By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Texans will head to the polls this fall to cast ballots in the 2026 midterm election.

Voters will select candidates for statewide offices, including governor and U.S. senator, as well as members of Congress, state lawmakers, judges and local elected officials.

The deadline to register to vote or update voter information is Monday, Oct. 5. Eligible Texans who miss this date will not be able to participate in the November election.

Check voter registration status
Voters can confirm their registration or make updates through the Texas Secretary of State’s “Am I Registered?” page.

Register to vote
Voter registration applications are available at local election offices or online at votetexas.gov. Completed applications must be postmarked by Oct. 5.

To register in Texas, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen and resident of the county where you apply.
  • Be at least 18 years old on Election Day.
  • Not be a convicted felon (unless your sentence, probation and parole are complete).
  • Not have been declared totally or partially mentally incapacitated without voting rights by a court.

Voters can check their registration status and verify their information through the Texas Secretary of State’s website.

To vote
Texas law requires voters to present one of seven approved photo identification:

  • Texas driver’s license
  • Texas Election Identification Certificate
  • Texas personal ID card
  • Texas handgun license
  • U.S. citizenship certificate with a photo
  • U.S. military ID card with a photo
  • U.S. passport book or card

Voters who do not have one of the approved forms of photo identification may still be able to vote by completing a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and providing an acceptable supporting document, such as a utility bill, bank statement, certified birth certificate or voter registration certificate.

Voters who f do not have the required identification at the polls may cast a provisional ballot and provide acceptable identification to the  county voter registrar within six calendar days.

Election dates
Early voting will take place Oct. 19–30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Check your county elections office’s website for early voting locations and hours.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Voters in line by 7 p.m. will still be allowed to cast a ballot. Contact your county election office for details.

The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 23. Completed ballots must be returned by Election Day, Nov. 3.

Voters can cast ballots at any polling location in the county where they are registered to vote.

For more information
For more information on voter registration, dates or election information, visit votetexas.gov.