WATCH: Dr. Paul Fabrizio talks early voting, races to watch. and candidate profiles.

Описание: ABILENE, Texas — Early voting began Tuesday, Feb. 17, and runs through Feb. 27, with polling locations and hours varying by county.

RELATED | Early voting begins in Abilene for November elections

Paul Fabrizio, a PhD in Political Science and professor of Political Science at McMurry University, encouraged voters to take advantage of early voting to avoid potential Election Day lines.

“I think it’s a good idea for people to vote early,” Fabrizio said. “Otherwise, be prepared to wait on Election Day.” Dr. Fabrizio said turnout already appears strong. “People are apparently flocking to the polls,” he said. “I was surprised when I voted early by how many people were already there.”

According to the Taylor County Elections, early voting in person day one, on Tuesday, saw a total of 1,086 voters with around 782 being Republican and 283 Democratic which is over double the 451 voters that participated in February of 2022.

He also urged voters to research the candidates and issues before heading to the polls. “I view it as the responsibility of the citizen to be informed,” Fabrizio said. “But it’s also the responsibility of the candidates to make sure people know who they are.”

Dr. Fabrizio said national races, particularly U.S. Senate contests, have drawn significant attention this election cycle, while other races may be receiving less focus. He also noted that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking another term and that the retirement of Jodi Arrington has left an open congressional seat.

“With a lengthy ballot like this, early voting can really help voters manage their time,” Dr. Fabrizio said.
Voters are required to present one acceptable form of photo identification at the polling location before being allowed to vote — unless the voter does not possess and cannot reasonably obtain one of these IDs, or qualifies for a legal exemption.

Acceptable forms of photo identification include:
A Texas driver’s license issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS)
A Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
A Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
A Texas handgun license issued by DPS
A United States military identification card with a photograph
A Department of Veterans Affairs identification card with a photograph
A Veteran Health Identification Card with a photograph
A United States citizenship certificate with a photograph
A United States passport (book or card)
Early voting locations and hours

Taylor County (Abilene)

Feb. 17-20

Taylor County Plaza: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Abilene City Hall: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
United (North Willis, South 14th, Judge Ely Boulevard): 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mall of Abilene: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Feb. 21

Taylor County Plaza: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All other locations: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Feb. 22

All locations: noon to 6 p.m.
Feb. 23-27

Taylor County Plaza: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All other locations: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Brown County

Polling locations include churches, community centers and the Brown County Elections Office in Brownwood, Early, Blanket, Bangs and Zephyr.

Hours

Feb. 17-20: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Feb. 21: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Feb. 22: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Feb. 23-27: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Election Day: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Early voting is also available in Callahan County (Baird, Clyde, Cross Plains), Coleman County, Comanche County, Eastland County, Fisher County, Haskell County, Jones County, Knox County, Mitchell County, Nolan County, Runnels County, Scurry County, Shackelford County, Stephens County and Stonewall County.

Each county offers extended hours on select days, including evenings and weekends. Voters are encouraged to check with their county elections office for the most up-to-date information.

Election Day is March 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

DETAILS:
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