The Texas Voter Guide for the November 3, 2026, general election helps voters understand Election Day procedures, polling hours, voter identification requirements, major races, and the information needed to cast a ballot. Texans are voting in a significant midterm election that includes contests for governor, the U.S. Senate, congressional seats, state legislative offices, and other positions. Special elections are also scheduled in selected Texas legislative districts.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls across Texas are scheduled to open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. local time. Voters should confirm their registration status, identify their assigned polling location, review the candidates on their local ballot, and bring an acceptable form of identification before heading out to vote.
This guide covers the essential information Texas voters need for the current election, including voting eligibility, ballot preparation, polling-place rules, and important deadlines.
Texas General Election 2026: Key Information
The November general election gives eligible Texas voters the opportunity to choose candidates for federal, state, and certain local offices. The specific contests appearing on an individual’s ballot depend on their residential address, congressional and legislative districts, county, and participating local jurisdictions.
The following dates and details are especially important for Election Day.
- Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
- Polling hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
- Voter registration deadline: October 5, 2026.
- Early voting period: October 19 through October 30, 2026.
- Deadline to apply for a ballot by mail: October 23, 2026, for the regular November election.
- Regular Election Day mail-ballot receipt deadline: 7 p.m. on November 3, subject to specific exceptions for qualifying late-arriving ballots.
The regular voter registration and early voting deadlines have passed. Eligible registered voters who have not yet voted can generally cast their ballots in person on Election Day at an authorized location.
Voters who have already submitted a mail ballot should pay attention to the applicable delivery rules and any ballot-tracking information available through their county election office.
Who Is on the Texas Ballot in 2026?
The 2026 Texas general election features several high-profile statewide contests, along with congressional, legislative, judicial, and local races. Voters should review their own sample ballot rather than assume every race or candidate appears throughout the state.
U.S. Senate Election
The U.S. Senate contest is one of the major races in the 2026 Texas election.
The general-election candidates include Republican Ken Paxton, Democrat James Talarico, and Libertarian Ted Brown. The winner will represent Texas in the U.S. Senate for a six-year term.
The race has attracted considerable attention because it could influence the balance of power in Congress. Voters may wish to compare the candidates’ positions on the economy, federal spending, immigration, health care, energy policy, and other national issues before making a decision.
Texas Governor’s Race
The governor’s election is another central contest on the 2026 ballot.
The listed candidates include Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa, and Libertarian candidate Pat Dixon.
The governor serves as the state’s chief executive, signs or vetoes legislation, appoints officials to various state positions, and plays a significant role in setting the administration’s policy priorities.
Voters comparing the candidates may consider their records and proposals concerning public education, property taxes, border security, economic development, transportation, health care, and the state budget.
Lieutenant Governor
The lieutenant governor presides over the Texas Senate and has substantial influence over the legislative agenda.
The 2026 general-election candidates include Republican incumbent Dan Patrick, Democrat Vikki Goodwin, Libertarian Anthony Cristo, and Green Party candidate Kevin McCormick.
The office is particularly important because the lieutenant governor helps shape legislative priorities, committee assignments, and the consideration of state policy proposals.
Attorney General
The Texas attorney general represents the state in many civil legal matters and leads the Office of the Attorney General.
The 2026 candidates include Republican Mayes Middleton, Democrat Nathan Johnson, and Libertarian Tom Oxford.
This contest is separate from the U.S. Senate race. Ken Paxton, who previously served as Texas attorney general, is running for the Senate rather than seeking another term in the attorney general’s office.
Other Statewide, Congressional, and Local Races
Texas voters may also encounter contests for state comptroller, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner, the Texas Railroad Commission, judicial positions, the State Board of Education, and seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and Texas Legislature.
The candidates and offices shown on the ballot depend on the voter’s district. Some voters will also see county, municipal, school district, or other local contests and ballot measures where elections are being held.
The most reliable way to identify every race on your ballot is to review the official sample ballot for your county and voting precinct. Statewide candidate lists provide useful background, but they do not replace a personalized ballot review.
Where to Vote in Texas on Election Day
Finding the correct polling place is one of the most important steps in the Texas Voter Guide. The location where you may vote on November 3 depends on your county’s election arrangements and your voter registration address.
Texas does not have one statewide rule allowing every voter to use any polling place on Election Day.
In counties participating in the Countywide Polling Place Program, registered voters may generally vote at any authorized countywide voting center. In counties that do not participate, voters generally must use their assigned Election Day polling location.
During the early voting period, eligible voters could vote at any authorized early voting location within their county of residence. That flexibility should not be confused with Election Day rules.
To identify the correct polling place, voters should:
- Check their voter registration information and voting precinct.
- Review the Election Day polling locations designated by their county.
- Confirm the location’s operating hours and any county-specific instructions.
- Verify that the location is an authorized voting site for their precinct or countywide voting program.
Polling locations can differ from those used in previous elections. A familiar community center, library, or school should not be assumed to be the correct location without checking the current information.
Texas Voter Registration Requirements
Texas generally requires voters to be registered in the county where they reside before voting in an election. Eligible voters must satisfy the state’s citizenship, age, residency, and other legal requirements.
For the November 3, 2026, general election, the regular registration deadline was October 5. Someone who missed that deadline generally cannot register for this election on Election Day.
Voters who registered earlier should verify their status if they have recently moved, changed their name, or are unsure whether their registration remains active.
A voter registration certificate can be useful when visiting a polling place, although it is not ordinarily a substitute for an acceptable photo ID when the voter possesses one of the approved forms.
Checking Registration Information
Voters should review the information associated with their registration, including their county and voting precinct. This can help prevent confusion about polling locations and the offices that appear on their ballots.
If a registration record cannot be located, voters should contact their county voter registrar or the appropriate election official for guidance. Election officials can explain whether the voter appears on the registration list and what options may be available under Texas law.
If a person’s name does not exactly match the registration list, election officials may determine that the names are substantially similar. In that situation, the voter may be required to sign an affidavit confirming their identity.
Texas Voter ID Requirements for 2026
Texas generally requires voters casting ballots in person to present one of seven approved forms of photo identification. Understanding these requirements before leaving home can help make the voting process smoother.
The seven accepted forms of photo ID are:
- Texas driver’s license issued by the Department of Public Safety.
- Texas Election Identification Certificate.
- Texas personal identification card issued by the Department of Public Safety.
- Texas handgun license issued by the Department of Public Safety.
- U.S. military identification card containing the voter’s photograph.
- U.S. citizenship certificate containing the voter’s photograph.
- U.S. passport book or passport card.
For voters ages 18 through 69, an otherwise acceptable photo ID generally may be expired for no more than four years. Voters who are 70 or older may use an otherwise valid approved photo ID that has been expired for any length of time. A U.S. citizenship certificate is not subject to the same expiration rule.
What If You Do Not Have an Approved Photo ID?
Texas provides an alternative procedure for certain voters who do not possess an approved photo ID and cannot reasonably obtain one.
These voters may present a supporting identification document and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polling place.
Depending on the circumstances, acceptable supporting documents may include:
- A current utility bill.
- A bank statement.
- A government check.
- A paycheck.
- A government document showing the voter’s name and address, including a voter registration certificate.
- A qualifying birth certificate or other permitted birth document.
The voter must follow the required declaration procedure and provide supporting identification. This alternative is not a general option for someone who possesses an approved photo ID but simply forgot to bring it.
If a voter has an approved photo ID but does not have it at the polling place, the voter may cast a provisional ballot or return with the identification before polls close. To have the provisional ballot counted, the voter generally must complete the applicable verification process with the county voter registrar within six calendar days after Election Day.
Voters facing identification difficulties should explain their circumstances to the election officials rather than assume they are automatically disqualified from voting.
Voting Hours and What Happens at the Polls
For the November 3, 2026, general election, Texas polling places are scheduled to operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Voters should allow enough time to reach the correct location, complete the check-in process, and mark their ballots. Lines may vary by location, and the amount of time required cannot be guaranteed.
Texas law generally allows voters who are in line or waiting to enter the polling place when voting closes at 7 p.m. to cast their ballots. Election officials administer the closing process and determine which voters are entitled to remain and vote.
At the polling place, voters can generally expect the following process:
- Check in with election workers and provide the required identification.
- Confirm the information needed to establish eligibility.
- Receive the ballot or instructions for the voting system used at that location.
- Review the ballot and select candidates or ballot measures.
- Follow the instructions to submit the completed ballot.
Voting systems may differ between counties. Some locations use paper ballots, while others use electronic ballot-marking equipment or related systems.
Voters should read the instructions on the ballot carefully, verify their selections before submitting it, and ask a poll worker for procedural assistance if needed. Election workers can explain how to use the equipment without directing voters toward particular candidates.
How to Review Your Texas Sample Ballot
A sample ballot allows voters to prepare before entering the polling place. It can help identify unfamiliar offices, compare candidates, and understand which contests are relevant to a particular address.
Texas ballots may include federal, statewide, district, county, judicial, and local races. Not every voter will see the same candidates or measures.
A useful ballot review should cover the following areas:
- Candidate information: Identify each candidate running for the offices on your ballot.
- Responsibilities of each office: Understand what the position does and which powers it holds.
- Policy positions: Compare candidates’ stated proposals and records on issues that matter to you.
- Ballot measures: Review the exact wording and legal effect of any propositions or local questions.
- District-specific races: Pay particular attention to congressional, legislative, judicial, and local contests that may not appear on other voters’ ballots.
Voters should distinguish between a candidate’s official statements, independent commentary, campaign advertising, and confirmed election information. A claim appearing in a political advertisement should not automatically be treated as an established fact.
The goal of reviewing a sample ballot is to make informed decisions while recognizing that the final official ballot is determined by the election authorities responsible for the voter’s jurisdiction.
Texas Mail-in Voting Rules and Ballot Deadlines
Texas has more restrictive eligibility requirements for voting by mail than some other states. A registered voter generally must qualify under one of the categories established by state law to receive a mail ballot.
Eligible categories include voters who:
- Will be 65 or older on Election Day.
- Have a disability that meets the applicable legal requirements.
- Expect to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day.
- Will be confined in jail but otherwise eligible to vote.
- Will be absent from their county during the early voting period and on Election Day, subject to the applicable requirements.
For the November 3 general election, the regular deadline for election officials to receive an application for a ballot by mail was October 23, 2026. Applications generally had to be received by the deadline rather than merely postmarked.
Voters who already have a mail ballot should carefully follow the instructions included with it. Texas requires specific identifying information on the application and the ballot materials, including an eligible Texas driver’s license, personal identification, or Election Identification Certificate number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number, as applicable.
Returning a Mail Ballot
For most domestic mail voters, the regular deadline for the completed ballot to be received is 7 p.m. on Election Day. Certain exceptions apply to qualifying ballots that are postmarked by the deadline but arrive later.
Under the applicable rules, qualifying domestic ballots may be received by 5 p.m. on the first business day after Election Day when the required postmark conditions are satisfied. Additional deadlines apply to eligible military and overseas voters, including certain ballots covered by a Federal Post Card Application.
Voters should not assume that every late-arriving ballot qualifies for an extension. The applicable deadline depends on the voter’s circumstances and the ballot’s mailing and receipt details.
Texas also permits qualifying voters to hand-deliver their completed mail ballots to the early voting clerk’s office under specific rules. On Election Day, the regular hand-delivery deadline is 7 p.m., and the voter must provide acceptable identification.
Voters who have questions about a ballot that has already been mailed should contact their county election office promptly to determine the applicable procedures.
Accessible Voting Options in Texas
Texas provides voting assistance and accessibility options for eligible voters who need additional support.
Voters with disabilities may be eligible for curbside voting when they cannot enter the polling place without assistance or potential harm to their health. The availability and procedures should be confirmed with the county election office before traveling to the location.
Polling places also provide procedures for voters who need assistance marking or casting a ballot. Depending on the circumstances, a voter may receive assistance from a person of their choice or from an election official, subject to Texas law.
Voters who have difficulty reading or marking a ballot should tell an election worker what assistance they need. The assistance must follow applicable election rules and preserve the voter’s ability to make their own selections.
Other provisions may apply to voters with qualifying disabilities, religious objections to being photographed, or certain natural-disaster-related identification difficulties. These exceptions have specific eligibility and documentation requirements.
Planning ahead can help voters identify the appropriate location, request necessary assistance, and understand what documentation may be required.
Latest Texas Election Updates for November 3, 2026
The latest confirmed election information identifies November 3 as the date of the Texas general election, with polling scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. The regular early voting period ended October 30, and the ordinary registration and mail-ballot application deadlines have passed.
The statewide contests include the U.S. Senate and governor’s races, alongside elections for other state offices and federal and state legislative seats. Local election jurisdictions are responsible for preparing official ballots and providing location-specific voting information.
Two legislative special elections are also scheduled for November 3: one for Texas Senate District 22 and another for Texas House District 93. Only voters eligible for the relevant districts will participate in those contests.
Election results should be distinguished from projections, unofficial returns, and final certified results. Results may be reported at different times as counties count ballots and election officials complete required procedures. A candidate being ahead in an incomplete count does not, by itself, establish that the race has been officially decided.
No specific outcome should be treated as confirmed without an official announcement or sufficiently verified reporting. Voters seeking results should check the status of their particular race and whether the reported figures are unofficial, projected, or certified.
Important Mistakes Texas Voters Should Avoid
A few common mistakes can create unnecessary problems on Election Day. Voters can reduce the risk of delays by checking the details before heading to the polls.
Going to the wrong polling place: Do not rely exclusively on the location used in a previous election. Check the current Election Day location and whether your county permits countywide voting.
Assuming early voting remains available: Early voting for the November 3 general election ended October 30. Voters who have not yet cast a ballot should use an authorized Election Day location.
Forgetting acceptable identification: Bring an approved photo ID if you possess one. If you cannot reasonably obtain an approved ID, review the alternative identification procedure rather than assuming you cannot vote.
Overlooking local races: A ballot may include important county, judicial, legislative, school district, or municipal contests in addition to statewide elections.
Missing mail-ballot instructions: A ballot must satisfy the applicable identification, return, postmark, and receipt requirements. Mailing a ballot does not automatically guarantee that it will be counted.
Treating unofficial election information as final: Candidate claims, social media posts, early returns, and projections are not substitutes for official election information.
These precautions help voters navigate the process while reducing avoidable confusion.
Final Thoughts on the Texas Voter Guide
The Texas Voter Guide for 2026 provides an overview of the candidates, voting requirements, polling hours, identification rules, and election procedures relevant to the November 3 general election. With contests for the U.S. Senate, governor, other statewide offices, Congress, the Texas Legislature, and local positions, the election gives eligible voters several opportunities to influence government at different levels.
The most important steps are to verify your registration, confirm your assigned polling location or countywide voting options, bring acceptable identification, and review your sample ballot before voting. Polls are scheduled to close at 7 p.m. local time, and voters who are in line when the polls close generally retain the right to vote under Texas law.
Election information can vary by county and district, so voters should confirm location-specific details with the appropriate election officials. As returns become available, it is also important to distinguish unofficial counts from projected winners and certified results.
Share your thoughts on the 2026 Texas election in the comments, and stay updated for verified developments on candidates, voting procedures, and election results.