For Immediate Release
April 25, 2022
For Information, Contact:
Grace Chimene,
President, League of Women Voters of Texas
512-940-9948
gchimene@lwvtexas.org
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Helpful Tips for Voting in the Local and Special Constitutional Amendment Elections on May 7th
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Austin, TX - With the passing of SB1 at the last legislative session, there are many new laws regarding voting in Texas. The Secretary of State's Office reported that almost 25,000 ballots were rejected in the Primary Election in March, and that number doesn’t even consider those who tried, but didn’t get through the application process. The League of Women Voters of Texas provides nonpartisan information about voting, candidates, and elections and compiled some helpful tips to make sure your vote counts in the upcoming Local & Special Constitutional Amendments Elections on May 7th.
Special Constitutional Amendments Election
There are two proposed Texas Constitutional Amendments on every voter's ballot. The League of Women Voters makes it easy for voters to understand the two proposed constitutional amendments using their nonpartisan election resource VOTE411.org. Voters simply enter their address to see a simple explanation of the proposed amendments as well as the pros and cons of each. There are also videos explaining the pros and cons of each proposition on the League of Women Voters of Texas YouTube channel and Facebook page.
“Voters in Texas need simple, accessible tools to help them navigate the voting process before Election Day,” said Grace Chimene, president League of Women Voters of Texas. “VOTE411 is the nation’s premiere online election resource, and the League of Women Voters of Texas has published our Voter Guide on VOTE411 to serve as a resource for all Texas voters.”
Local Elections
Many voters will also vote in city, county, or school district elections. Find out what will be on your personal ballot at VOTE411.org. If there is a local League in the community, voters can also find nonpartisan information on local races and candidates.
Voters should double check their local school board’s website to see if their district is holding school board or bond elections. Most local school board and bond elections will take place at the regular county polling place alongside the constitutional amendments election. In a few rare instances, however, these school board and bond elections will take place at a separate polling place designated by the local school district.
Early Voting
Early voting for the 2022 Local and Special Constitutional Amendment Election begins Monday, April 25th and lasts through Tuesday, May 3rd. On VOTE411.org, voters can find more information, including the locations and times you may vote.
Vote by Mail
During the Primary Election in March, the Vote by Mail process confused many Texas voters, and a record number of ballots were rejected. If a voter is eligible and chooses to vote by mail, it is important to remember:
- After completing the Vote by Mail ballot, the voter puts it in the ballot envelope, then places the ballot envelope in the carrier envelope.
- UNDER THE FLAP of the carrier envelope - voters should include the required ID information and their contact information! To be more certain that the ballot will be accepted, voters should include both the ID information AND the last four digits of their Social Security number.
- OVER THE FLAP of the carrier envelope - voters must sign their name!
- There are two elections in May, so at the same time, voters could be holding on to ballots for both the May 7th Local & Special Constitutional Amendment Election and the May 24th Runoff Election. They must be sure to put the ballot for the May 7th election in the ballot and carrier envelopes for the May 7th election, and then do the same for the May 24th election. Voters should be careful not to switch the envelopes!
- Ballots must be received at the county election office by 7pm on Election Day, May 7th. If the ballot is postmarked by 7pm on Election Day, it must be received by 5pm the day after Election Day. Voters can mail their ballot by US Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, or DHL.
To view a step-by-step video on how to fill out your ballot by mail, produced by the League of Women Voters of Texas, visit: bit.ly/lwvtx-ballot-by-mail-info.
The League of Women Voters of Texas
“As voters continue to face challenges caused by last year’s changes to election laws, the League takes more seriously than ever our mission of 'Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.' We are determined to educate every voter in Texas so they have the knowledge and confidence to vote regardless of impediments put in place, and to hold our state leaders accountable so that every vote is counted. As a nonpartisan organization, the League does not support parties, candidates or proposed amendments, but we provide unbiased, understandable information about what and who is being voted on. VOTE411.org is ready to help Texas voters!" said Grace Chimene, President of the League of Women Voters of Texas.
In addition to VOTE411.org, a printable PDF version of the Voters Guide is available at LWVTexas.org. Please share VOTE411.org and the League’s website with friends and family so that ALL Texas voters can be INFORMED voters!
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The League of Women Voters is one of America’s oldest and most trusted civic nonprofit organizations. Formed in 1919, the Texas League represents more than 13,500 grassroots advocates and 34 local Leagues across the state. The League never supports or opposes candidates for office or political parties. The League encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League also seeks to influence public policy through education and advocacy. Membership is open to people 16 years and older.
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League of Women Voters of Texas
1212 Guadalupe St. #107
Austin Texas, 78701
(512)-472-1100
lwvtexas@lwvtexas.org
lwvtexas.org
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