As the December 9 Joint Runoff Election approaches, Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth encourages voters to take advantage of early voting before the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear. With 41 voting centers available to registered voters in Harris County, it's essential to cast your ballot between November 27 and December 5, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday, December 3, from noon to 7 p.m.

“Don’t procrastinate. Go vote, now!” asserted Hudspeth, the County's chief election official.

Houston voters hold significant influence in determining half of the city's elected positions, including the Mayor, Controller, four at-large council members, and three single-member council members. Voters in Houston Council Districts D, G, and H will encounter seven contests on their ballots, while others in Houston will see six. Additionally, District 4 voters in Baytown and Bellaire voters will participate in electing a council member and a new Mayor, respectively.

Hudspeth reminds voters that only citizens registered within the legal boundaries of a city on the ballot may vote in the contests offered by that city. Having a "Houston" postal address does not guarantee eligibility to vote within Houston proper.

Stay informed with sample ballots for the December 9 Joint Runoff Election at www.HarrisVotes.com. Detailed information about the City of Houston's runoff election candidates is available at https://houstontx.gov/2023-runoff-election.html.

When voting in person, acceptable forms of photo ID include a Texas Driver’s License, Texas Election Identification Certificate, Texas Personal Identification Card, Texas Handgun License, United States Military Identification Card, United States Citizenship Certificate, or United States Passport (book or card). Voters without these forms can complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (RID) at a Vote Center and present alternative ID like a utility bill, bank statement, government check, or voter registration certificate.

For additional election details, visit www.HarrisVotes.com.