Vote in person

Voting Made Simple • May 26, 2026

Vote in Person:
What to Expect

Voting should be straightforward, not stressful. This guide walks you through what to expect at your polling place so you show up ready and confident. Most people are in and out without a hitch.

Midterms Matter is nonpartisan.

We don't support or oppose any candidate, party, or political position. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

The process

step by step

Step 1

Bring the Correct ID

Texas law requires you to show one of these seven acceptable forms of photo ID at the polls:

Texas Driver's License
U.S. Military ID Card (with photo)
U.S. Passport (book or card)
Texas Election Identification Certificate
Texas Election Identification Certificate

Step 2

Stay in Line at Closing Time

If you are in line by 7:00 PM when the polls close, you are legally allowed to vote.
Do not leave the line until you have cast your ballot. Poll workers are required to let everyone in line vote.

Step 3

Fix a Mistake Before You Submit

Made a mistake? No problem. Before you cast your ballot, ask a poll worker for a new one so you can correct it.

Step 4

Ask for a Paper Option if Machines Are Down

If voting machines are not working, you can ask for a paper ballot. Poll workers can help you understand your options.

Step 5

Get Disability Accommodations if You Need Them

You deserve a voting experience that is accessible, private, and respectful. You cannot be turned away because of a disability, including an intellectual or mental health disability.

What you're entitled to:

Accessible polling place. Polling places must meet ADA requirements. Curbside voting is available but doesn't replace full ADA compliance.
At least one accessible voting option that allows you to vote privately and independently
Reasonable accommodations. Ask a poll worker for what you need.

Quick requests you can make:

Need to sit? Ask for a chair or a place to rest.
Need less noise or crowding? Ask for a quieter place to wait.
Pathway not accessible? Ask for assistance and call the hotline to report the barrier.

ada Voting Protections

ada polling place checklist

voting with disability

Step 6

Bring a Helper or Use Language Support

Bring a helper

If you need help because of a disability, or because you have difficulty reading or writing English, you can get in-person help from someone you trust.

You may bring a family member, friend, or any other person you choose
Your helper cannot be your employer (or your employer's agent) or a union officer or agent
Poll workers may ask you to confirm you requested help, and your helper may be asked to sign a form

Language support

Some counties are required to provide bilingual assistance for certain languages
In covered counties, you can request oral assistance from a bilingual poll worker and ask for voting materials in that language

Step 7

Use a Provisional Ballot if There Is a Registration Issue

Sometimes your name is not on the list. It happens, but it doesn't mean you're out of options.

Ask the poll worker to double-check and spell your name out
Confirm you are at the right polling place. Poll workers may be able to check a statewide system.
If it still isn't resolved, ask for a provisional ballot

What is a provisional ballot?

A provisional ballot allows you to still vote. After Election Day, officials investigate whether you were eligible and registered. If you were, your vote gets counted.

Need Help at the Polls?

If you have a question, run into an issue, or just want guidance, call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline. Trained volunteers can help you understand your options and what to do next.

english

1-866-OUR-VOTE

1-866-687-8683

spanish

1-888-VE-Y-VOTA

1-888-839-8682

arabic

1-844-YALLA-US

1-844-925-5287

asian Languages

1-888-274-8683

Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Vietnamese

Vote in Person:What to Expect

step by step

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Vote in Person:
What to Expect