Sarah Hustwit of McKinney feeds a sample ballot into a DS 200 tabulating machine in a practice run for the Nov. 4 general election. Bob Wieland/C&S Media

The Tuesday, Nov. 4, general election ballot includes 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution and, for Collin County voters, a countywide proposal to create ESD-1, an emergency services district.

This election marks Collin County’s transition to hand-marked paper ballots. Each voter will receive a printed ballot, which will then be fed into a DS200 tabulating machine.

“We just want voters to take their time and review their ballots before placing them into DS200s to be tabulated,” Collin County Elections Administrator Kaleb Breaux said. “We ask that voters completely fill in the oval next to their choices. If marked correctly, the DS200 will accept the ballot and thank the voter for voting.”

If there’s an issue, the DS200 will alert the voter and assist in the adjudication process. “It is important for voters to review the DS200 screen after depositing their ballot,” Breaux added.

Early voting runs Monday, Oct. 20, through Friday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 25, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Monday, Oct. 27, through Friday, Oct. 31, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters in line by 7 p.m. will still be allowed to cast their ballots. Curbside voting is available for anyone unable to enter a polling place. Voters needing this service can ask the election judge for assistance or call the number posted on the curbside voting sign.

Wylie residents in Collin County have several nearby options for early voting. Convenient locations include the Collin College Wylie Campus, WSC Atrium 1, 391 Country Club Road in Wylie; the Wylie Community Park Center, Meeting Room East, 800 Thomas Street #100 in Wylie; the Michael J. Felix Community Center, 3815 E. Sachse Road in Sachse; and the Murphy Community Center, 205 N. Murphy Road in Murphy.

For voters who live in the East Wylie or East Rockwall County area, early voting is available at Rockwall County Library, 1215 E. Yellowjacket Lane in Rockwall; Fate City Hall, 1900 Borden Parkway in Fate; and Heath City Hall, 200 Laurence Drive in Heath.

Voters must present an acceptable photo ID at the polling place unless they qualify for an exemption. Acceptable forms include a Texas driver’s license, election ID certificate, personal ID card or handgun license issued by the Department of Public Safety; a U.S. military ID with photo; a U.S. citizenship certificate with photo; or a U.S. passport (book or card). With the exception of the citizenship certificate, IDs must be current or expired no more than four years for voters ages 18 to 69. Those 70 and older may use an expired ID if it is otherwise valid.

Voters who lack a photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one may complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present a supporting document such as a voter registration certificate, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or certified birth certificate.

Unofficial election results will be posted on the Collin County and Rockwall County election websites shortly after 7 p.m. on Election Night and updated periodically as counting continues. Final results will be certified following the canvass.

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By Bob Wieland | [email protected]