This fact brief was originally published by El Paso Matters. Read the original here. Fact briefs are published by newsrooms in the Gigafact network, and republished by The Fulcrum. Visit Gigafact to learn more.
Can Texans register to vote without an ID?
No.
In Texas, people are required to have an identification number that has been approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety – driver’s license or handgun license – or the last four digits of their Social Security number to register to vote, according to Texas Election Code.
If a person registers with just a Social Security number, the state must verify its authenticity, according to the Texas Secretary of State.
Texas does not offer online voter registration, automatic/automated voter registration, or same day registration, according to analysis by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The same analysis shows that 42 states, including Washington, D.C., have online voter registration, 24 have automated voter registration and 22 have same day registration.
Texans can only register to vote online when renewing, replacing, or updating the information on their driver’s license or other ID card issued by DPS.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
State of Texas Election Code Chapter 13
State of Texas Statement on Voter Registration ID Requirements
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Vote Texas FAQ Identification Requirements for Voting
National Conference of State Legislatures State Profiles: Elections
