17.9 million registered voters ahead of March 5 primaries

AUSTIN— Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced Saturday that the state has 17,948,242 million registered voters ahead of the March 5 primaries. The deadline to register 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.”

Texans may cast a ballot at any polling locations in their county of registration, according to the secretary of state. When casting a ballot in person, one of the approved forms of ID are required:

• Texas Driver License
• Texas Personal Identification Card
• Passport
• Texas Handgun License
• Military Identification Card
• Citizenship Certificate
• Texas Election Identification Card

If an approved form of photo ID is not available for the voter, they can complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polls and present alternative forms of identification, such as utility bills, government checks, bank statements, or voter registration certificate.

During the primary elections, voters must specify their party preference. Those who endorsed a Libertarian or Green Party candidate through a petition are ineligible to participate in the primary.

Election Day voting hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at all polling places statewide, and curbside voting is available for voters physically unable to enter the polling place.

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