. Throughout the interim, the committee has been focused on three main issues: maintaining the integrity of our election process in the event of a natural disaster, strengthening security protocols while also encouraging greater voter participation, and establishing enhanced voting opportunities for those who are unable to get to the polls – people at a residential care facility, for example.
As you head to the polls on Election Day, here’s some information that I hope will be helpful:
* Election Day is November 6th!
* You can vote early through November 2nd. Early voting is easy, and should save you some time. Please be aware that during the early voting period, you may vote at any location in your county, regardless of your precinct.
* When you arrive at the polls, you will be asked to present ONE of these seven forms of approved photo identification: (1) Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS); (2) Texas personal identification card issued by DPS; (3) Texas handgun license issued by DPS; (4) United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph; (5) United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph; (6) United States passport; or (7) a Free Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS.
* The address on an acceptable form of photo identification presented by the voter does not have to match the address on the list of registered voters.
* For more information about voter identification requirements and additional information such as election deadlines, visit www.votetexas.gov. You can also call the Texas Secretary of State’s toll-free hotline, 1-800-252-VOTE.
In addition to these resources, please do not hesitate to call my office for any other information regarding the election.
Reminders
The mobile office is on the road this month and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: November 7th at the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville from 9-11am, or at the Madison County Courthouse Annex in Madisonville from 1:30-3:30pm; November 14th at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9-11am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30pm; November 28th at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9-11am.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can help you in any way. Our district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762, or you can call my Capitol office at (512) 463-0508
