Members of the ATPE Governmental Relations Department and ATPE Executive Director Gary Godsey headed to the polls this morning to cast their votes during early voting, which began yesterday and runs through Friday, Nov. 4. Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 8!

Now it's your turn to take advantage of the convenience of early voting! Make plans today to get to the polls during early voting in order to beat the lines Election Day can bring and avoid last minute scheduling conflicts that could prevent you from casting a vote. When you cast your vote early, head over to the ATPE Facebook page in order to enter ATPE's early voting contest. Simply snap a selfie with your "I Voted!" sticker and post it in the comments section of the contest post pinned to the top of the page. Three randomly selected winners will win a Target gift card just for voting early!

Many districts and campuses are also offering incentives for registered educators and students who wear their “I Voted!” sticker to school! Check out some ideas shared by the Texas Educators Vote coalition, of which ATPE is a member, and ways individuals can join the coalition's efforts! As you make plans to head to the polls, here are some quick reminders:

• Unlike voting on Election Day, early voters do not have to vote at their assigned precinct location. Simply go to any early voting location in your county to cast your ballot. To find early voting locations and hours in your area, check your local newspaper or contact your local voter registrar’s office.
• Remember that you must show valid identification under state law in order to vote. Recent court decisions have expanded the options available to Texas voters who are required to bring identification to the polls. Be sure to review all options here.
• In certain circumstances, individuals may also be eligible to vote early by mail. Applications for a mail-in ballot must be received no later than Friday, Oct. 28 and Nov. 8 is the last day for mail-in ballots to be received.
• Don't forget to search and view profiles of candidates for the Texas legislature and State Board of Education on our 2016 Races page right here on TeachtheVote.org. Read their responses to the ATPE Candidate Survey, find out which major endorsements they’ve earned, and consider the voting records of incumbent legislators.
• Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s VoteTexas.gov website for a wealth of additional information on voting. It includes links to the Am I Registered website, where you can find a customized list of polling places in your county. VoteTexas.gov also includes guidance on photo ID requirements, information for voters with special needs, and more.
• At the national website Vote411.org hosted by the League of Women Voters, you can enter your address to receive a personalized sample ballot with biographical information and survey responses on some candidates, confirm your registration status, and find additional information.

See you at the voting booth, educators!