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2020 Texas voting guide: Everything you need to know to cast your vote today

It'll be an Election Day like no other. Here's what you need to know if you're voting today.

Election Day is November 3. The race to be the next president of the United States headlines the ballot, but the U.S. Senate race between M.J. Hegar and John Cornyn will also be decided. In District 22, it's Troy Nehls against Sri Preston Kulkarni. We're also watching the Lizzie Fletcher/Wesley Hunt race and Dan Crenshaw.  And the Texas House is also in the balance. On election nights, all results will be posted at KHOU.com/elections

Below is information you need to know as you prepare to cast your vote. And if you notice any issues at the polls, text us at 713-526-1111 to let us know!

What's on the ballot?

Before you cast your vote, make sure you've reviewed the ballot. Here's a page on the Texas Secretary of State's website where you can see what's on the ballot by county.

Are you registered to vote?

Voters who head to the polls will have their voices heard...unless they're not registered!  Are you registered to vote?  Here's an easy way to find out.

Where to vote on Election Day

You can use the new interactive map below on which you can check wait times and locations in Harris County.

More southeast Texas county voting locations

Drive-thru voting in Harris County

On Election Day, there will only be one drive-thru location available to Harris County voters. It will be at the Toyota Center and will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

There were originally going to be 10 drive-thru locations open, but in a series of tweets late Monday night, Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins said that only the Toyota Center would be open for drive-thru voting on Election Day.

Stay informed on Election Night

KHOU will provide live streaming coverage on KHOU.com, the KHOU news app, Facebook, YouTube and our Roku channel. 

What to bring with you to vote

You don't want to get to a polling location and not be ready. There are certain types of ID you need to show before you cast your ballot. We've compiled a list of all of the acceptable ID forms here.

Military and overseas ballots

For those overseas or serving in the military, you would have had to apply no later than the 11th day before Election Day. Then you must return your marked ballot by Election Day or the fifth day after if voting from overseas.

There's a lot more to know about military and overseas voting

Key November 3 races

Race for the White House

Credit: KHOU
Joe Biden and President Donald Trump

Incumbent Republican President Donald Trump goes up against former Vice President and Democratic candidate Joe Biden in the biggest race on the ballot.

In 2016, Trump took Texas by 9 percentage points over Hillary Clinton en route to his White House win. This time around, early voting could play a pivotal role.

"I wouldn't be shocked to see 70 to 75% of votes cast before Nov. 3," KHOU political analyst Bob Stein said shortly after Labor Day.

For this election, Gov. Greg Abbott added six more days to early voting because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Stein says this election may not be decided on Election Day. It could drag on.

"Trust the county clerks and the election officials in your county or state," he said. "And vote as early as you can, and if you can vote by mail return your ballot as soon as you've made a decision."

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U.S. Senate

Credit: KHOU
MJ Hegar and Sen. John Cornyn

Sen. John Cornyn has represented Texas since 2002. M.J. Hegar, on the Democratic ticket, has never held office. She defeated Texas Sen. Royce West of Dallas in the runoff.

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U.S. House District 22

Credit: KHOU
Sri Preston Kulkarni and Troy Nehls

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls is the Republican nominee, going up against Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni in the seat vacated by Pete Olson. It's a  district that has been Republican for so many years.

"This is a district that’s skewing Democratic," KHOU political analyst Bob Stein said.

Stein is basing that on new voter registration numbers.

"I could see new registered voters in precincts that are overwhelming Democratic among voters well below the age of 45, many of them females and many of them non-Anglo,"he said.  

Now this district, which includes most of Fort Bend County and parts of Harris and Brazoria Counties, is seen as a battleground.

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Congressional District 7

Credit: KHOU
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher and Wesley Hunt

Republican challenger Wesley Hunt takes on Republican incumbent Lizzie Fletcher in the U.S. House District 7 race.

Congressional District 2

Credit: KHOU
Rep. Dan Crenshaw and Sima Ladjevardian

Democratic challenger Sima Ladjevardian takes on Republican incumbent Dan Crenshaw in the U.S. House District 2 race.

Texas House balance of power

Credit: KVUE/John Gusky

What happens in the Texas House on Tuesday could shape Texas law for a decade. Here's what you need to know about the balance of power.


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