LIVE BLOG: Election updates, latest news and results

AUSTIN, Texas - It's Election Day! The latest election news and updates from around Central Texas.

For full stories and other election news, you can go to FOX 7 Austin Election.

8:57 a.m.

Won't have to worry about the weather when you head out to the polls today. Zack Shields says the rain is turning off and the weather is quickly improving just in time for Election Day.

Behind the front it will feel more like Autumn with highs in the low 70s and low humidity.

Click here for Zack's full forecast or watch below.

Austin weather: Cooler temperatures arrive

The storms rolled through last night. Will we see more rain this week? Zack Shields talks about that and cooler temperatures in his full forecast.

8:26 a.m.

A news release from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announces that the U.S. Department of Justice will not enter Texas polling and central count locations after Paxton sued the DOJ. The news release is as follows:

"The U.S. Department of Justice agreed last night not to enter Texas polling and central count locations or otherwise interfere with the administration of Texas elections just hours after Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the DOJ over its announcement that it would send federal agents to "monitor" Texas elections."

"On November 1, just four days before Election Day, DOJ announced that it would deploy federal election "monitors" to eight Texas counties, including Atascosa, Bexar, Dallas, Frio, Harris, Hays, Palo Pinto, and Waller. The Texas Secretary of State immediately notified DOJ that Texas law does not permit federal "monitors" inside a polling place or central counting station. On November 4, Attorney General Paxton sued DOJ and federal officials, noting no federal statute authorizes the Biden-Harris Administration to dispatch federal agents to "monitor" State elections when they are prohibited by State laws."

"Following Attorney General Paxton’s lawsuit and request for a temporary restraining order, DOJ reversed course and agreed to abide by Texas election law. Per the agreement, all DOJ "monitors" will remain outside of polling and central count locations, abide by Texas laws governing conduct within 100 feet of those locations, and refrain from interfering with any voters attempting to cast ballots."

"Further, a federal judge ordered the Biden-Harris Administration to confirm that no "monitors" will be present at Texas polling locations or enter tabulation centers in violation of Texas law. Election administrators and members of the public should immediately report any violations of this agreement to appropriate local election officials and to the Office of the Attorney General at illegalvoting@oag.texas.gov. Texas’s lawsuit against the DOJ will remain pending until the conclusion of the election to ensure DOJ’s compliance."

7:46 a.m.

Last minute early voting in Texas

Eight polling sites in Travis County extended their hours for the last two days of early voting in the state for the 2024 election.

Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson says in a news release that a little more than 9 million Texans cast ballots during early voting.

Secretary Nelson also recognized the work of those who will be conducting the elections in Texas counties and encouraged Texas voters to show respect to election officials.

"I want to thank all the election workers who make this process possible, and I encourage voters to live up Texas’ friendly reputation when casting their ballots," said Secretary Nelson.

7:43 a.m.

Reminder from Austin Police Department that there will be increased patrol officers on Election Day to ensure voters feel safe and free from intimidation.

7:28 a.m.

Election 2024: Polls open in Texas

It's time to go out and vote! Jessica Rivera has all the details on what you need if you're heading out to cast your ballot.

Polls are now open in Texas! Polls will remain open until 7 p.m. (CT), but in El Paso, because they are in Mountain Time, closing at 8 p.m. (CT).

Any registered voter who did not vote early, may vote in person on Nov. 5, 2024. Anyone in the following counties is able to vote at any polling location within the county they reside.

To double-check in your specific county, visit the Am I Registered portal on the Secretary of State’s website. It will list the locations where you can vote.

Do I need an ID to vote in Texas?

In order to vote in person during early voting or on election day, Texas voters will be asked to present an acceptable form of photo ID. Here is a list of the acceptable forms of photo ID:

Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
United States Passport (book or card)

Here is a list of the supporting forms of ID that can be presented if the voter does not possess an acceptable form of photo identification and cannot reasonably obtain one:

Copy or original of a government document that shows the voter’s name and address, including the voter’s voter registration certificate
Copy of or original current utility bill
Copy of or original bank statement
Copy of or original government check
Copy of or original paycheck
Copy of or original of (a) a certified domestic (from a U.S. state or territory) birth certificate or (b) a document confirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity (which may include a foreign birth document)

For more information on acceptable forms of ID and what you can do if you do not have one, click here.

Texas: The Issue Is - 2024 Election Special

The Texas: The Issue Is 2024 Election Special breaks down the key issues and races across Texas. Senator Ted Cruz and his challenger, Congressman Colin Allred sit down to talk about their race. Plus, a look at the presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and the issues that could drive Texas voters to the polls.