Tuesday, November 3, 2020

'Today is Election Day' - Message from Austin City Manager


For immediate release:
Nov. 3, 2020
Contact:
Communications and Public Information Office, (512) 974-2220, media@austintexas.gov
 

'Today is Election Day' - Message from Austin City Manager

Austin City Manager Spencer Cronk: 

"As City Manager, I have always believed that an empowered community is a strong community, and everyone's voice is an important part of that. From speaking at Council meetings and attending town halls to voting and demonstrating in the streets, as Austinites, we value the right to participate in our government and ensure our civic leaders hear our voices. We are also a caring community. We help each other, especially in times of crises, and we look out for one another.
 
"Today is Election Day and we are committed to protecting those who are exercising their right to vote as well as those who exercise their right to assemble and their right to free speech.
 
"Regardless of today's outcome, I hope everyone remembers that we are all Austinites and we show our love for this city by showing love and respect for one another."

Dr. Mark Escott, Interim Austin-Travis County Health Authority:

"We encourage people to exercise their civic duty and vote this Election Day if they haven't already. We have worked closely with Travis County to ensure that all of our sites are safe and that staff are trained to keep commonly-touched surfaces clean. We ask that when you go to vote, you maintain 6 feet of distance from others, wear your mask, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.

"We also encourage individuals to make new traditions this year. Election watch parties have been large affairs with crowded gatherings in years past, but this year, we encourage Austin-Travis County residents to host virtual watch parties instead of in-person ones. Additionally, while we do not discourage individuals from exercising any of their protected constitutional rights, including the right to assembly, we implore our community members to think of the safety of those who surround them and to social distance, wear a mask, and wash your hands often if you do participate in any gatherings. We also ask everyone who was involved in crowded gatherings outside of their household to get tested for COVID-19 4 to 5 days after the event.

"Your voice is important, and we hope you also use your civic enthusiasm responsibly to keep your family, loved ones, and our entire community safe from COVID-19 this year."

Election information

Before heading to the polls, be sure to… 

  • Print a sample ballot or write down who you're voting for—You can't use electronic devices when voting, but can bring a written note in with you. 
  • Find your nearest polling place—View the Travis County Clerk's live map of wait times + find your most convenient location here: bit.ly/3772uad
  • Information on voting in Williamson County here: bit.ly/34V8OjA
  • Information on voting in Hays County here: bit.ly/386ryyo [PDF]
  • Review voter ID requirements—There are 7 forms of approved photo ID and other options if you don't have one. 
  • Know your rights as a voter: VoteTexas.gov/your-rights