Texas has a new mail-in ballot tracking system. Here’s how to use it

If you plan to vote by mail in the March primary elections, you can now track the status of your ballot with a newly launched digital tool on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

H.B. 1382, authored by Rep. John Bucy III (D-Austin) during the 87th Texas Legislature, makes an electronic system to monitor the status of a mail ballot application and the mail ballot itself available to Texans voting by mail.

How to use the ballot tracking tool

To use the ballot tracker tool, visit teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/BallotTrackerApp. Or, visit votetexas.gov and click “Track My Ballot.” There, you can track the status of your mail ballot application or ballot.

First, you’ll fill out the form with your information, including:

• Your full name

• Voter registration number or registration address

• Driver’s license number or Department of Public Safety identification number

• Last 4 digits of your social security number

• Date of birth (optional)

You’ll also enter your address, including street name and number, county, city and zip code.

What the platform tracks

After you click the blue “Submit” button at the bottom of the page, you’ll be able to track any application or mail ballot you’ve filed. Here’s the information you’ll see.

Application Status: You’ll be updated when your application is received by the early voting clerk. You’ll be notified whether your application was accepted or rejected.

Ballot Status: You’ll be notified when your mail ballot is on its way to you. You’ll know when the early voting clerk has received your marked ballot. And whether your marked ballot has been accepted or rejected.

Also listed will be the election you’re voting in, the date your ballot or application status was last updated and next steps.