Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson

AUSTIN, TEXAS (News Release) - Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced Texas has 17,948,242 million registered voters ahead of the March 5 primaries. The last day to register in time for the primary election was February 5.

“Nearly 18 million Texans are registered to vote, and my office and election officials across the state are working to make sure all Texas voters are ready to cast a ballot,” said Secretary Nelson.

Early voting for the primary elections begins Tuesday, February 20, and runs through March 1.

“Early voting is a convenient way to cast your ballot and avoid the rush of Election Day,” said Secretary Nelson. “Now is a good time to plan when you will vote and decide what form of photo ID you will bring to the polls.”

During early voting, Texans may cast a ballot at any polling location in their county of registration.

When casting a ballot in person, voters are required to show one of the following approved forms of photo ID:

• Texas Driver License

• Texas Personal Identification Card

• Passport

• Texas Handgun License

• Military Identification Card

• Citizenship Certificate

• Texas Election Identification Card

Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven approved forms of photo ID can fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polls and present an alternative form of identification, such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or a voter registration certificate.

During the primary elections, voters will need to indicate in which party primary they want to vote. Voters who signed a petition for a candidate from the Libertarian or Green Parties are not eligible to vote in the primary.

For more information on ID requirements and voting deadlines, please visit VoteTexas.gov for official information or call 1-800-252-VOTE.