Sandwiched between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the city of El Paso runoff election is likely to see a notable voter dropoff – fewer voters typically cast ballots in a runoff than the general election that preceded it, particularly after a presidential election.
The Nov. 5 general election drew 254,677 El Paso County residents to the polls – with 183,873 of those within the city limits voting in the mayoral race. More than 25,000 city residents skipped over the mayor’s race when they cast ballots.
But the Dec. 14 runoff election is key to the future of the city, with the mayor and five City Council seats on the ballot. The runoff ballot will also include the race for judge of Municipal Court No. 4. Early voting starts Monday, Dec. 2, and runs through Tuesday, Dec. 10.
The city of Socorro also has a city representative seat on the ballot for voters within that district.
Here’s everything you need to know before you head to the polls:
Is it too late to register to vote?
Yes, the deadline to register to vote in the Dec. 14 runoff was Nov. 14 and you cannot register to vote in this election at polling sites.
But you can register to vote in future elections as long as you are a citizen of the United States and are 18 years old by the Election Day in which you want to vote. Click here for more information.
I’m not sure if I’m a registered voter. How can I check?
Check your registration status with the El Paso County Elections Department or the Texas Secretary of State’s Office.
Who can vote in the city of El Paso runoff?
Voters within the El Paso city limits can cast a ballot in the mayoral race, which pits businessman Renard Johnson against city Rep. Brian Kennedy.
READ MORE: El Paso mayoral candidates talk immigration, arena, first-year goals
Those living within certain City Council districts can vote for their next city representative. Five city representative seats are on the ballot: Districts 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7. The District 2 seat was decided in the November general election, and Districts 6 and 8 weren’t up for election this year.
LEARN MORE: Q&A: City Council District 5 candidates in Dec. 14 runoff election
Typically, four City Council seats are up for election every two years, but this year, six were on the ballot because two representatives resigned mid-term to run for mayor.
Not sure in which city representative district you live? See the district map here or go to My Voter Dashboard for all your voting information.
Can I vote in the runoff if I didn’t vote in the Nov. 5 general election?
Yes. If you did not vote in the general election, you are still eligible to vote in the runoff.
I’m unsure about my preferred candidate in the general election. Can I change my vote in the runoff?
Yes. You don’t have to vote for the same candidates in the runoff as you did in the general election. The winner will be decided from the runoff turnout only.
Where can I vote early?
Check out all early voting sites, maps and hours or find one nearest you no matter where you are using the El Paso County Elections Department site finder.
Sites have different hours of operation, and many are open Saturday and Sunday.
What do I need to vote in person?
You’ll need one of seven acceptable forms of photo ID, which include a Texas driver’s license, U.S. passport book or card, or Texas personal ID card.
Can I vote in the runoff by mail?
You can vote by mail in Texas if you are age 65 or older on Election Day; are sick or have a disability; are expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day; or are in jail but still eligible to vote. You can also vote by mail if you will be out of El Paso County on Election Day and during the early voting period.
The last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) is Tuesday, Dec. 3.
The last day for the Elections Department to receive your ballot by mail is 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, if the envelope is not postmarked.
If the envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day, it must be received by the Early Voting Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16.
More information can be found HERE.
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents are also eligible to vote early by mail under the same process, but some special provisions may apply.
After you send in your mail ballot, you can track it here.
Where can I vote on Election Day?
Waiting until Election Day to cast your ballot? You can vote at any voting site on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Find the nearest Election Day voting site near you here.
Follow elpasomatters.org for full coverage of election results.
The post Early voting for El Paso mayor, 5 City Council seats in runoff begins Monday appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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