Early Voting in Texas Runs Through February 27, as Debate Grows Over Proposed Federal Voter ID Requirements
As we have now arrived, in mid-February, early voting has begun and is ongoing until February 27, 2026. The primary elections are on March 3rd and the deadline to register to vote, during that election, was February 2nd. Those voters who were unable to get registered for the primary, can still register for the November midterms, at any time, between now and October 2, 2026, which is thirty days prior to the general election. Early voting and primary outcomes will determine who will be on the ballot, in November, except in case of a runoff.
Dubbed the ‘SAVE Act’
Much concern is being focused – once again, on the recent passage of national legislation – dubbed the SAVE Act, titled Safeguard American Voter EligibilityAct, with the single subject of this legislation being “to require states to obtain documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register an applicant to vote in Federal elections.”
Presently, non-citizens are not eligible to register nor to vote, in federal or state elections. Currently, to obtain a state issued identification card or to be issued a driver’s license, one must present a valid birth certificate, driver’s license, while this legislation, if confirmed in the Senate, will require the presentation of a birth certificate, passport or government identification, which many voters do not possess.
Related: Your Vote Is Critical as Primary Elections Set the Fall Ballot
Married Women Need More Documentation
A number of critics are contending that the legislation, if passed, will lead to massive disenfranchisement of millions of the voting population, particularly married women, who would be required to present a birth certificate “with a name that matches the name on her
identification or driver’s license.” Other critics point to the cost of a passport, estimated to be around $130.00.
Kristi Noem Wants to “Assist in Election Security”
To counter the “fake outrage” against this legislation, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem intimated that her Department should “assist in election security”, to ensure that the “right people elect the right leaders.” This assertion set off alarm bells, as her
department “oversees domestic security and immigration” which does not include safeguarding elections.
One House representative decried the legislation as “the same racism, misogynistic trash – different decade” and another attempt, by the GOP “to select voters and not allow voters to select their representatives.” By many accounts, the negative impact of this legislation would amount to voter oppression and GOP attempts to “rig elections.”
Texas Handed Over Voter Data, 24 States Said “No”
The Department of Justice has obtained large amounts of “voter data” from a number of states, including Texas, and has filed suits versus 24 other states, whose leaders have not agreed to provide the requested voter rolls, as the DOJ has not been transparent as to the purpose for their requests.
If voters in Bexar County are curious as to their registration status, they may visit www.bexar.org/elections to look up their registration status. One only needs to enter their date of birth and the number of their street address, which will bring up their registration status and other pertinent information.
We have always tried to provide accurate and informative articles, as well as to motivate community members to “Get registered and get involved!” as the quality of life is always the goal and improvement is often achieved – one goal at a time.
