AUSTIN — Starting Monday and through the rest of the week, early voting for the 2018 primary runoff gets underway with many seats up for grabs.
The Democratic and Republican primaries were held two months ago, which sets the stage for this week of voting. There were 30 races with no candidate drawing more than 50 percent of the vote, meaning there are currently 30 runoffs in play statewide.
One of the most significant races involves the two democratic candidates eyeing the governor's position. Andrew White and Lupe Valdez are both trying to unseat Governor Greg Abbott in November.
Austinites will also narrow down the race for House District 46 -- former State Representative Dawnna Dukes' old seat. Democrats Sheryl Cole and Jose "Chito" Vela will face off for that nomination.
The 21st congressional district is also up in the air. Republicans Chip Roy and Matt McCall are going against each other while Mary Street Wilson and Joseph Kopser go for the Democratic nomination.
Whatever party's ballot you selected in March is the one you have to stick with this week. In November, for the general election, then you can vote for whomever you want. Election day is on May 22.
To vote, you will need one of seven approved forms of photo I.D. currently required by Texas voter ID law:
- Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
- Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS
- United States military identification card containing the person's photograph
- United States citizenship certificate containing the person's photograph
- United States passport
If you don't have those - you can present "alternative I.D." that include:
- valid voter registration certificate
- certified birth certificate
- current utility bill
- bank statement
- government check
- paycheck
- any other government document that displays your voter's name and an address