Harris County Law Library
Screenshot taken 10/11/2021: https://www.cclerk.hctx.net/
On September 29, 2021, the Harris County Clerk’s Office (HCCO) announced that an additional 1.2 million marriage licenses are now available on its website, closing a gap in records from 1944 to 2008. So, we thought this would be a good time for a blog post on the types of records available on the HCCO’s website and how to search for them.
Read more
“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.”
"Someone struggled for your right to vote. Use it."
Today is Election Day. If you didn’t already cast your ballot during the early voting period, this is your final chance to make your mark. To help you #makeaplan and get to the polls, we call your attention to the following online initiatives. The websites linked below are designed to increase turn-out at the polls and to ensure a positive voting experience for all of the electorate.
For your best source of voting information in Harris County (and to download a sample ballot), visit HarrisVotes.org, a service of the Harris County Clerk’s Election Division, whose commitment to S.A.F.E. voting will ensure a Secure, Accessible, Fair, and Efficient voting experience for all.
Today, October 13, 2020, is the first day of early voting in Harris County. To find the early voting location near you, visit HarrisVotes.org where you will see a listing of all locations across the county, along with their posted hours of operation. Conveniently, you will also find the estimated wait time for any particular polling site simply by selecting your desired location on the map. Approximate wait times are updated regularly, in some cases, as frequently as every 15 minutes.
If your chosen early voting location has an especially long line, it will be identified with a red map marker. Nearby voting locations will be suggested for your convenience so you can avoid waiting in long lines. Locations with shorter wait times will be identified with green map markers. Look for these indicators to save time as you plan your visit to the polls.
Don’t forget to find your sample ballot online prior to visiting the polls. Wear your face mask, and bring an approved voter ID, as both are required by all who intend to cast a ballot.
Early voting ends on October 30. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the democratic process in this year’s elections.
If you prefer to vote from your car, be aware that Harris County will also offer drive-thru voting at ten locations around the Greater Houston Area:
HCC West Loop South, 5601 West Loop South
NRG Arena, 1 NRG Parkway
Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, 2025 West 11th St.
Toyota Center, 1510 Polk St.
Kingdom Builders Center, 6011 West Orem Drive
Houston Community College Alief Center, 13803 Bissonnet St.
Houston Food Bank, 535 Portwall St.
John Phelps Courthouse, 101 South Richey St., Pasadena
Fallbrook Church, 12512 Walters Road
Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble
For all other voting information in Harris County, visit the County Clerk online or call 713-755-6965. This Voting FAQ page may also provide the answers you seek. See you at the polls!
As a National Voter Registration Day partner, the Harris County Law Library is encouraging all eligible voters to get vote ready! If you are not yet registered to vote, don’t miss your opportunity. Register in September, and vote in November! Keep these important dates handy so you don’t overlook any deadlines or voting days.
Last Day To Register to Vote:
October 7
Last Day to Apply for a Ballot by Mail:
October 25
Early Voting:
October 21-26 | 7am-7pm
October 27 | 1pm-6pm
October 28 - November 1 | 7am-7pm
Election Day:
November 5 |7am-7pm
This November, voters can cast their ballots at any polling location in Harris County during Early Voting and on Election Day. Visit HarrisVotes.com to find a designated location near you or text VOTE to 1-833-YES-0700.
What’s behind the name? “Ex Libris Juris” is Latin for “from the books of law” and much of the information here will relate to the legal information collected and curated by the Law Library. Additionally, “Ex Libris” has long appeared on bookplates – labels appearing inside the front cover of books – and has acquired the connoted meaning “from the library of” to show ownership of the book. Using this connotation, the phrase becomes “from the library of law” and better describes the posts about digital resources, event announcements, and research tips that will regularly appear here.
