Early voting for the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election is underway in Austin, with a record-breaking number of folks showing up for the first day of early voting compared to previous years.

If you haven't already cast your vote, prepare for the polls with our guide to election season in Austin.

Important dates

Early voting | Now-Friday, Nov. 1
Last day to apply for Ballot By Mail | Friday, Oct. 25
Election Day | Tuesday, Nov. 5

Registration + how to vote

Before you head to the polls, you'll want to double-check your voter registration status, find your nearest early voting or Election Day voting location, and make sure you have the necessary materials with you.

You can cast your vote at a local polling site:

From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. now-Saturday, Oct. 26
From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28-Wednesday, Oct. 30
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (with some locations open until 10 p.m.) Thursday, Oct. 31-Friday, Nov. 1
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5

What's on the ballot?

Voters will cast their votes for federal offices including the president, senators, and US representatives, but several statewide and local seats will also be up for grabs. In Austin, the following positions have at least two people running for office:

Railroad Commissioner
Justice, Texas Supreme Court, Places 2, 4, and 6
Presiding Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals, Places 1, 7, and 8
Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals District, Place 2
District Attorney, 53rd Judicial District
City of Austin Mayor
Austin City Council, Districts 2, 4, 6, 7, 10
Austin Community College, Trustee, Places 7 and 9
AISD At-Large Position 8

Check the sample ballot to see all of the candidates, including those running unopposed.

In addition to candidates, Travis County residents will vote for or against Proposition A, aka the Travis County CARES resolution. The proposition aims to generate ~$76 million in its first year and provide affordable child care for thousands of children in need. If approved, the proposition would be funded by a 2.5-cent property tax increase per $100 valuation, which equates to an additional ~$126 per year on the average homeowner's bill.

Voters within the Austin Independent School District will also vote on Austin ISD Proposition A, which proposes a $0.9505-cent increase per $100 valuation for taxpayers. If passed, the school district would receive an additional $41 million annually, and ~$17.8 million would be used to increase teacher pay. Property taxes for the average homeowner in Austin ISD would increase by ~$34 per month.

You've voted... now what?

Several local businesses and restaurants want to celebrate your right to vote by allowing you to show your "I Voted" sticker in exchange for free goodies.

Home Slice Pizza | Bring your sticker to either of the pizzeria's Austin locations for a free slice now through Election Day.
Austin Beerworks | On Election Day, both of the brewery's taprooms will give you a free beer if you show up with a sticker.
Kerbey Lane Cafe | Bring your sticker to a cafe on Election Day for a free pancake.
Mochinut ATX | Show your sticker at the register to receive a free donut now through Election Day.
Central Machine Works | Get a free beer between Wednesday, Oct. 30 and Election Day when you show your sticker.
Mañana Coffee | When you show your sticker at either location now through Election Day, you'll receive a free 8-ounce drip coffee.