JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — A big deadline is looming if you want to vote by mail in the March Primaries. New voting laws mean you'll have to take extra steps to cast a mail-in ballot.
The Jefferson County Clerk is reminding voters they have until Friday, February 23 to apply. Voters must reapply every year to request a mail-in ballots.
"The presidential is a big ticket so knowing we put in the work. Everyone is ready, we are all excited, we just had training last week," said Jefferson County Clerk Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg.
For those wanting to vote by mail, there are keys steps that need to be taken.
Texas lawmakers voted to enact harsher restrictions on mail-in ballots in 2021. Senate Bill One bans local election officials from sending out unsolicited applications for a mail in ballot.
"So mail-in ballots are a little confusing for many, there are particular processes for that. I'm not allowed legally to send out ballots randomly, people have to request them from our office, typically we have a form they can fill out. So we can be in compliance with the law," Acosta-Hellberg said.
Those who could qualify have to be:
- Above the age of 65
- Sick or disabled
- Out of the country
- In jail if you still are eligible
"So we want to make sure that everyone who wants to participate in this primary is ready to go. You must apply annually but there's an option to request mail-in ballots for multiple elections," said Acosta-Hellberg. "The final date for that is the 23rd, so if you are needing that please don't hesitate because life is unpredictable. "
Acosta-Hellberg says her staff is also gearing up for the crowds who will cast their ballot in person.
"We have 62,000 voting ballots that I need to spend and everyone is excited to go push the button. So we are ready and have established a great protocol," she said.
There's also a spot for additional ID information on the envelope you'll use to send in your ballot, so it's important to fill that out.
For more information, check out our voting guide.