Early voting in the Houston area begins Monday. Here’s what you need to know – Houston Public Media

On Monday, voters in the Houston area will have the opportunity to go to the polls on the first day of early voting. Here's what you should know.

Early voting in Harris County runs Monday through November 1st. 88 polling locations in Harris County will open at 7 a.m. Monday and close at 7 p.m

Texas voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots in key races for U.S. president, U.S. Senate and several local elections this year.

Election day is November 5th.

Early voting schedule
Oct. 21 to Oct. 26 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m
Oct. 27 – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m
Oct. 28 – Oct. 30 – 7 a.m. to 8 p.m
Oct. 31 – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m
November 1st – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m

In Harris County and other local counties, voters can cast their ballot at any polling place within their jurisdiction. For a complete list of early voting locations, visit Harris County's voting page.

What's on my ballot?

Harris County is home to several important elections this year – including a race for district attorney that pits Democrat Sean Teare, a former prosecutor, against Republican candidate and attorney Dan Simons.

Harris County District Attorney and incumbent Christian Menefee is up for re-election on November 5 against Republican attorney Jacqueline Lucci Smith. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez is also up for re-election against Republican candidate Mike Knox.

Democrats have gained a lead in the race for four of Harris County's top offices, according to a recent University of Houston poll.

Voters in Harris County and Texas can use Houston Public Media's election page to see what's on their ballot.

Sample ballots for the November 5 election can be printed on the Harris County Clerk's Office website.

Voters in other Houston-area counties should use their county's election page to see what will be on their ballot.

Sample ballot for Galveston County
Sample ballot for Fort Bend County
Sample ballot for Montgomery County

What should I bring with me to the election?

Voters must bring photo ID or other materials confirming their identity and right to vote at the polls.

Voters are not permitted to use phones, tablets or cameras within 30 meters of polling stations.

Get to the polls for free

Lucio Vasquez/Houston Public Media

METRO provides registered voters with free rides to and from polling locations throughout Harris County on election days.

Free round-trip transportation to polling stations is offered on local bus routes, METRORail, METRORapid, METRO Curb2Curb services and METROLift.

According to METRO, travelers must present their voter ID card or other approved documents to the bus operator or a fare inspector to receive a free ride.

High voter turnout expected for early voting

Harris County Election Services launched a billboard campaign last week and opened the doors to its new multi-purpose election headquarters in preparation for the 2024 election.

Teneshia Hudspeth, county clerk in Harris County, said in a news conference last week that she expects high early voting turnout this year — up to 70 percent or more for the election cycle.

RELATED: Harris County elections office opens new multi-purpose headquarters, encourages early voting

“Our new switchboard answers calls 24 hours a day,” Hudspeth said.

“We also have our signature verification and voter election committees that go through the process… reviewing all mail-in ballots and making sure mail-in ballots are accepted. You will also see where the central count will take place,” she said.