x
Breaking News
More () »

Travis County prepared for big turnout during early voting for November election

Early voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Texas.

AUSTIN, Texas — Beginning Tuesday, Travis County will have 37 polling locations available for people to cast their ballots during early voting for the November election.

That's the most early voting polling locations the county has ever had, according to Travis County Clerk Dana DeBeauvoir

The locations include new ones, like hotel ballrooms, a yoga studio and the Austin Central Library. These new locations offer more space for social distancing.

"We're not sure how high [turnout is] going to go, so we've got to make room for everybody to vote and everybody to vote safely," DeBeauvoir said.

Because of all of these options, she's not expecting long lines. But in case some do form, there will be markers on the ground to help keep the distance.

In addition, voters are asked to wear masks, but wearing one isn't required. It's just one precaution election officials are taking to keep everyone safe.

"We don't ask voters to touch anything. They'll have a little plastic covering over their finger to sign the poll book and then they'll have a popsicle stick to make their choices on the ballot marking device," DeBeauvoir said.

Like in other elections, voters will be able to see the wait times on the county's website. DeBeauvoir recommends you consider those times and the time of day before heading out to vote.

"First thing in the morning is everybody's getting ready to go to work, lunchtime for an errand, after five o'clock. All of those [times of day] are going to be a little bit busier than others," DeBeauvoir said.

Most polling locations will be open for early voting between Oct. 13 and Oct. 30 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon until 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Once the polls close on Nov. 3, KVUE will keep track of the 2020 election results here. Mail-in ballots that are postmarked before Nov. 3 can be received by local elections offices by 5 p.m. the day after Election Day, so mail-in ballots in Texas are expected to take longer to tally.

Be sure to download KVUE's app to get updates as they come in: kvue.com/app. Also be sure to follow KVUE on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

WATCH: Voting in Texas: What form of ID do you need to vote?

MORE ELECTION COVERAGE:

Preview: Election race for Texas railroad commissioner

Preview: Election races for Travis County district attorney and sheriff

Preview: State, local education races on the November ballot

Preview: Williamson County sheriff election 2020

Before You Leave, Check This Out