Voting by Mail
Answers to Your VBM Questions
Fri., April 16, 2021
Applying for a Ballot
Q: What's the deadline to apply for a ballot, and where can I find an application?
A: The last day to request a ballot by mail is Tuesday, April 20 (received at the Travis Co. Clerk's Office, not postmarked). Download an application at countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/elections/ballot-by-mail; or an editable PDF version at bbm.sos.state.tx.us/bbm.asp.
Q: I've filled out my ballot application. How/where do I send it?
A: You may submit your application by mail, email, or fax, but if you submit it by fax (512/854-3969) or email (ebbm@traviscountytx.gov), it must also be sent by mail and received in the County Clerk's Office within four business days of your electronic submission. Mail to: Dana DeBeauvoir Travis County Clerk – Elections Division PO Box 149325, Austin, TX 78714-9325
Q: How do I check the status of my ballot application?
A: Visit www.votetravis.com, scroll to the bottom of the page, and choose the "BBM Status" button.
Submitting Your Ballot
Q: I've received my ballot and I've filled it out. What's the deadline for turning it in?
A: Ballots must be postmarked by May 1 and received by May 3. Mail to the address above, or hand-deliver to the County Clerk's Office (5501 Airport) on election day, Saturday, May 1.
Q: If I apply for a ballot, can I still vote in person if I so decide? If so, what steps do I take?
A: Yes. If you already received a ballot, you may bring it to an early voting polling location to surrender it to an early voting clerk. You'll sign a form requesting cancellation of the ballot by mail and then vote normally at the polls. If you don't bring the mail ballot, you'll have to sign an affidavit saying you didn't mark and mail in the ballot; you'll then vote provisionally.
Q: How do I vote if I don't receive my ballot in time?
A: You'll need to go to a polling location and fill out an affidavit (see above).
Got something to say? The Chronicle welcomes opinion pieces on any topic from the community. Submit yours now at austinchronicle.com/opinion.