El Paso Matters – El Paso Election 2024: Everything you need to know for March 5 primary

What’s on the ballot?

On March 5, El Paso voters will cast their ballots in the Democratic and Republican primary elections to decide who will move forward to the November general election.

On the local level, voters will select party candidates for El Paso district attorney, county sheriff, county attorney, county commissioners and a slew of judgeships and constables, among others.

On the federal and state levels, ballots will feature candidates for president, senators, U.S. representatives and state representatives.

Candidates who win their party’s race will be on the November ballot; although those with no contestant in another party will be considered to have won their seat unless a runoff is necessary. The primary runoff election will be in May.

How do I check if I’m registered to vote?
Check your registration status with the El Paso County Elections Department or the Texas Secretary of State’s Office.

Which elected offices will be on my ballot?

Democratic sample ballot: Click HERE to see a sample ballot of all Democratic party races in all districts and precincts.

Republican sample ballot: Click HERE to see a sample ballot of all Republican party races in all districts and precincts.

Personalized sample ballot: If you are a registered voter, you can view and print a sample ballot of all candidates in your voting districts and precincts HERE when available.

Voters can no longer vote “straight ticket” in either party; instead, you have to manually select each candidate for whom you want to vote. Voters also have to vote in the same party if there’s a runoff.

However, you can vote for candidates in either party during the November general election regardless of what party you voted in during the primary.

Where and when can I vote in person?
If you’re a registered voter, you can vote at any voting location during early voting and on Election Day – you no longer have to vote at a specific location.

Early voting locations and hours can be found HERE.

Election Day voting sites and hours can be found HERE when available.

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 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.

You must apply to receive a mail-in ballot and the El Paso County Elections Department must receive your application by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23. More information can be found HERE.

When is my mail-in ballot due?
The Elections Department must receive your mail-in ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day, March 5, if the carrier envelope is not postmarked. If the envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day, the Elections Department will accept it through 5 p.m. on March 8. Click HERE for more information on civilian mail-in ballots.

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.

How can I avoid ID problems on my mail-in ballot?
To avoid ID problems on your application or completed mail-in ballot, include both your Texas driver’s license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Can I vote straight-ticket for my preferred party?
No, voters cannot cast straight ticket ballots. Voters have to manually select each candidate they want to vote for in each race.

Do I have to declare a party to vote?
When you reach the polling site during the primary, you’ll be asked whether you’re voting Democrat or Republican. The ballot you’re given depends on what party you’re voting in, so you have to declare your party during the primary and runoff election.

Can I switch parties between the primary, runoff and general elections?
You have to vote in the same party during the May runoff as you did in the March primary. However, you can vote for candidates in either party during the November general election regardless of what party you voted in during the primary.