Texas gears up for a range of local elections on May 4, Texas voters have critical decisions to make. In San Antonio, Bexar County residents are set to vote for the first time on who will represent them on the Bexar Appraisal District’s board of directors. The San Antonio Report provides a comprehensive guide on everything from sample ballots to special propositions and school bond measures totaling a hefty $290 million in Medina Valley ISD.

Meanwhile, Houston-area voters are looking to fill the vacated Texas Senate seat of former Senator John Whitmire. Candidates Jarvis Johnson and Molly Cook are vying for the spot in a Senate District 15 race that's heating up the ballot. These developments coincide with key races for the Harris County Appraisal District's board, as reported by KHOU. Those who missed early voting can still cast their vote from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Eligibility to vote in these local elections is straightforward. One must be a U.S. citizen, resident of the county, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. Disqualifiers include being a convicted felon whose sentence has yet to be fully served or being declared mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a court. Voters can confirm their registration status through VoteTexas.com or local government sites like HarrisVotes.org.

Both sources underline the importance of bringing one of the seven forms of approved photo identification to the polls. Those without such ID can complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at their polling location and provide alternative documentation.