Early voting in Texas begins Oct. 21 and runs through Nov. 1. Here’s what you need to know about the process and upcoming deadlines. Each county offers multiple locations for early voting. Tarrant County currently has 51 public voting sites, ranging from town halls and college campuses to community centers and libraries.

In 1987, Texas became the first state to allow early voting, increasing the opportunity to cast an in-person ballot before election day. Voting by mail also is available to certain Texans. In Texas, all registered voters can cast a ballot during the early voting period without giving a reason.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 25. The deadline for mail-in ballots to be returned or postmarked is Nov. 5, unless it is from an overseas voter. The Nov. 5 election is quickly approaching,

With the 2024 general election fast approaching on Nov. 5, many Americans will look to vote early to avoid Election Day lines and potential confusion.

Voting by mail is more limited in Texas than in some other states. To qualify, you must be 65 years old or older; be sick or have a disability; be out of the county on election day or during early voting; be expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after election day; or, in some cases, be currently imprisoned.

Long wait times for drivers license appointments may have new Texans worried about getting ready to vote this year. But you can still register and cast a ballot while you’re waiting on yours.