Texas Makes Getting an ID for Voting Impossible, Try this Instead

The 2024 election is only three months away, and Texans are facing impossible odds when trying to get a government-issued photo ID, which is required to vote in the state. Central Texas DPS offices have extremely limited availability, making it difficult for first-time voters and those needing renewals to obtain an ID in time for the election.

The Alternative: Reasonable Impediment Declaration Form

A Reasonable Impediment Declaration form is a legal document that allows registered voters who are unable to present a government-issued photo ID at the polls due to a reasonable hindrance to still cast their vote.

What You Need to Bring:

• Voter registration certificate mailed by the local voter registrar's office
• OR any one of the following: birth certificate, recent utility bill or bank statement with your name, government or paycheck

Filling Out the Form:

• Ask for a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form at the voting site
• Check the box explaining why you don't have a photo ID (e.g., lack of transportation, lost/stolen ID, work or family responsibilities)

Your Vote Counts:

• Your vote will count as a regular ballot, not a provisional ballot

Key Dates and Contacts:

• Voter registration deadline for the Nov 5 election in Texas: Oct 7
• For difficulties at the voting site, call/text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to speak with a nonpartisan voting advocate
• For a replacement voter registration card, contact your local voter registrar's office:
  • Travis County: 512-854-9473, tax_voters@traviscountytx.gov
  • Williamson County: 512-943-1630, VoterRegistration@wilco.org
  • Hays County: 512-393-7310, elections@co.hays.tx.us
  • Bastrop County: 512-581-7160, elections@co.bastrop.tx.us
  • Dallas County: (469) 627-8683, DallasCountyVotes@dallascounty.org
  • Tarrant County: 817-831-8683, votebymail@tarrantcountytx.gov
  • Harris County: 713-755-6965, voters@harrisvotes.com
  • Bexar County: 210-335-8683, BexarCountyElections@bexar.org

Texans are finding themselves in a difficult situation with the current ID requirements and DPS availability. However, the Reasonable Impediment Declaration form provides a solution to ensure that eligible voters can have their voices heard in the upcoming election.