When does early voting start? Here's where Travis County voters can cast their ballot

The Travis County Commissioners Court has approved polling locations for the Nov. 5 general and special elections, setting 41 early voting and 171 Election Day sites.

Announcing the court's unanimous approval, Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado said people in the Austin area and across the county will be eligible to vote at any vote center in Travis County where the “Vote Here/Aqui” signs are displayed.

“Ensuring access to the ballot for every voter while upholding federal and state laws is vital to the integrity of our democracy," Limon-Mercado said in a statement. "I extend my sincere thanks to the Commissioners Court for its steadfast support in this critical endeavor, which helps guarantee that all voices are heard and valued.”

In the general election, voters will decide on a slate of federal, state and local offices, including U.S. president, U.S. Senate and state Legislature.

Early voting will be held Oct. 21 through Nov. 1.

Here's a look at the early voting schedule, with details on a few polling locations:

Voting on UT campus

University of Texas students will have a slightly different voting experience on campus from in the past, as the Texas Union will serve as a polling site during this election cycle in place of the Flawn Academic Center.

Specifically, the dining area in the union's main corridor next to Chick-fil-A and Panda Express will become the voting area, UT spokesperson Mike Rosen previously told the Statesman .

University Democrats President Brian Peña said earlier this month that the new location will not be ideal due to space constraints that could lead to longer wait times.

"Our elections team worked diligently with the university," the statement from the county's Elections Division said. "After many discussions with our team to identify an alternative site, UT offered the Texas Union, located next door to the FAC."

Extended voting hours in Travis County

Ahead of the Nov. 5 election, voters in Travis County will have seven extended-hour voting locations in which to cast a ballot on the final two days of early voting.

More: How can you get a Texas ID, and how to vote in the 2024 election without it?

These seven locations will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1:

• Austin Permitting and Development Center
• Ben Hur Shrine
• Carver Branch Library
• Lakeway Activity Center
• Pflugerville Rock Gym
• Southpark Meadows
• UT's Texas Union

Travis County early voting schedule

The Travis County clerk's office said personal sample ballots will be available on VoteTravis.com beginning in mid-September, and expanded information on polling locations will also be made available.

Early voting dates and times:

• Monday, Oct. 21, to Saturday, Oct. 26: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 27: noon to 6 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 28, to Wednesday, Oct. 30: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 31, to Friday, Nov. 1: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (with seven sites remaining open until 10 p.m.)

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: When does early voting start? Here's where Travis County voters can cast their ballot