Lynn Stucky, Texas State Representative
The 2020 election is on the horizon and with all the recent changes, I want to be sure you have a clear picture of what to expect from this important election cycle.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, and many of the protocols regarding Election Day remain largely unchanged. Poll workers will be working to maintain safety guidelines in accordance with the coronavirus response. This includes social distancing, which could increase wait times on Election Day. Please note that you are not required to wear a mask while voting but you will not be prevented from wearing one either.
Two areas where there are big changes relate to the early voting period. In-person early voting has been extended a week and will start on October 13. Also, you will be given the option to hand-deliver mail-in ballots directly to the elections administration office, rather than mailing them through the USPS.
In Texas, early voting typically lasts the two weeks preceding Election Day. Because of concerns with coronavirus and the need for social distancing, the period will be extended to three weeks to allow for smaller crowds to gather at polling locations. Early voting will be from October 13 through 30, including weekends. For a complete list of early voting locations and opening times, please visit the Denton County Elections website at www.VoteDenton.com.
The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Friday, October 23—applications may be printed online at www.VoteDenton.com. As mentioned above, absentee voters will have the ability to deliver their ballots directly to elections administration officials during the Early Voting period. Voters in Denton county who wish to personally return their completed mail-in ballots will need to bring the ballot and a photo ID to 701 Kimberly Drive, Suite A101 Denton, TX 76208.
At-risk seniors and Texans who are remaining at home can still use the postal service to return their mail-in ballot. Tracking services are also available through the post office.
I want to commend our local elections administrators, who have taken this response in stride and are doing the necessary work to uphold the integrity of our elections locally. Sample ballots, polling locations and other important election information will soon be available at www.VoteDenton.com.
The deadline to register to vote in the November 3 election is Monday, October 5. To check your registration status, visit www.VoteTexas.gov.