HOUSTON – When mobility challenges make it difficult to vote, Texas offers a solution: curbside voting.

After taking a question from local residents George and Susan, we explored how this option could help voters who are having trouble getting into polling places.

George and Susan’s situation: George recently contacted us with a question. He explained in his email that his wife, Susan, 77, who requested a mail-in ballot, had not yet received one.

According to the county elections office, Susan would have to cancel her original vote-by-mail ballot request in person before a new ballot was issued; This was a difficult task given the mobility difficulties.

We reached out to the county elections office on behalf of George and Susan to help, and they promised to contact the couple to resolve the issue.

If you or someone you know is in a similar situation (where voting by mail is not possible and getting into a polling place may be difficult), curbside voting may be the solution. Here’s how curbside voting works:

How to use curbside voting?

• Report your polling place: Call the polling place in advance and let them know that you want to stop voting.

• Voting from your vehicle: When you arrive, an election official will bring your ballot directly to you.

• Submit your ballot securely: Once you have finished voting, give your ballot to the election official who will ensure it is securely placed in the ballot box. If you have a companion with you, they can deliver it on your behalf.

Deciding to vote in person instead of by mail

If you requested a vote by mail but decided to vote in person instead, you still have options:

• Bring your mail-in ballot to the polling place: Deliver your unused mail-in ballot to the election judge, who will cancel it so you can vote in person.

• Don’t have a mail ballot? If you do not have a mail ballot, you can vote in person by filling out a form to cancel your mail ballot application. An election judge will guide you through this process.

Important reminders about mail ballots

For those voting by mail, please note that they must be postmarked by 7pm on Election Day and received by 5pm the next day to be counted.

For more information about curbside voting and other voting options, check with your county elections office or visit: VoteTexas.gov.