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A whimsical illustration showcasing Austin landmarks, with the text: Field Guide to Austin.
Field Guide to Austin
Discover (or rediscover) what makes Austin stand out.

Election Day is approaching in Austin. This voter guide will help get you to the polls.

The Austin Common | By Amy Stansbury,
Sylvia Asuncion-Crabb
Published July 15, 2024 at 5:01 AM CDT
An illustration with four different people waving and holding signs that say "Vote." At the top of the graphic are illustrations of voting stickers that say "I voted" and "Yo Voté" with American flags on them.
The Austin Common
A graphic with illustrations of three small calendar pages. Alongside the illustrations are the words: "In Austin, we love to vote! Here are some key elections to keep an eye out for. Every November (in even-numbered years), the City of Austin has City Council elections. Half of Austin's 10 City Council seats are up for election during every cycle. In presidential election years, the City of Austin also has a mayoral election (in addition to City Council elections). In May, you won't see any council candidates on the ballot, but propositions can still be on the ballot in May (as well as in November)."
The Austin Common
A graphic with illustrations of small voting boxes and laptop with the words "Voter Registration" on the screen. The laptop is marked out with a red circle sign. Alongside the illustrations are the words: "Register to Vote. But before you can vote in any of those elections, you've got to be registered. Here's how to make that happen... Counties are in charge of voter registration. If you live in the City of Austin, you live in one of three counties — Travis, Williamson or Hays. You can visit any of their websites (at least 30 days before the election) to fill out a form online or visit VoteTexas.gov. But remember, Texas does not have online voter registration. After you fill out an online form, you still have to print it out and mail it in (or stop by your county election office in person)."
The Austin Common
A graphic titled "Do Your Research" with illustrations of a sample ballot, voting boxes and an election flier. Alongside the illustrations are the words: "As Election Day approaches, it's time to do your research! Step #1 - Look up your personalized sample ballot at your county's website or Vote411.org. This will tell you everything that will be on your ballot. Step #2 - Do your research. Some great local resources include the League of Women Voters Guide (available at Vote411.org), The Austin Common's Instagram channel (@The_Austin_Common) and KUT."
The Austin Common
A graphic titled "Polling Locations" with small illustrations of a voting machine and a piece of paper with scribbling on it. Alongside the illustrations are the words: "In most parts of Texas, we have countywide voting, which means you can vote at any polling location in your county (not just the one closest to your house). Visit your county's website for a list of polling locations and wait times." Underneath the illustration of a voting machine is an arrow pointing to the machine with the words: "This is what the voting machines look like. Once you make your selections on screen, a paper ballot is printed out as a backup."
The Austin Common
A graphic titled "Early Voting" with illustrations of calendar pages for October and November. Alongside the illustrations are the words: "Worried you won't have time to vote on Election Day? Avoid the stress (and long lines) by voting early. Generally, in-person early voting starts the 17th day before Election Day and ends the 4th day before Election Day. P.S. - You don't have to do anything special to vote early. Just make sure you're registered to vote and show up at a polling location during the designated dates and times."
The Austin Common
A graphic titled Vote By Mail with and illustration of a blue mail box, with the red flag up and a white envelope going into it. Alongside the illustration are the words: "Texas allows for vote by mail, but only if you're .... 65 and older, sick or disabled, out of town, in jail (but not convicted) or about to give birth. To apply, fill out the online form on your county's website and mail it back in by the deadline (usually 11 days before Election Day)."
The Austin Common
A graphic titled Voter ID with illustrations of driver's license cards. Alongside the illustrations are the words: "Don't forget your ID! There are 7 acceptable forms of ID you can use to vote... Texas driver's license, Texas handgun license, Texas election ID certificate, U.S. citizenship certificate with photo, Texas personal ID card, U.S. passport or a U.S. military ID card with photo."
The Austin Common
A graphic titled "Get Involved" with an illustration of a women wearing a shirt that says "vote," who is waving and holding a clipboard. Alongside the illustration are the words: "Want to help boost voter turnout in Austin? You can make a difference by becoming a... Poll Worker. Poll workers are crucial for ensuring there are plenty of polling locations. Plus, you get paid! VDR: Volunteer Deputy Registrars register people to vote. All you need to do is attend a one-hour training session! Visit your county's website for more info.
The Austin Common
A graphic titled "Voting Matters" with an illustration of a woman wearing a blue cap and holding a sign that says "vote" in one hand. Alongside the illustration are the words: "Local elections don't get as much attention as president races, but they're just as important. Here's why ... They impact your daily life! Everything from parks to policing to our supply of water and electricity is influenced by local government. Your vote really does make a difference! In recent years, several local elections have been determined by less than a few hundred votes."
The Austin Common

The Austin Common is a community news site and civic education organization that makes learning about local government fun by using art and social media to explain the news. You can keep up with The Austin Common by following them on Instagram (@The_Austin_Common) or subscribing to their weekly email newsletter.
Tags
Austin Field Guide: Be A Good CitizenVotingVoter Registration
Amy Stansbury
See stories by Amy Stansbury
Sylvia Asuncion-Crabb
See stories by Sylvia Asuncion-Crabb
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