HOUSTON – Early voting begins Wednesday, Jan. 21, for the special election runoff in Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Councilmember Amanda Edwards, both Democrats, were the top two finishers in the Nov. 4 special election. They led the 16-candidate field but fell short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff.
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Menefee finished first with 28.9% of the vote, followed closely by Edwards with 25.6%.
The Harris County Clerk’s Office is encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting to help avoid long lines.
When and where to vote
During early voting, at least 17 early voting centers will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Sunday, Jan. 25, when hours will run from noon to 7 p.m.
Click here to find nearest early voting location list.
On Election Day, Saturday, Jan. 31, voting centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
What to bring
Voters must present one of the following photo IDs:
- Texas Driver’s License
- Texas Personal ID
- Texas Handgun License
- Texas Election ID Certificate
- U.S. Military ID (with photo)
- U.S. Citizenship Certificate (with photo)
- U.S. Passport
Voters without an acceptable photo ID may complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present a supporting document, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or voter registration certificate.
Voting by mail
The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Jan. 20.
Eligible voters include those 65 and older, individuals with disabilities, voters who will be outside their county during the voting period, those expecting to give birth within three weeks of Election Day, and eligible voters confined in jail.