When, where can I early vote in Houston? Here's everything you need to know

The early voting period begins Monday, Oct. 22, until Friday, Nov. 2. Election day this year will be on Tuesday, Nov. 6. >>Don't do this when going to the polls... The early voting period begins Monday, Oct. 22, until Friday, Nov. 2. Election day this year will be on Tuesday, Nov. 6. >>Don't do this when going to the polls... Photo: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicle Photo: Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close When, where can I early vote in Houston? Here's everything you need to know 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

With scores of contested races this year, Texas is at the center of the battle between Democrats and Republicans for control of key local, state and federal races.

Voters can start casting ballots today. Here's the FAQ:

When can I vote early?

Harris County polls are open for early voting for 12 consecutive days ahead of Election Day on Nov. 6. The locations will open and close at different hours depending on the day, including from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the first five days of early voting.

Oct. 22-26: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 27: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Oct. 28: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Oct. 29-Nov. 2: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Where can I vote early?

The Harris County Clerk's office is operating 46 early voting locations throughout the county, with polls open every day until Nov. 2.

(Or click here to search locations in your area.)

What if I wait until Election Day?

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, you must vote at the polling location designated for your precinct of residence from 7 a.m to 7 p.m. Click here to find your polling location and voter-specific sample ballot.

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What's on the ballot?

County, legislative and congressional seats are up for grabs in this year's Texas general election.Use our Voter Guide to search Houston's eight-county region for your county's ballot and hear candidates' top priorities for Texas.

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What do you need to bring with you?

Here are the acceptable forms of voter identification, according to the Harris County Clerk's Office.

Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS); current or have expired no more than 4 years

Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS; current or have expired no more than 4 years

Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS; current or have expired no more than 4 years

United States citizenship certificate containing the person's photograph

Texas personal identification card issued by DPS; current or have expired no more than 4 years

U. S. military identification card containing the person's photograph; current or have expired no more than 4 years

United States passport; current or have expired no more than 4 years

Certified birth certificate

Copy of or original bank statement

Copy of or original government check or paycheck

Copy of or original current utility bill

Copy of or original government document with your name and an address (original required if it contains a photograph)

Voters who currently do not have an approved form of photo ID may apply for an Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at no charge with the Department of Public Safety. For more information: Call (512) 424-2600 or click here.

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More voting resources:

Fort Bend County

Galveston County

Montgomery County

Brazoria County

Chambers County

Other counties

The League of Women Voters' guide

Houston Chronicle endorsements

Harris County Democratic Party

Harris County Republican Party

Search Houston electronic campaign finance reports

Campaign finance reports archive (back to 2001)

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Jasper Scherer contributed to this article.