We know the members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) are excited to head to the polls next week and cast their votes FOR Prop 9! We are in the most important phase of our campaign.
TRTA members should be preparing their plan to get out and vote, finalizing their list of 10 people who they have asked to support Prop 9, and sending a letter to the editor of the local newspaper expressing their support for the amendment. All the pertinent details are below!
Early Voting Period: October 23-November 3
The early voting period in Texas begins Monday, October 23 and continues through Friday, November 3. Learn more about early voting in Texas here. You do not have to meet any special qualifications to vote early in person–if you are registered and qualified to vote on Election Day, you can also cast a ballot during the early voting period!
TRTA encourages its members to get out and vote as early as possible! Don’t forget to bring along family members and friends to the polls with you!
Early Voting Locations
Registered and eligible voters may vote at ANY early voting location located in their county of residence. Early voting locations will be populated in the “My Voter Portal” two days prior to the first day of early voting. Here, you can enter your Name, County, Date of Birth, and ZIP code to find your nearest polling location. You can also contact the Early Voting Clerk for State and County Elections in your county for early voting locations. Many newspapers publish early voting polling locations as well.
Please note that polling place hours vary at each early voting location, and we encourage you to verify those hours prior to voting.
Voter ID Information
Under Texas law, voters who possess one of the seven acceptable forms of photo ID must present that ID at the polls when voting in person. Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of the seven approved forms of photo ID may fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (RID) (PDF) at the polls and present an alternative form of ID, such as a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or a voter registration certificate.
Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID:
- Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
- Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
- United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
- United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
- United States Passport (book or card)
For more information about Voter IDs, please visit this link.
Voting by Mail
October 27 is the last day to request a mail-in ballot. Applications must be received by the early voting clerk in your county—not postmarked—by October 27. You can download an application here or request an application to be mailed to you. If you plan to vote by mail, give yourself as much leeway as possible. Budget for the time it may take your county to send your ballot to you in the mail after you apply.
According to the Texas Secretary of State, to be eligible to vote early by mail, a voter must meet one of the following requirements:
- be 65 years or older by Election Day (November 7, 2023);
- be sick or disabled;
- be out of the county on election day and during the two-week early voting period;
- be expected to give birth within three weeks before or after election day; or
- be in jail but otherwise eligible.
Applications to vote by mail can also be submitted by fax or email, but the county must receive a hard copy within four business days. They can also be dropped off in person.
Bring 10 Votes for Prop 9 With You to the Polls!
TRTA is setting the goal for every member to bring 10 friendly “FOR Prop 9” votes with them to the polls this November. Make sure you finalize your 10 commitments this week!
TRTA has set up this webpage to share documents and other information that our members will find helpful when speaking to others about supporting Prop 9. Share this information with your neighbors and other people in your community. The page includes a Voter Alert Flyer, as well as a Prop 9 Push Card.
Send a Letter to the Editor of Your Local Newspaper!
Now is the time to send your letter to the editor of your local newspaper asking voters to support Prop 9! You may use the sample letters to the editor TRTA has developed. These may be edited to add your personal information. Members, please send your letters this week before the early voting period begins on October 23. You may download the letters below:
Thank You!
Let’s check all the boxes to get Prop 9 passed this November! Tell everyone you know about the importance of the pension increase for TRS retirees.
Thank you for being a member of TRTA. We are asking members to please renew their dues with TRTA if they have not done so already. If you know someone who is not a member, please invite them to join us!
