Texas Republicans Put Up Hurdles to Disenfranchise Voters, but There's a Workaround

Without an ID, you can't vote in Texas. With the 2024 election just three months away, this is a major issue for many Texans, especially first-time voters. The Texas DPS offices have limited appointments, making it almost impossible to obtain the required government-issued photo ID. While the DPS suggests people look for appointments in other cities, this is unrealistic for those without the means to travel.

The Reasonable Impediment Declaration form: a workaround for disenfranchised voters

• https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/pol-sub/reasonable-impediment-declaration.pdf

If you're a registered Texas voter without an ID, you can use the Reasonable Impediment Declaration form to vote. Bring one of the following: your voter registration certificate, birth certificate, a recent utility bill or bank statement with your name, or a government/paycheck.

Encounter problems? Contact the voting hotline:

• Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to speak with a trained volunteer.

How to fill out the Reasonable Impediment Declaration form:

• At the voting site, ask for the form: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/pol-sub/7-62f.pdf
• Check the box that explains why you don't have a photo ID: lack of transportation, lost/stolen ID, or work/family responsibilities.

Your vote WILL count:

• Your vote will be counted with a regular ballot, not a provisional ballot.

Don't miss the voter registration deadline:

• Texas registration deadline: Oct. 7 by person or mail: https://www.eac.gov/voters/register-and-vote-in-your-state?field_state_target_id=18371

Lost your voter registration certificate? Get a replacement:

Contact your local voter registrar's office:

• Travis County: Call: 512-854-9473, Email: tax_voters@traviscountytx.gov, Address: 2433 Ridgepoint Drive
• Williamson County: Call: 512-943-1630, Email: VoterRegistration@wilco.org
• Hays County: Call: 512-393-7310, Email: elections@co.hays.tx.us
• Bastrop County: Call: 512-581-7160, Email: elections@co.bastrop.tx.us
• Dallas County: Call: (469) 627-8683, Email: DallasCountyVotes@dallascounty.org
• Tarrant County: Call: 817-831-8683, Email: votebymail@tarrantcountytx.gov
• Harris County: Call: 713-755-6965, Email: voters@harrisvotes.com
• Bexar County: Call: 210-335-8683, Email: BexarCountyElections@bexar.org

— Report by Bridget Grumet, American-Statesman columnist