Politics
Texas Mail Ballot ID Rule Takes Effect for Webb County Voters
Laredo residents who request mail ballots must now attach a photocopy of approved photo identification or submit applications in person at the elections office on Washington Street.
How we reported this
The Webb County Elections Office began applying a new identification requirement to all mail ballot applications on July 1 under changes to the Texas Election Code. Registered voters in Laredo must include a copy of a Texas driver license, election identification certificate, or other approved photo ID with each request. The rule applies to the approximately 120,000 active registered voters in the city ahead of the November general election.
State lawmakers passed the verification measure in 2025 to align mail procedures with in-person voting standards. County officials have mailed notices to households in every precinct and posted updated forms on the elections department website. The deadline for November ballot requests remains October 23, but processing now includes an extra verification step that can add several days.
Daily Impacts for Laredo Households
Residents who work shifts at the Colombia Solidarity Port or the Laredo Medical Center often choose mail ballots because polling sites close at 7 p.m. These workers must now locate a copier or scanner before mailing forms, or travel to the elections office at 1110 Washington Street during weekday business hours. Families in the Del Mar and South Laredo neighborhoods without reliable vehicle access face added trips on El Metro routes that run limited evening service.
Local advocates note that seniors living in the Lamar Bruni Vergara Senior Center and residents without state-issued identification will need extra time to obtain compliant documents. The elections office has set up a help desk open until 5 p.m. on weekdays to assist with copies and form completion.
Webb County records show 32,400 mail ballots were returned in the 2024 general election, accounting for 28 percent of total votes cast. County staff project similar volumes this cycle once applications open August 1.
Upcoming Deadlines and Resources
Voters can download the revised application from the Texas Secretary of State website or pick up paper copies at any Laredo Public Library branch. The elections department will hold two public information sessions at the Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library on July 15 and July 22 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. County clerks will accept walk-in applications with identification at the Washington Street office through the October deadline.