Election Day is quickly approaching, but Texans who recently moved and haven’t updated their voter registration may still have an opportunity to vote.
Under Texas election law, eligible voters who moved from one county to another can cast what’s known as a limited ballot, allowing them to participate in certain races even if their registration still reflects their previous address.
However, not everyone qualifies, and voters have a limited window to take advantage of this option before the November 3 election.
Here’s what you need to know.
What is a limited ballot?
A limited ballot allows registered Texas voters who recently moved to a different county to vote in statewide elections and certain district races shared by their former and current addresses. This means that if you moved from Galveston County to Harris County but haven’t updated your voter registration, you may still cast your vote in statewide races, such as those for governor and U.S. Senate.
However, you would not be eligible to vote in county-specific races, including positions like county judge or county commissioner. Depending on the specifics of your move, you may also qualify to vote in congressional or state legislative races if both of your addresses are within the same district.
Who qualifies for a limited ballot?
According to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office, voters must meet certain criteria to qualify for a limited ballot. The key requirement is that the October 5 deadline to register to vote or update voter registration information for the November 3 election must have been missed. If you moved between counties and did not register by that date, you might still be eligible to vote using a limited ballot.
What if I recently moved to Texas from another state?
Voters who have moved to Texas from another state cannot use their former state’s registration to request a limited ballot in Texas. The limited ballot process is exclusively available for those who were previously registered in another Texas county. For instance, if you recently relocated from Louisiana to Harris County, you cannot use your Louisiana voter registration to request a limited ballot. New Texas residents must register to vote in their new county by the state’s voter registration deadline, which, for the November 3 election, was October 5.
If you moved to Texas and missed the registration deadline, you generally cannot vote in the upcoming election. However, you may have voting options in your former state, depending on its election laws and residency requirements. It’s advisable to contact your county voter registrar to verify registration status and eligibility for future elections.
When and where can I cast a limited ballot?
Limited ballots will be available during the early voting period, which runs from October 19 through October 30. Eligible voters can cast their limited ballots either in person or by mail. If you’re opting to vote by mail, be aware that the deadline for the early voting clerk to receive applications is Friday, October 23.
To find out where to cast a limited ballot or how to request one by mail, contact your county elections office for specific guidance.
Can I cast a provisional ballot instead?
A provisional ballot may be an option for voters whose eligibility cannot be confirmed at the polling place. However, it does not replace Texas’ voter registration requirements. For instance, if you submitted your voter registration application before the October 5 deadline but do not appear on the list of registered voters, you may be allowed to cast a provisional ballot.
Election officials will review your registration records to determine whether your ballot can be counted. However, someone who moved to Texas from another state and failed to register by the deadline generally cannot use a provisional ballot to bypass that requirement.
If you believe you registered on time but are experiencing problems at the polls, ask an election worker about provisional voting or contact your county voter registrar for assistance.
What if I moved within the same county?
If you recently moved but still reside in the same county, you typically do not need a limited ballot. Texas provides a process known as “fail-safe voting,” which allows eligible voters who haven’t updated their addresses to cast a ballot using their previous registration information. For example, someone who moved from one neighborhood in Bexar County to another may still be able to vote by completing a Statement of Residence at the polling place.
However, voters must still meet applicable residency requirements, and their ballot may reflect the districts associated with their previously registered address. The limited ballot process specifically caters to eligible voters who have moved across county lines.
How do I request a limited ballot?
If you believe you qualify for a limited ballot, the first step is to contact the elections office in your new county of residence. At the designated main early voting location, election officials will ask you to complete an Application for Limited Ballot. Officials will then determine which races you are eligible to participate in based on your former and current addresses.
This application also serves as a voter registration application in your new county for future elections. To check your current registration status, you can use the Texas Secretary of State’s voter registration portal. Remember, the deadline to cast a limited ballot in person for the November 3 election is Friday, October 30.
