No ID? No problem. How to vote in the 2024 election without a photo ID in Texas

Without some form of an official government-issued ID , you can't do much of anything, and that includes voting in the November election.

The 2024 election is three months away, and some Texans could have issues acquiring an ID.

Texas requires voters to present a government-issued photo ID at the polls, but the limited availability of appointments at Central Texas DPS offices makes obtaining that ID almost impossible.

For some, it's their first year of eligibility to vote. Others just need to renew their ID, but booking appointments in their city is a task. The Texas DPS encourages people to find appointments in other cities, but this can be discouraging for those who don't have the means to travel.

For Texans who won't have an ID in time for the election, there is an alternative.

What is the Reasonable Impediment Declaration form?

A Reasonable Impediment Declaration form is a legal document used when a voter is unable to present a required government-issued photo ID at the polls due to a reasonable hindrance.

If you're a registered voter, the Reasonable Impediment Declaration form can help you vote.

You still need to bring a document. Your voter registration certificate, mailed to you by the local voter registrar's office, is ideal. Or you can bring any one of the following: your birth certificate; a recent utility bill or bank statement with your name on it; or a government check or a paycheck.

If you have any difficulties at the voting site: Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683), a hotline administered by nonpartisan voting advocates, to speak with a trained volunteer who can explain the law and your options.

Bridget Grumet: Texans face monthslong delays for ID needed to vote. But there's another way.

How do I fill out the Reasonable Impediment Declaration form?

Ask for a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form at the voting site. You'll check off the box that explains why you do not have a photo ID. Options include lack of transportation, ID was lost or stolen, or work or family responsibilities.

Will my vote count with a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form?

You will vote a regular ballot, and your vote will count. Voters who fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration form are given a standard ballot, not a provisional ballot.

What is the deadline to register to vote?

The deadline to vote in the Nov. 5 election in Texas is Oct. 7 by person and by mail.

I can't find my voter registration certificate. Can I get a new one?

You can get a replacement voter registration card mailed by contacting your local voter registrar's office.

Here is how you can contact the following counties voter registrar's office to help you replace your voter registration certificate.

• Travis County: Call the Tax Collector and Voter Registrar's Office at 512-854-9473; email tax_voters@traviscountytx.gov; or visit the main tax office at 2433 Ridgepoint Drive to receive a replacement certificate in person.
• Williamson County: Call 512-943-1630 or email VoterRegistration@wilco.org.
• Hays County: Call 512-393-7310 or email elections@co.hays.tx.us.
• Bastrop County: Call 512-581-7160 or email elections@co.bastrop.tx.us.
• Dallas County: Call (469) 627-VOTE (8683) or email DallasCountyVotes@dallascounty.org
• Tarrant County: Call 817-831-8683 or email votebymail@tarrantcountytx.gov
• Harris County: Call 713-755-6965 or email voters@harrisvotes.com
• Bexar County: Call 210-335-VOTE (8683) or email BexarCountyElections@bexar.org

— American-Statesman columnist Bridget Grumet contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: No ID? No problem. How to vote in the 2024 election without a photo ID in Texas