The Midterm Editor's note: This page was last updated November 3, 2026. Election rules, candidate fields, and poll numbers change; confirm the latest details with the linked official source before you vote.
How to vote in Texas 2026: key deadlines
| Step | Date | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Voter registration | October 5, 2026 | Your county must receive or postmark your application by this date. Texas does not offer same-day registration. |
| Early voting begins | October 19, 2026 | Open to any registered voter; no excuse needed. |
| Early voting ends | October 30, 2026 | The last day to vote early in person. |
| Mail ballot application | Set by state law | Must reach the county well before Election Day. |
| Mail ballot return | Set by state law | Strict rules on receipt, postmarks, and drop-off. |
| Election Day | Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
The registration deadline above has already passed as of late October 2026, according to the state rules summarized in our fact file. If you are not registered, check your status at Vote.gov. If you are registered, early voting ended on Friday, October 30, so today — Election Day, Tuesday, November 3 — is the last chance to vote in person. Our last-minute voting guide covers what to do if a deadline has already passed.
How to register to vote in Texas
To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the county where you register, and at least 18 years old by Election Day. Texas also restricts registration for some people with felony convictions and for people declared mentally incapacitated for voting purposes; the Texas Secretary of State explains the current eligibility rules.
Texas accepts paper applications at county elections offices, public libraries, and post offices, and you can register while renewing a driver's license or state ID. The Secretary of State lists the accepted methods. Texas does not offer same-day registration, so the registration deadline is firm. If you moved or changed your name, update your registration.
Early voting in Texas
Texas runs a fixed early voting period before each general election, and any registered voter may use it. No excuse is required.
In 2026 the window runs from Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 30, and Friday is the last day to vote early in person. If you are reading this after October 30, your remaining option is Election Day on Tuesday, November 3.
Early voting locations are set by county and are often different from your Election Day precinct. Large counties open dozens of sites, including libraries, community centers, and courthouses, with some open on weekends. Your county elections website should publish a searchable list.
Early voting is usually the fastest option, but the last few days draw crowds. Check that the site you choose serves your precinct or is an open "vote anywhere" location; county rules vary.
Mail and absentee voting in Texas
Texas calls mail voting "absentee" or "by-mail" voting, and it is more limited than in most states. You generally need an approved excuse, such as being 65 or older, having a disability, being out of the county for the entire voting period, or being in jail but otherwise eligible.
You must apply for a ballot each election, and your county must receive the application before its deadline. The Secretary of State's page lists the current deadline.
Texas requires mail ballots to be received by a set time, and its postmark rules are strict. The state offers a ballot tracker, and a rejected ballot may still be fixed through a process called curing. Your county can explain the cure steps.
ID requirements
Texas requires photo identification at the polls. The Texas Secretary of State publishes the current list of acceptable documents, which includes a Texas driver's license, a Texas personal ID card, a U.S. passport, and a U.S. military ID.
Without one of those documents, you may be able to sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and show a supporting document, such as a voter registration certificate, a birth certificate, or a current utility bill. The Secretary of State's page lists the supporting documents. You can still vote, but you may be asked to vote provisionally and return later with ID.
Polling hours and locations
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. statewide on Election Day. Voters who are in line when polls close are generally allowed to vote.
Your polling place is assigned by precinct and may differ from your early voting site. Find it through the Texas Secretary of State, your county elections office, or Vote.gov.
What's on the ballot
The top of the Texas ballot is the U.S. Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico. Our Texas Senate race hub tracks the matchup, and the Ken Paxton and James Talarico profiles cover the candidates.
Every U.S. House seat from Texas is also on the ballot, along with seats in the Texas Legislature, the State Board of Education, and state judicial races. County and local contests, bond packages, and charter amendments vary by jurisdiction. Results will be posted on our results page after polls close. For a comparison of mail-voting rules, see the Florida voting guide.
Accessibility and language assistance
Texas counties must provide accessible voting equipment and curbside voting at polling places. Ask your county elections office about curbside service at your site. Voters may bring a person of their choice to help them vote, though employers, union agents, and candidates' agents are generally restricted from assisting.
Language assistance is required in some counties under federal law and is provided voluntarily in others. The Secretary of State publishes the counties and languages covered. Ask a poll worker for help rather than leaving without voting.
Official links
See also our state voting guides and 2026 election results.
- Vote.gov — registration and polling place lookup.
- Texas Secretary of State, Elections — statewide rules and county links.
- National Conference of State Legislatures — state-by-state comparison.
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission — federal guidance and accessibility resources.
Your state or county elections office is the final authority. If this guide and an official disagree, follow the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Texas voter registration deadline in 2026?
October 5, 2026. Texas has no same-day registration, so check your status before planning to vote.
Can I register to vote online in Texas?
Texas's registration process is mainly paper-based. The Secretary of State lists the accepted methods, including applications at county offices, libraries, and driver's license offices.
Do I need an excuse to vote by mail in Texas?
Usually yes. Texas limits mail ballots to voters who meet specific criteria, such as being 65 or older or having a disability. The Secretary of State lists the full set of excuses.
What ID do I need to vote in Texas?
A current photo ID, such as a Texas driver's license, U.S. passport, or military ID. Voters without one may sign a declaration and show a supporting document, or vote provisionally.
When does early voting start in Texas in 2026?
Early voting ran from Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 30, 2026. Today, Tuesday, November 3, is Election Day and the last chance to vote.
Sources
- Texas Secretary of State, Elections — accessed November 3, 2026.
- Vote.gov — accessed November 3, 2026.
- National Conference of State Legislatures, Elections and Campaigns — accessed November 3, 2026.
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission — accessed November 3, 2026.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, and county practices vary. Confirm every deadline with the Texas Secretary of State or your county elections office before you vote.