Texas Super Tuesday: What Travis County Voters Need To Know

AUSTIN, TX — Friday was the last day for early voting, and registered voters are now poised to cast their ballots on Election Day scheduled on Tuesday, March 3, in what could result in record turnout.

Fueled by a spirited competition for the Democratic nominee for president, this year's elections could lure a record number of voters as Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir previously told Patch in a recent telephone interview. From U.S. Senator to sheriff and State Board of Education to Texas Supreme Court slots, scores of contenders are vying for public office — incumbents and political novices alike — with several incumbents set to battle it out at the ballot box hoping to retain their seats.

Clearly, voters will have their work cut out for them. Given the high interest this election cycle, voters also might expect to stand in line before casting their ballots.

Related stories:

Travis County Could See Record Voter Turnout

Rain, Thunderstorm Possible On Super Tuesday In Austin Area

First, however, voters need to know their precinct number. The Travis County Clerk directs constituents to their voter registration card, where precinct numbers can be found. If you do not have your card, are unsure of your precinct number, or need to confirm you are registered to vote, you can look online at www.votetravis.com. The Travis County Clerk office also has an automated telephone system that will look that information up for you that's available 24 hours a day. Just call (512) 238-VOTE (238-8683).

Download a List of Election Day Voting Locations

Election Day voting locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Super Tuesday. Voters can cast their ballots whrever they see a "Vote Here/Aqui" sign. For those who like maps, here's one from the clerk's office that helpfully plots out voting location across the county:

• Travis County Sample Democratic Ballot
• Travis County Sample Republican Ballot

In order to vote, you'll need to adhere to voter identification requirements for Texas voters. Senate Bill 5 passed by the 85th Legislature requires voters who possess an acceptable form of photo identification for voting listed below to present that ID in order to vote in person in all Texas elections, the Travis County Clerk's Office explained.

For voters aged 18-69, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired no more than four years before being presented for voter qualification at the polling place. For voters aged 70 or older, the acceptable form of photo identification may be expired for any length of time if the identification is otherwise valid.

Voters who do not possess an acceptable form of photo identification and cannot reasonably obtain one of the forms of acceptable photo identification listed below may present a supporting form of identification and execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.

List of acceptable forms of ID:

• Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Texas Personal Identification Card issued by Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Texas Handgun License issued by Texas Department of Public Safety.
• U.S. military ID card containing the person's photograph.
• U.S. citizenship certificate containing the person's photograph.
• U.S. passport (book or card).

List of supporting ID

Here is a list of the supporting forms of ID that can be presented if the voter does not possess one of the forms of acceptable photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one:

• Copy or original of a government document that shows the voter's name and an address, including the voter's voter registration certificate;
• copy of or original current utility bill;
• copy of or original bank statement;
• copy of or original government check;
• copy of or original paycheck; or
• copy of or original of (a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate or (b) a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter's identity (which may include a foreign birth document).

After presenting one of the forms of supporting ID listed above, the voter must execute a "Reasonable Impediment Declaration."

More information at VoteTravis.com

The latest election is at your fingertips, reads a business card of sorts elections workers distributed during the early voting period. At VoteTravis.com, voters can find a number of resources, including:

• A complete list of polling locations.
• A way to confirm voter registration status.
• Sample ballot.
• Voter registration eligibility requirements.
• How to register to vote.
• Tips on how ot reach Travis County Clerk Elections Division via phone, in person or by mail and the hours of operation.
• New Voter ID requirements.
• Election results from past elections.
• Accessible sample ballot (audio-enabled).

Free Election Identification Certificates Available

Given the imminence of Election Day now looming before us, you might file this one in the "future reference" file. Individuals without an approved form of photo ID may apply for an Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at any Texas Driver License office, the county clerk said.

There is no charge for this certificate. EICs for persons age 70 and older do not expire; all other EICs expire every six years. To receive this voter ID card, applicants must provide specific documents that prove their identity and citizenship. For more information call DPS at (512) 424-2600 or visit their website at www.txdps.state.tx.us

Name on Photo ID Must Match

But here's the rub. Conservative lawmakers have led the charge in enacting legislation calling for exactitude related to identity. As such, Texas law requires poll workers to review the name on each voter's photo ID to see if it exactly matches the list of registered voters. If the names are not exact, but are "substantially similar," the would-be voter will be able to vote after initialing the sign-in sheet to affirm that he or she is the same person appearing on the voter registration list.

What to expect when voting

• When a voter arrives at a polling location, the voter will be asked to present one of the seven (7) acceptable forms of photo ID that is current or, for voters aged 18-69, expired no more than four years.
• Voters aged 70 or older may present one of the seven (7) acceptable forms of photo ID that is expired for any length of time that is otherwise valid.
• If a voter does not possess one of the seven (7) acceptable forms of photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one, the voter may present a supporting form of ID and execute a Reasonable Impediment Declaration, noting the voter's reasonable impediment to obtaining an acceptable form of photo identification, stating that the information contained in the declaration is true, that the voter is the same individual personally appearing at the polling place to sign the declaration, and that the voter faces a reasonable impediment to procuring an acceptable form of photo identification.

Provisional Ballots for Those Without ID at Polls

A voter who does not have the required form of ID or does not have a "substantially similar" name match will be permitted to cast a provisional ballot, according to the elections office. The voter must present proper identification to the County Voter Registrar within six calendar days of the election or the voter's ballot will be rejected.

If a voter possesses an acceptable form of photo ID but does not have it at the polling place, the voter will still be permitted to vote provisionally. The voter will have six (6) days to present an acceptable form of photo identification to the county voter registrar, or fill out the natural disaster affidavit referenced in the Exemption/Exceptions section below, or the voter's ballot will be rejected.

Alternatively, a voter who possesses an acceptable form of photo ID but does not have it at the polling place may choose to leave the polling place and return before the close of the polls on election day with said acceptable form of photo ID to, if the voter would otherwise qualify, vote a regular ballot at that time.

Read more by clicking here.

If you prefer the frenetic energy of casting ballots on Election Day — eschewing the early voting period — here are your candidates for various offices:

PRESIDENTIAL RACE

In the U.S. presidential race, there are candidates on both sides of the political spectrum.

Republican

• Bob Ely
• Roque "Rocky" De La Fuenta Guerra
• Zoltan G. Istvan
• Matthew John Matern
• Donald Trump
• Joe Walsh
• Bill Weld

Democrat

• Michael Bennett
• Joseph Biden
• Michael R. Bloomberg
• Tulsi Gabbard
• Bernie Sanders
• Elizabeth Warren
• Robbie Wells

Voters also will decide on key state races:

TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Editor's note: In District 20, Republican Terry M. Wilson and Democrat Jessica Tiedt are running unopposed. Also running unopposed is Sheryl Cole in District 46. In District 48, Democrat Donna Howard and Republican Bill Strieber are unopposed. In District 50, Republican Larry Delarose and Democrat Celia Israel are unopposed. Republican Lucio Valdez and Democrat James Talarico are running unopposed in District 52, and Republican Mike Guevara and Democrat John Bucy are unopposed in District 53

DISTRICT 47

Republican

• Justin Berry. Education: B.A. in Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University; M.S. in Leadership and Management, Sam Houston State University. Website: berryfortexas.com.
• Jennifer Fleck. Education: B.A. in Accounting, University of Texas at Arlington; South Texas College School of Law. Website: flecktexasstrong.com.
• Aaron Reitz. Education: B.S., Texas A&M University (magna cum laude, Phi Betta Kappa Corps of Cadets; J.D., University of Texas School of Law. Website: ReitzForTexas.com.
• Jenny Roan Forgey. Education: J.D. Baylor Law School; B.S.F.S, Georgetown University. Website: jennyroanforgey.com.
• Don Zimmerman. Education: B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University; Texas Tech University; University of Texas at San Antonio. Website: TexansForZimmerman.com.

Democrat

• Vikki Goodwin (unopposed).

DISTRICT 49

Republican

• Jenai Aragona-Hales. Education: B.S. in Biology. Website: aragonafortexas.com.
• Charles Allen Meyer. Eduction: NA. Website: NA.

Democrat

• Gina Hinojosa is unopposed.

DISTRICT 51

Republican

• Robert Reynolds is unopposed.

Democrat

• Eddie Rodriguez. Education: B.A., University of Texas at Austin; J.S., UT-Austin School of Law. Website: EddieforTexas.com.
• Joshua Sanchez. Education: NA. Website: NA.

STATE RAILROAD COMMISSIONER

Republican

• Ryan Sitton Education: NA. Website: ryansitton.com.
• James "Jim" Wright. Callalen High School, Corpus Christi. Website: wrightfortexas.com.

Democrat

• Roberto R. "Beto" Alonzo. Education: UT-Austin, Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Website: alonzo4txrr.
• Chrysta Castaneda. Education: SMU Dedman School of Law, J.D. cum laude; Kansas State University, B.S. Industrial Engineering; Harvard College, Applied Math major. website: chrystafortexas.com.
• Kelly Stone. Education: Texas State University, B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences. Website: votekstone.com.
• Mark Watson. Education: J.D. Tulane University, B.A. Tulane University. Website: Watsonforrailroadcommission.com.

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Republican

• Raul Vargas (unopposed).

Democrat

• Liz Donegan. Education: B.S. Social Psychology, Park University (magna cum laude); West Point/UT Leadership Academy Master Peace Officer and Trainer. Website: lizforsheriff.com.
• Sally Hernandez (incumbent). Education: B.S. Criminal Justice from St. Edward's University. Master Peace Officer certification. Website: vote4sally.com

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Republican

• Martin Harry. (unopposed). Education: Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Missouri—St. Louis and a Juris Doctor degree, with honors, from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Illinois. Website: martinharryforjustice.com.

Democrat

• José Garza. J.D. from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Website: joseforda.com
• Erin Martinson. Education: Bachelor of Arts from the University of the Incarnate Word; University of Texas School of Law, J.D.
• Margaret Moore (incumbent). Education: BBA from University of Texas at Austin major in accounting; J.D. University of Texas at Austin.

COUNTY ATTORNEY

Editor's note: The seat is up for grabs after longtime County Attorney David Escamilla decided to retire.

Democrat

• Mike Denton. Education: Graduated from the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York; University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Website: votemikedenton.com.
• Laurie Eiserloh. Education: J.D., University of Texas School of Law; B.A. with high honors at University of Texas at Austin. Website: electlaurie.com.
• Delia Garza. Education: Bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law. Website: votedeliagarza.com.
• Dominic Selvera. Education: Bachelor of Arts in Management from Concordia University J.D. St. Mary's University School of Law.

COUNTY CONSTABLE

Editor's note: Precincts 3, 4 and 5 are held by Democrat incumbents running unopposed — Stacy Suits, George Morales and Carlos B. Lopez, respectively.

Precinct 1

Democrat

• Michael Carter. Education: Master police officer certificate. Website: None (michaelcartercampaign@yahoo.com).
• Sam Holt. Information unavailable.
• Tonya Nixon. Education: Austin Community College, Virginia College, Colorado Tech. Website: tonyaforconstable.com.
• Janie Serna. Education: Associate's degrees in criminal justice and corrections. Website: votejanie.com.

Precinct 2

Democrat

• Adan Ballesteros. Education: Attended Del Mar College-Corpus Christi and UT-Austin; graduated from Texas DPS Law Enforcement Academy. Website: adanballesteros.com.
• Deke Pierce. Education: Graduated FBI/LEEDA Trilogy with honors; associate's degree in Applied Science, degree in Business Administration. Website: votedeke.com.

U.S. SENATOR

Republican

• Virgil Bierschwale. Education: Military Technical Schools licensed Realtor for 14 years. Website: bierschwaleforussenate.com.
• John Anthony Castro. Education: OPM, Harvard LL.M., Georgetown Univeristy Law Center J.D., UNM School of Law BA., Texas A&M International University. Website: www.JohnCastro.com
• John Cornyn: Incumbent. Education: Trinity University journalism degree. Website: cornyn.senate.gov.
• Dwayne Stovall. Education: Attended Kilgore Junior College and Southwest Texas State University. Website: DwayneStovall.com.
• Mark Yancey. Education: University of Oklahoma, Finance Harvard University. Website: voteformark.com.

Democrat

• Chris Bell. Education: B.A., University of Texas at Austin and J.D. South Texas College of Law. Website: electchrisbell.com.
• Michael Cooper. Education: B.A. in business and social studies from Lamar University-Beaumont. Website: cooperforsenate.com.
• Amanda K. Edwards. Education: B.A. from Emory University, J.D. Harvard University.
• Jack Daniel Foster Jr. Education: B.S. Clinical Laboratory Science, ASCP master's degree in finance. Website: votejackdaniel.com.
• Annie Garcia: Education: Rice University; University of Texas School of Law; Humboldt-Universität (Berlin); Estudio Sampere (Cuenca, Ecuador); Escuela de Español Santa Bárbara (Madrid). Website: runannierun.com.
• Victor Harris. Education: B.A. from St. Mary's University, Naval War College. Website: victorfortexas.com.
• Mary "MJ" Hegar. Education: B.A. from University of Texas at Austin; AFROTC Detachment 825; E.MB.A, University of Texas at Austin. Website: mjfortexas.com.
• Sema Hernandez. Education: Acute Medical Training, Certifcate Program Dual Licensed Insurance Agent. Website: semafortexas.com.
• D.R. Hunter. Education: Not available. Website: Not available.
• Adrian Ocegueda. Education: Bachelor's from Princeton University, master's in business administration from Southern Methodist University. Website texasreason.com.
• Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez. Education: B.A. in Liberal Arts and Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Website: cristinafortexas.com.
• Royce West. Education: University of Texas at Arlington, B.A., M.A. University of Houston , J.D. Website: roycewest.com.

SUPREME COURT

Chief Justice

Democrat

• Amy Clark Meachum
• Jerry Zimmerer

Republican

• Nathan Hecht

Justice, Place 6

Democrat

• Larry Praeger
• Kathy Cheng

Republican

• Jane Bland

Justice, Place 7

Democrat

• Staci Williams
• Brandy Voss

Republican

• Jeff Boyd

Justice, Place 8

Democrat

• Gisela D. Triana
• Peter Kelly

Republican

• Brett Busby

You can view the sample Travis County Democratic and Republican ballot to see all the races in the primary Tuesday, including the various judge's races.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE

DISTRICT 10

Republican

• Michael McCaul (unopposed incumbent).

Democrat

• Pritesh Gandhi. Education: Economics and International Studies, Tufts University; MPH Tufts University; M.D., Tufts University. Website: GandhiForTexas.com.
• Shannon Hutcheson. Education: B.A., Austin College; J.D. University of Texas. Website: ShannonHutcheson.com.
• Mike Siegel. Education: B.A. in Comparative Literature from Brandeis University; teacher's credential Cal State University-Hayward; J.D. from Cornell Law School. Website: siegelfortexas.org.

DISTRICT 17

Republican

• Ahmad Adnan. Education: Texas State University, summa cum laude with a B.B.A. in Management. Website: ahmadforoffice.com.
• Scott Bland. Education: Undergraduate degree from Baylor University. Website: blandfortexas.com.
• GeorgeW. Hindman. Education: M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Website: VoteHindman.com.
• Todd Kent. Education: Ph.D in Political Science from Texas A&M University; M.A. in Public Policy from Regent University; B.S. in Accounting from Utah State University. Website: toddkent.com.
• Laurie Godfrey McReynolds. Education: Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences from Tarleton State University. Website: lauriemcreynolds.com.
• Jeff Oppenheim. No available information.
• Kristen Alamo Rowin. Education: Attended Angelina College during high school to earn a real estate certificate. Website: karforcongress.com.
• David Saucedo. Education: NA. Website: saucedoforcongress.com.
• Pete Sessions: Education: Southwestern University in Georgetown. Website: petesessions.com.
• Trent Sutton: Education: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (summa cum laude) from Texas A&M University and a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Website: suttonforcongress.com.
• Renee Swan: Education: NA. Website: reneeswanforcongress.com.
• Elianor Vessali: Education: Degree in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M before enrolling in law school at South Texas College of Law in downtown Houston. Website: votevessali.com.

Democrat

• William Foster III. Education: B.S. Degree in Math/Physics/Computer Science, a M.S. Degree in Math/ Guidance, a secondary Mid-Management Certification for Texas superintendent of Schools, and a Ph.D in Public Administration. Website:FosterForCongress.org.
• David Jaramillo: Education: Bachelor's of Science in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice from Tarleton State University. Website: jaramilloforcongress.com.
• Rick Kennedy: Education: Bachelor's of Science degree in Computer Science from Pennsylvania State University. Website: RickKennedyForCongress.com.

DISTRICT 21

Republican

• Chip Roy (unopposed). Education: Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law. Website: roy.house.gov.

Democrat

• Wendy R. Davis. Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Texas Christian University, J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School. Website: wendydavisforcongress.com.
• Jennie Lou Leeder. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education with a minor in Physical Education at Southwest Texas State University, and a Master's degree in Athletic Administration at Ohio University. Website: jennielouleeder.com.

DISTRICT 25

Republican

• Keith Neuendorff. Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Texas A&M University, M.B. from Texas A&M University. Website: neuendorff2020.com.
• Roger Williams (incumbent). Education: Texas Christian University. Website: williams.house.gov.

Democrat

• Julie Oliver. Education: B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Arlington (summa cum laude) and J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. Website: julieoliver.org.
• Heidi Sloan. Education: Philosophy degree from Baylor University. Website: heidisloan.com.

DISTRICT 31

Republican

• John Carter (incumbent). Education: Degree in History from Texas Tech University, University of Texas Law School. Website: carter.house.gov.
• Abhiram Garapati. Education: Bachelors degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering at undisclosed college. Website: abhiram.us.
• Christopher Wall. Education: NA. Website: chriswallforcongress.com.
• Mike Williams. Education: Bachelor's in Business degree from Texas A&M University. Website: mikewilliams31ctx.com.

Democrat

• Michael Grimes. Education: Colgate University, University of Texas at Austin Law School. Website: mikegrimesforcongress.com.
• Eric Hanke. Education: Southwestern University 2001. Website: NA.
• Donna Imam. Education: Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University; State of Indiana bachelor's of science degree from Trine University. Website: votefordonna.com.
• Dan Janjigian. Education: Bachelor's degree in business and marketing from Californa Polytechnic. Website: danjanforcongress.com.
• Christine Eady Mann. Education: Studied microbiology at the at the University of Texas-Arlington and attended the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of North Texas. Website: christine4congress.com.
• Tammy Young. Education: Earned a Special Education degree from the University of New Mexico, and is currently working toward Master's in Law degree at Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law expected to be earned by May. Website: tammyyoungforcongress.com.

DISTRICT 35

Republican

• William Hayward. Education: Master's degree in Leadership, gcu.edu; master's degree in Electronics Engineering asu.edu. Website: haywardforcongress.wordpress.com.
• Nick Moutos. Education: Bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and a J.D. Texas Tech University School of Law. Website: nickmoutosforcongress.com.
• Jennie Garcia Sharon. Education: University of the Incarnate Word with a bachelor’s degree in Administration, and a minor in Psychology. Website: jenniegarciasharon.com.

Democrat

• Rafael Alcoser III. Education: Graduated from St. Philips College attended International School of the Americas. Website: AlcoserForCongress.com.
• Lloyd Doggett (incumbent). Education: B.A. Business, J.D. University of Texas at Austin. Website: votedoggett.com.