Texas’ primary election is March 1. Here’s what you need to know to vote.

The last day to register to vote was Jan. 31. The last day to apply for a ballot by mail is Feb. 18. Early voting runs from Feb. 14-25.

BY ALEXA URA AND MANDI CAI

Photo  Illustration by Emily Albracht

What dates do I need to know?

The last day to register to vote was Jan. 31.

Is there a way to confirm whether I’m registered to vote?

You can verify your registration through the Texas secretary of state’s website. You’ll need one of the following three combinations to log in:

• Providing your Texas driver’s license number and date of birth.
• Providing your first and last names, date of birth and what county you reside in.
• Providing your date of birth and Voter Unique Identifier, which appears on your voter registration certificate.

Check if you’re registered to vote here. (Already registered? You can also use that portal to ensure you’re registered at the correct address.)

How can I register to vote?

You’ll need to fill out and submit a paper voter registration application at least 30 days before the election. You can request a postage-paid application through the mail or find one at county voter registrars’ offices and some post offices, government offices or high schools. You can also print out the online application and mail it to the voter registrar in your county. Applications must be postmarked by the Jan. 31 deadline. Download your application here.

Additionally, you can register to vote through the Texas Department of Public Safety while renewing your driver’s license, even if you’re doing so online. This is the only form of online registration in the state.

The last day to apply for a ballot by mail is Feb. 18.

The deadline for mail-in ballots to be returned to the county is March 1.

Give yourself as much leeway as possible if you’re looking to vote by mail; you’ll need to budget for the time it may take your county to get your ballot to you in the mail after you apply.

When do I need to drop off or mail an application?

Applications must be received — not postmarked — by the early voting clerk in your county by Feb. 18. Applications can also be submitted by fax or email, but the county must receive a hard copy within four business days. They can also be dropped off in person.

You can download an application here or request an application to be mailed to you here.

By when do I need to mail my ballot?

The deadline for mail-in ballots to be returned to the county is election day, which is March 1. If they’re postmarked by 7 p.m. that day, they’ll be counted if they’re received by the county by 5 p.m. March 3.

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Absentee ballots can also be delivered to the county elections office in person with a valid form of ID while polls are open on election day.

Completed ballots from military or overseas voters are accepted if they’re received by March 7. (Military and overseas voters can go through a different ballot request and return process.)

Early voting runs from Feb. 14-25.

Where am I allowed to vote early?

Voters can cast ballots at any polling location in the county where they are registered to vote. Check your county elections office’s website for early voting locations.

Who is eligible to vote early?

Anyone who is registered to vote may vote early, but it must be done in person unless you qualify to vote by mail.

Election Day is March 1.

Are polling locations the same on election day as they are during early voting?

Not always. It’s recommended to check the open polling locations in your area before you head to cast your ballot. In some counties, election day voting may be restricted to locations in your designated precinct. Other counties allow voters to cast their ballot at any polling place on election day.

What do I need to know about going to the polls?

How does primary voting work?

Primary elections are used to designate who will be a party’s candidate in the general election in each race, so you’ll be selecting among members of the same party in casting your vote.

At the polls, you’ll have to choose whether you want to vote in the Republican or Democratic primary. Some counties will host what’s known as a joint primary, which means everyone checks in at the same desk and uses the same voting machines. In other counties, there will be separate check-in stations and lines for either party.

How can I find which polling places are near me?

County election offices are supposed to post on their websites information on polling locations for election day and during the early voting period by Feb. 8. The secretary of state’s website will also have information on polling locations closer to the start of voting. However, polling locations may change, so be sure to check your county’s election website before going to vote.

What form of ID do I need to bring?

You’ll need one of seven types of valid photo ID to vote in Texas:

• A state driver’s license (issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety).
• A Texas election identification certificate (issued by DPS).
• A Texas personal identification card (issued by DPS).
• A Texas license to carry a handgun (issued by DPS).
• A U.S. military ID card with a personal photo.
• A U.S. citizenship certificate with a personal photo.
• A U.S. passport.

Check out this story for more details.

What if I don’t have a valid photo ID?

Voters can still cast votes if they sign a form swearing that they have a “reasonable impediment” from obtaining a proper photo ID. However, those voters will also have to present one of the following types of identification:

• A valid voter registration certificate.
• A certified birth certificate.
• A document confirming birth admissible in a court of law that establishes your identity (which may include a foreign birth document).
• A copy of or an original current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other document that shows the voter’s name and address. (Any government document that contains a voter’s photo must be an original.)

What does the pandemic mean for voting in this election?

You’ll likely see many of the same precautions we’ve grown accustomed to over the last few years, including guidelines for social distancing, plastic barriers and regular cleaning. Poll workers may be wearing face masks and other protective equipment, but masks are not required for voters, though health officials still recommend wearing masks in indoor public places in areas with high transmission rates.

What if I was planning to vote in person, but I have been diagnosed with COVID-19?

If you have contracted COVID-19 or are exhibiting symptoms, consider requesting an emergency early voting ballot or using curbside voting.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2022/01/17/texas-primary-election-2022-voter-guide/.