After years of controversy over the Texas voter ID law, the measure is set to take effect Monday for the first time in statewide balloting — and elections officials and poll workers are confident that they are ready.
Hundreds of Travis County poll workers are being trained on the new law, which begins with early voting in the Nov. 5 constitutional amendment election. And while some seem a little nervous about the changes, they think they are up for the challenge.
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What to bring to the polls
State law now requires you to show a photo ID before voting. There are seven acceptable forms of ID:
• Texas driver license (issued by Texas Department of Public Safety)
• Texas Election Identification Certificate (issued by DPS)
• Texas personal identification card (issued by DPS)
• Texas concealed handgun license (issued by DPS)
• U.S. military identification card
• U.S. citizenship certificate
• U.S. passport
Ballot highlights
• Austin housing bonds: Authorizes the city of Austin to borrow $65 million to build, renovate or repair affordable housing citywide.
• Williamson County bonds: Authorizes Williamson County to borrow $315 million to upgrade roads, parks.
• State House vacancy: Special election in Northeast Travis County’s state House District 50 to replace Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, who resigned.
Nine proposed amendments to the state constitution:
Proposition 1: Property-tax exemption for surviving spouses of certain service members
Proposition 2: Removing provisions for the State Medical Education Board
Proposition 3: Allowing extension of exemption from inventory taxes for aircraft parts
Proposition 4: Tax exemption for disabled veterans whose homesteads were donated by a charity
Proposition 5: Authorizing a reverse mortgage loan for the purchase of homestead property
Proposition 6: Creating funds to assist in the financing of priority projects in the state water plan
Proposition 7: Allowing home-rule cities to decide how to fill vacant elected seats
Proposition 8: Repealing the provision authorizing a hospital district in Hidalgo County
Proposition 9: Expanding the State Commission on Judicial Conduct’s sanctioning authority
Where to vote, and more
Visit www.statesman.com/elections. You’ll find previous American-Statesman stories on the issues, a Voters Guide and links to polling places and other voter information.
Important Dates
Election Day: Nov. 5
Early Voting: Oct. 21 - Nov. 1
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