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The process
There are three stages: apply for your ballot, fill it out correctly, and return it on time. Start with applying.
Texas law requires you to show one of these seven acceptable forms of photo ID at the polls:
What is a provisional ballot?
A provisional ballot allows you to still vote. After Election Day, officials investigate whether you were eligible and registered. If you were, your vote gets counted.
A primary runoff happens when no candidate in a primary race received more than 50% of the vote. The top two finishers face off one more time, head to head, winner take all. In 2026, the runoff was held in May, well before the November general.
The general election is the one most people think of when they hear "Election Day." It's where party nominees face each other, along with any independent or third-party candidates, to decide who actually holds public office. This November is a midterm, so the entire ballot is up and down the state.
In Texas, general elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years. In 2026, that's November 3.
The most important deadline comes early. You must be registered by October 5 to vote in November. Confirm your status at VoteTexas.gov and sign up for our election updates newsletter so you never miss a date.
A special election is called outside the regular election calendar to fill a vacant seat or decide a specific issue, such as a resignation, a death in office, or a statewide ballot measure that can't wait until November.
Special elections in Texas are called by the Governor and can happen at almost any time of year.
Texas law requires you to show one of these seven acceptable forms of photo ID at the polls:
Pay attention to special elections. Because they're unscheduled, they often fly under the radar. Check your county election office's website or VoteTexas.gov to stay informed.
Texas law requires you to show one of these seven acceptable forms of photo ID at the polls:
Any registered voter who is 65 years of age or older on Election Day.
If a sickness or disability prevents you from voting in person without personal assistance or risk of injury to your health.
If you will be outside your county of residence during the entire early voting period and on Election Day.
Texas law requires you to show one of these seven acceptable forms of photo ID at the polls:
What is a provisional ballot?
A provisional ballot allows you to still vote. After Election Day, officials investigate whether you were eligible and registered. If you were, your vote gets counted.
What you’r getting
Step 1
Made a mistake? No problem. Before you cast your ballot, ask a poll worker for a new one so you can correct it.
Step 2
If you are in line by 7:00 PM when the polls close, you are legally allowed to vote.
Do not leave the line until you have cast your ballot. Poll workers are required to let everyone in line vote.
Step 3
Made a mistake? No problem. Before you cast your ballot, ask a poll worker for a new one so you can correct it.
Here's what low turnout actually means:
The deadlines will sneak up faster than you think. Sign up for updates and we'll make sure you never miss the date that matters, starting with the October 5 registration cutoff.
The basics
This November, Texas decides on the governor, a U.S. Senate seat, and every statewide office. There's a lot of time between now and then, and a few deadlines you don't want to miss. Sign up for election updates and we'll send the reminders that matter, right when they matter.
Common Questions
A few things thst come up often about the mail ballot process in Texas.
A limited ballot only includes races that appear on both your old county's ballot and your new county's ballot. In Texas, that typically includes statewide races (like Governor or U.S. Senate) and federal races for districts that span both counties. Local races specific to one county won't appear.
For the November general, this means you'll likely vote on statewide races but may miss some county-level or district-specific contests that differ between your old and new county.
No. The November 3 general election is not a party primary. Every registered voter receives the same general-election ballot for their districts, so there's no party ballot to choose. Your limited ballot simply covers the races shared by your old and new county.
No. Limited ballots are only available during the early voting period, October 19–30, 2026, at the main early voting polling place in your new county. They are not available on Election Day (November 3).
If you miss the early voting window, your only option on Election Day would be to return to your old precinct in your former county, but only if you still live within the political subdivision holding that election.
The same photo ID required for any in-person voting in Texas. Acceptable forms include:
If you don't have one of these and can't reasonably obtain one, you may use a supporting document and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration. See the Vote in Person guide for details.
Contact the Early Voting Clerk in your new county directly. They can confirm your eligibility, point you to the correct location, and answer questions specific to your situation. Find their contact information in our county directory.
You can also call the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline for free, unbiased guidance:
