Election 2014: Important Dates to Remember

Edit (Nov 3): Election Day is TOMORROW, NOVEMBER 4. Polls in Texas are open 7 AM – 7 PM. Find out what you need to know about your polling place, voter ID, and other questions at votetexas.gov. Make sure you vote– Texas needs YOUR voice!

If you are already in line when the polls close at 7 PM, do not leave. By law, you WILL be allowed to vote as long as you are in line before the polls close.

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We’ve already seen plenty of action ahead of November’s general election, and the races are sure to get more heated the closer we get to Election Day on November 4. We urge you to be sure you are registered to vote and then cast your ballot for candidates who will support active transportation in your community. Many mayors and city council members, many state legislators, the governor, a U.S. Senate seat, and all U.S. Representative seats are on the ballot this year, along with many local bond initiatives. Stand up and be counted!

• Monday, October 6: Last Day to Register to Vote
• Monday, October 20: First Day of Early Voting
• Friday, October 24: Last Day to Apply for a Ballot By Mail (application must be received by your county clerk on this date)
• Friday, October 31: Last Day of Early Voting
• Tuesday, November 4: Election Day. Polls open 7 AM to 7 PM in Texas.

See all these dates, find your polling place, and check out other election information on the Texas Secretary of State’s VoteTexas.gov page here. 

BikeTexas’ bylaws prohibit us from endorsing specific candidates, but m Many local bicycle advocacy organizations across the state have published or will publish their endorsements in local races. Check with your local advocacy group.

Elections in non-presidential election years (often called midterm elections) have a historically lower turnout than presidential election years. In the last two midterm elections, Texas had among the lowest turnouts in the nation: in 2010, 32.1% of eligible voters cast a ballot, a slight increase from 2006’s 30.9%. (See these numbers and more at the United States Election Project.)

Texas should not be silent: This Election Day, be sure you vote!

Edited October 17, 2014: At the September 2014 Board of Directors meeting, the bylaws were amended to allow BikeTexas to publish endorsements in specific races.