How to check your voter registration, sample ballot for Nov. 3 elections in El Paso

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Monday marks the deadline to register to vote in Texas during the Nov. 3 election. Oct. 5 is also the last day to change your name or address for the midterm election. As of Monday, the El Paso County Elections Department said 537,655 people registered to vote.

Checking your voter registration

The Texas Secretary of State's website has a tool that verifies whether your voter registration is active.

To use the tool, you need one of the following lists:

• Option One: Texas driver's license number and date of birth
• Option Two: First and last names, date of birth and the county you live in
• Option Three: Date of birth and Voter Unique Identifier, which is on your voter registration certificate

Registering for the first time

U.S. citizens in Texas can register to vote if they are 18 years old or if they will be 18 by Election Day. Once you register to vote, you usually stay registered unless you need to verify your status. For example, updating your name or address.

You can submit a paper voter registration application by Oct. 5 at county voter registrar offices, any U.S. Post Office, the Department of Public Safety, El Paso Public Libraries, Texas Health and Human Services Commission offices and any local high school.

The El Paso County Elections Department website said it can't accept applications through email. It accepts faxes as long as it receives it within four calendar days. You can fax your application to (915) 273-3574.

After you apply, you'll receive a voter registration certificate as proof within 30 days. If any information is wrong, make corrections and mail your certificate in an envelope to the County Elections Department immediately.

Submitting changes

To submit a change to your name or address, you can use the state secretary's website. This website guides you through a step-by-step process to update your information.

Finding your sample ballot

The El Paso County Elections Department has a voter dashboard that lets you preview what will be on your ballot. You can find your sample ballot by clicking this link. You will need to provide your name, date of birth or Voter Unique Identifier (VUID) located in your Voter Registration Certificate.

When and where can I vote?

You can vote at any early voting location. Early voting runs Oct. 19-30. The County Elections Department built a map that locates the closest voting location to you. You can find the map by clicking this link. The website also has a list of voting locations and their addresses.

On Election Day (Nov. 3), you don't have to vote a specific place within your precinct anymore. You can go to any voting center. All voting centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The elections department has a separate list of centers open on Election Day. You can find that map and list here.

What to bring when you vote

You will need one of seven forms of photo ID to vote. Some acceptable forms include a Texas driver's license and a U.S. passport (book or card). Find the full list here.

Voting by mail

Voters have until Oct. 23 to apply for a mail ballot. In Texas, only the following groups can vote by mail:

• 65 years of age or older on Election Day
• Sick or disabled
• Expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day
• Absent from the county during the Early Voting period and on Election Day
• Confined in jail, but otherwise eligible
• Civilly committed under Chapter 841 of the Texas Health and Safety Code

Mail your ballot in the envelope provided by mail or common or contract carrier to:

Early Voting Clerk
500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 314
El Paso, Texas 79901

Once you mail your ballot, you can use this website to track it.

You can also hand in your ballot to the Early Voting Clerk’s office during the hours the polls are open on Election Day.

According to the elections department, the United States Postal Service said it's not always postmarking mail on the day it is received. The postmark on your ballot can determine whether or not the department can legally accept your ballot. If you are mailing your ballot close to Election Day, enter the post office and have them manually postmark your ballot to ensure it accurately reflects the day you put your ballot in the mail. This is only necessary if you are mailing your ballot close to Election Day or on Election Day.