Your Guide to the Nov. 4 Election in Austin

Election Day is approaching fast!

A red sign that says "Vote here aqui"
Election Day is Nov. 4. (Montinique Monroe/Getty Images)

Election Day is fast approaching, y’all. Here’s everything you need to know before heading out to the polls:

📅 Early Voting Is in Full Swing

Early voting started on Monday and runs through Halloween. The Travis County Clerk has a list of early voting sites here.

Voting sites are open at the following times:

  • Through Oct. 25: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 26: Noon to 6 p.m.
  • Oct. 27-29: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 30-31: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at some sites

You can vote at any location in Travis County where a “Vote Here/Aqui” sign is displayed. If you plan to vote by mail, you have until Oct. 24 to request a ballot.

If you’re not sure that you’re registered to vote, you can check online!

🗳️ Election Day Is Nov. 4

If you don’t vote during early voting, your next chance will be on Election Day on Nov. 4. Polling sites are all over Travis County. A list and a map of sites can be found online.

Voting starts at 7 a.m. on Election Day and lasts until 7 p.m. You can vote anywhere with a “Vote Here/Aqui” sign.

📝 What’s on the Ballot

It can be easy to become apathetic about an election that doesn’t include big races. But this year’s election has a lot that will directly affect your life. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Austin voters will decide whether or not to raise property taxes to help foot the city’s $6.3 billion budget. The tax hike is called Proposition Q and is expected to raise $110 million if passed. We heard the arguments from both sides on City Cast Austin:
    • The Case For Austin’s Tax Rate Increase
    • The Case Against Austin’s Tax Rate Increase
  • You’ll see 17 proposed amendments to the Texas constitution on your ballot, too.
    • Amendments include: A ban on death taxes, a ban on capital gains taxes, and a measure to let judges deny bail to people accused of some serious crimes.
    • Check out this voter guide for a detailed list of all of the amendments.