Early voting begins Monday in city, school elections

By ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN

MARFA – Just a reminder, early voting is set to begin for two statewide elections. The first day of in person early voting for the Saturday, May 12 non-partisan elections, such as city and school elections, will begin on Monday, April 30. The last day to vote early in person for that election is May 8.

Those civic-minded folks wishing to make their mark at the polling stations should be registered to vote already for the May 12 election.

Early voting and election day voting will take place at the Marfa City Hall for city council positions and Marfa ISD school board positions. Anyone wanting an application for a ballot by mail should contact City Hall at 432.729.4315.

But wait, there’s another election. The 2012 Primary election for county, district, state and federal offices is on May 29. April 30 is the last day to register to vote in order to participate in this election.

In person early voting for the May 29 election begins on May 14, just two days after the non-partisan election ends. In person early voting for the May 29 election ends on May 25.

Of importance to note, the United States Department of Justice has refused to approve a stricter voter identification law that was passed by the Texas Legislature during the most recent session.

That means that the old voter identification laws will apply to the two upcoming elections.

Voters will have to present their voter registration card to vote or other approved documents in addition to or in lieu of their voter registration card. These documents include a driver’s license or personal identification card that was issued to you by the Texas Department of Public Safety, a similar document issued to you by an agency of another state, even if the license or card is expired, a form of identification that has your photograph and establishes your identity, a birth certificate or any other document that confirms your birth that would be admissible in a court of law and establishes identity, United States citizenship papers, a United States passport, official mail addressed to you by a governmental entity or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.