Monday, June 29, marks the first day of early voting in Texas for this year’s primary runoff elections.
That means Texans can head to the polls early and hopefully avoid crowds that might be seen on primary election day, July 14.
The early voting period will continue until July 10, about a two-week period.
With Sen. John Cornyn handily defeating his primary opponent on Super Tuesday, all eyes will be on the Democratic runoff race between state Sen. Royce West and Air Force helicopter pilot MJ Hegar at the top of the ticket.
A number of Congressional primary races will also be decided, including the runoff races for Texas’ three wide open and highly competitive congressional seats. Three Republican incumbents in those districts have declined to run for re-election: Reps. Pete Olson in Sugar Land, Kenny Marchant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and Will Hurd in southwest Texas.
Squeezed in-between the early voting period is also the last day to apply to vote by mail, on July 2.
Anyone registered to vote who is 65 and older, in jail, out of the country, or has a non-specific disability can apply to vote by mail. The last day to receive a mail ballot is on primary election day.
More information, like important election dates or how to apply for a mail ballot, can be found on the Texas Secretary of State website. Texas Democrats have also been offering a voter assistance hotline that can be reached for questions or concerns.
Photo: SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images
Fernando covers Texas politics and government at the Texas Signal. Before joining the Signal, Fernando spent two years at the Houston Chronicle and previously interned at Houston’s NPR station News 88.7. He is a graduate of the University of Houston, Jack J. Valenti School of Communication, and enjoys reading, highlighting things, and arguing on social media. You can follow him on Twitter at @fernramirez93 or email at fernando@texassignalarchive.com
