The texas sample ballot november 2026 gives registered voters an opportunity to review the candidates, statewide offices, judicial contests, and local election questions appearing in the November 3 general election. Texans are heading to the polls today to decide several important political races, including contests for governor, U.S. Senate, and other influential state positions. Checking the correct ballot before voting can help residents understand their choices and avoid confusion at polling locations.
The 2026 midterm election is an important voting opportunity for communities throughout Texas. All 38 U.S. House seats are being contested, alongside numerous state legislative and judicial positions. Local elections also add another layer to the ballot, making it important for voters to identify their specific precinct and district.
Election Day Arrives Across Texas on November 3
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, is Election Day throughout Texas. Polling locations are scheduled to operate from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
The regular early voting period ran from October 19 through October 30. Voters who did not participate during that period can still cast their ballots today if they meet the applicable eligibility requirements.
Texas election officials encourage residents to check their polling arrangements before traveling. Voting locations can differ depending on the county and election precinct.
Some counties participate in the Countywide Polling Place Program. This arrangement allows eligible voters to cast ballots at participating locations anywhere within their county. Other counties require voters to visit their assigned precinct location.
Which Major Candidates Are Appearing on the Texas Ballot?
Several statewide contests are attracting attention during the 2026 election. These races will determine who occupies important executive, legislative, and regulatory positions.
The statewide sample ballot identifies the following major contests.
U.S. Senate
The Texas U.S. Senate election features three candidates:
- Ken Paxton — Republican
- James Talarico — Democrat
- Ted Brown — Libertarian
The winning candidate will represent Texas in the U.S. Senate for a six-year term. The position carries responsibilities involving federal legislation, government spending, national security, and presidential appointments.
Governor
The governor’s contest includes:
- Greg Abbott — Republican
- Gina Hinojosa — Democrat
- Pat Dixon — Libertarian
The governor leads the state’s executive branch and plays an important role in implementing Texas laws, overseeing state agencies, and responding to emergencies.
Lieutenant Governor
Candidates for lieutenant governor include Dan Patrick, Vikki Goodwin, Anthony Cristo, and Kevin McCormick.
The position is particularly influential because the lieutenant governor presides over the Texas Senate and helps guide legislative proceedings.
Attorney General
The candidates are Mayes Middleton, Nathan Johnson, and Tom Oxford.
The attorney general serves as Texas’ chief legal officer. Responsibilities include representing the state in legal proceedings and providing legal guidance to government agencies.
Other Statewide Contests
Voters will also encounter elections involving the following offices:
| Office | Republican | Democratic |
|---|---|---|
| Comptroller | Don Huffines | Sarah Eckhardt |
| Land Commissioner | Dawn Buckingham | Benjamin Flores |
| Agriculture Commissioner | Nate Sheets | Clayton Tucker |
| Railroad Commissioner | Bo French | Jon Rosenthal |
Additional Libertarian and Green Party candidates appear in several of these contests.
Why the Correct County Ballot Matters
Texas voters do not all receive identical ballots. Although statewide contests remain consistent, local and district-level elections depend on where someone lives.
For example, a registered voter in Dallas County may have different congressional and county candidates from a resident of Harris County.
The same distinction applies to state legislative districts, judicial districts, school boards, and municipal elections.
A county election office prepares the ballot styles used within its jurisdiction. Some counties publish multiple versions because different precincts participate in different local elections.
Residents should identify their registration county and voting precinct before selecting a sample ballot.
How to Locate Your Individual Voting Ballot
Finding the correct document involves a few straightforward steps.
- Confirm the county associated with your Texas voter registration.
- Visit the county election office’s official website.
- Find the November 3, 2026, General Election section.
- Locate the sample ballot or voter lookup service.
- Enter the requested registration or precinct information.
- Open the ballot that matches your residential voting district.
Some counties offer searchable voter information systems, while others organize downloadable PDFs by precinct.
The statewide sample provides a general overview of major offices. However, the county-specific document is more useful when checking every contest that will appear on an individual ballot.
Congressional and Texas Legislative Elections
Federal representation is another significant part of the November election.
All 38 Texas seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election. However, voters only participate in the congressional contest associated with their district.
The 2026 election follows the state’s congressional redistricting changes. Consequently, voters should confirm their current district rather than relying on information from an older election cycle.
Texas legislative elections also cover important positions.
All 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives are being contested. Meanwhile, 16 of the Texas Senate’s 31 seats are scheduled for election.
These lawmakers influence state policies involving education, transportation, public safety, taxation, and government spending.
Judicial Elections Also Deserve Attention
Texas voters will encounter several judicial contests during the November election.
The statewide sample includes elections for the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals.
The Texas Supreme Court handles civil appeals and significant questions involving state law. The Court of Criminal Appeals serves as the state’s highest court for criminal cases.
Judicial candidates may receive less public attention than gubernatorial or congressional candidates. Nevertheless, these elections matter because judges make decisions that affect legal proceedings and the interpretation of state laws.
Voters should review candidates’ professional experience and qualifications before making their selections.
Local Elections Can Change the Ballot Significantly
Some of the most important decisions on a voter’s ballot may involve local government.
Depending on the jurisdiction, residents may encounter elections for:
- County commissioners and judges.
- District attorneys and county clerks.
- City council members and mayors.
- School board trustees.
- Justices of the peace.
- Constables.
- Municipal utility district representatives.
Local propositions may also appear when a city, school district, or special-purpose district has scheduled a ballot question.
These contests are not universal. A voter should examine the complete county-specific ballot to avoid overlooking them.
Identification Requirements for Texas Voters
Texas requires most in-person voters to present an acceptable form of photo identification.
The seven approved forms include:
- Texas driver’s license.
- Texas Election Identification Certificate.
- Texas personal identification card.
- Texas handgun license.
- U.S. military identification card with a photograph.
- U.S. citizenship certificate with a photograph.
- U.S. passport or passport card.
Voters who cannot reasonably obtain an approved photo ID may qualify to use an alternative identification procedure. This involves presenting an acceptable supporting document and completing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
Eligible voters should speak with election officials if they have questions about identification requirements.
What Should Voters Remember Before Heading to the Polls?
Preparation can make the voting experience easier, especially when a ballot contains numerous unfamiliar contests.
Review the candidates, identify the local offices, and understand the responsibilities associated with each position. Check the polling location and bring the required identification.
Remember that a sample ballot is intended for preparation. It cannot replace the official ballot provided at the voting location.
Election Day polling hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters who are already waiting in line when the polls close must be allowed to cast their ballots.
Final Thoughts
Texas voters have important decisions to make in the November 3 general election. From the U.S. Senate and governor contests to congressional, judicial, and local positions, the results will influence the state’s political direction.
Taking time to identify the correct precinct ballot and understand the available choices can help residents participate confidently.
Have you reviewed your ballot for today’s Texas election? Share your questions and stay informed about the latest election developments.