Time to vote in the 2022 Texas midterms. What to know on Election Day in Tarrant County

Eleanor Dearman

Contentious races for Texas governor and Tarrant County judge will be decided Tuesday as voters head to the polls to make their picks for the top leadership roles.

In the governor’s race, two-term incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, is facing Democrat Beto O’Rourke, the former El Paso congressman who rose to national fame in 2018 during his bid against Sen. Ted Cruz. Locally, longtime County Judge Glen Whitley isn’t running again, opening the door for either Republican Tim O’Hare or Democrat Deborah Peoples to replace him.

They may be of different scopes, but both races are playing out in Tarrant County — where the judge’s race is at the top of the local ballot and where candidates for governor have been trying to win over pivotal voters in the battleground county.

Texans will also pick who they want to serve as Texas lieutenant governor, attorney general, railroad commissioner and other statewide leaders. Locally, the race for Tarrant County district attorney and county commissioner precinct 2 are being closely watched.

Headed to the polls? Here’s what to know.

Where and when to vote

Polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can go to whichever vote center is most convenient. Those who are in line by 7 p.m. should stay in line.

Am I registered?

Voter registration status can be checked online through the Texas Secretary of State’s office.

Find your sample ballot

Voters can find their personalized sample ballot for a full list of who’s on the ballot on the Tarrant County Election Administration website.

What to bring to the polls

Voters should have a form of photo ID with them when they go to vote. The seven accepted forms of identification are:

  • Texas driver’s license

  • Texas election identification certificate

  • Texas personal identification card

  • Handgun license

  • U.S. military ID card that includes your photo

  • U.S. citizen certificate with your photo on it

  • U.S. passport

Eligible voters lacking photo ID can submit a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and a supporting form of ID, such as a:

  • Government document that includes the voter’s name and address. (This includes a voter registration certificate.)

  • Current utility bill

  • Bank statement

  • Government check

  • Paycheck

  • Birth certificate

How do the voting machines work?

Voters will be given a paper ballot that they’ll enter into a machine where candidate selections are made. There will be a chance to review selections on the screen before printing the ballot. Printed ballots should also be reviewed. The paper ballot is then put into a separate machine for tabulation.

When is the deadline to vote by mail?

Election Day is the deadline to vote by mail if the envelope is not postmarked. Ballots postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day must be received by 5 p.m. on Nov. 9. Mail-in ballots can also be returned in person to the Tarrant County Elections Office between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day. The person voting must return their own ballot and will be asked to show ID when delivering it.

Assistance for voters with disabilities

Local governments must make sure people with disabilities have equal access to the ballot box. In Tarrant County, voters who are blind or have limited vision can use the InterCivic Verity Touch Writer Duo Voting System with the Verity Access to vote at any polling place.

Voters with mobility problems can request they be moved to the front of the line to vote. Voters who cannot physically enter a polling place can vote curbside.

More information on accommodations for voters with special needs are available on the Texas Secretary of State website and the Tarrant County Election Administration website. Voters can also call the county’s election office at 817-831-8683.

How close can campaigns get to the polls?

Electioneering isn’t allowed within 100 feet of a polling place’s entrance. That includes the distribution of campaign materials like fliers.

What’s a poll watcher, and what can they do?

Poll watchers, often partisan, are allowed at Texas voting locations to observe the election process and report any suspected violations of Texas election law. A law passed in 2021 requires they go through training.

Poll watchers can sit or stand by election workers to observe the process, but they cannot converse with voters or be a voting station as a person votes. They must wear a name tag.

They may be removed from a polling place if the breach the peace or break the law.

What’s not allowed at polling places?

Here’s what you can’t bring to the ballot box on Election Day:

  • Cell phones: Voters should not use their cell phones, tablets or laptops within 100 feet of a polling place.

  • Cameras: Cameras and the recording of video and sound aren’t allowed at the polling place

  • Campaign apparel: Campaign and political party apparel related to a candidate, political party or measure on the ballot in the election cannot be worn.

  • Firearms: It’s illegal to bring a gun to the polling place.

How to file an election complaint

Election complaints can be filed with the Texas Secretary of State’s office using a form available online.

Useful contacts

Tarrant County Election Administration:

Texas Secretary of State:

  • 800-252-8683

  • 512-463-5650

  • elections@sos.texas.gov

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