Texas early voting begins Monday, Oct. 19, for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Registered voters can cast ballots in person through Friday, Oct. 30.
Texas has more than 19 million registered voters, according to the Texas Secretary of State. Ballots include federal, statewide, legislative, county and local contests, depending on each voter’s address.
Texas Early Voting Dates and Locations
Any registered Texas voter may vote early in person. No special reason or application is required.
The statewide early voting period runs from Oct. 19 through Oct. 30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, when polls will generally operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
During early voting, voters may use any early voting location within their county of registration. Locations and operating hours vary by county. The state’s My Voter Portal provides registration details and polling-place information.
Harris County vote centers will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on most early voting days. Sunday voting on Oct. 25 will run from noon to 7 p.m., according to the Harris County Clerk’s Office.
What Identification Is Required?
Texas voters must generally present one of seven approved forms of photo identification:
- Texas driver license
- Texas personal identification card
- Texas Election Identification Certificate
- Texas handgun license
- U.S. military identification card with a photograph
- U.S. citizenship certificate with a photograph
- U.S. passport book or card
For voters ages 18 through 69, an approved ID may be expired for up to four years. Voters age 70 or older may use an otherwise valid approved ID that has been expired for any length of time.
A voter who cannot reasonably obtain an approved photo ID may present a supporting document. Options include a voter registration certificate, utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government document. The voter must also complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
The address on the identification does not have to match the voter registration address. Full requirements are available through VoteTexas.gov.
Mail Ballot Deadline Approaches
Texas limits voting by mail to certain eligible voters. That includes voters who are 65 or older, sick or disabled, expecting to give birth near Election Day, or absent from their county throughout early voting and Election Day.
Other eligible groups include certain jailed voters and people under qualifying civil commitments.
County election officials must receive mail ballot applications by Friday, Oct. 23. The deadline is based on receipt, not the application’s postmark.
Applications and ballot carrier envelopes must include an approved identification number. Voters may provide a Texas driver license, personal ID or Election Identification Certificate number. Those without one may provide the last four digits of their Social Security number.
Most completed mail ballots must arrive by 7 p.m. on Election Day. A ballot postmarked by that deadline may arrive by 5 p.m. on Nov. 4. Different rules may apply to military and overseas voters.
Check Registration and Review the Ballot
The voter registration deadline for this election was Oct. 5. Registered voters can confirm their status, find county election contacts and review available voting information online.
Sample ballots are also available through many county election websites. Because races and local measures vary by address, reviewing a sample ballot can help voters prepare before entering the voting booth.
Early voting gives Texans nearly two weeks to participate before Election Day. Election officials encourage voters to confirm their registration, polling location and required identification before leaving for the polls.