Allen voters head back to the ballot box today with a mayoral showdown topping a ballot otherwise packed with quiet, uncontested races. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., and early voting last week showed brisk turnout across Collin County. Whether you are picking a new mayor or weighing in on school board seats, expect standard Election Day lines, and do not forget an accepted photo ID.
Where and when to vote
On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Texas rules allow anyone who is in line by 7 p.m. to vote. Collin County uses a countywide polling-place program that lets registered voters cast a ballot at any polling location inside the county, not just a neighborhood precinct site. For a full list of vote centers and hours, see Collin County Elections.
Who’s on the ballot
The only contested local race in Allen is the mayoral contest between Chris Schulmeister and Dave Shafer. Several other local races, including City Council Place 2 and two Allen ISD board seats, are uncontested. KERAnews profiles both candidates and notes that Schulmeister is highlighting downtown revitalization and aging-infrastructure investments, while Shafer is emphasizing public safety and fiscal restraint. The incumbent, Mayor Baine Brooks, is completing his final term and is not seeking reelection, according to Community Impact.
Allen polling locations
Inside Allen, Collin County lists two polling sites for today's election: the Allen ISD Service Center at 1451 N. Watters Road and the Allen Municipal Courts Facility at 301 Century Parkway. These locations appear in the county’s official polling-location notices from Collin County and will follow the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule. Check the list before you head out in case a site changes or hours are adjusted.
What to bring
Voters must present one of seven accepted photo IDs to cast a regular ballot. Accepted IDs include a Texas driver’s license, a Texas Election Identification Certificate, a Texas personal ID, a Texas handgun license, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. military ID. If you do not have an acceptable photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one, you may complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present a supporting document such as a utility bill or bank statement. The state lists the full set of acceptable IDs and alternatives on VoteTexas.
Turnout and what to watch Tuesday night
Community Impact reports that more than 17,000 Collin County voters cast ballots during the last Monday to Tuesday's early voting period, a number that could signal pockets of heavy turnout in Allen. Unofficial results will begin appearing after polls close at 7 p.m. and will be updated through the night, according to NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth. If you want a sample ballot or need to check your voter status, you can look up your precinct on the county elections page or the state voter portal before heading to the polls.
