Important Dates and Election Information
- Deadline to Register to Vote: Monday, Oct. 7
- Early In-Person Voting: Monday, Oct. 21, through Friday, Nov. 1
- Deadline to Apply for a Ballot by Mail: Friday, Oct. 25
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Quick Overview of Voting
Voter Registration
The deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 7. You can check your registration status via the state’s online voter portal.
Voting by Mail
A ballot by mail is available to voters who meet specific qualifications, such as those who are 65 or older.
Early Voting
All registered voters may vote early at an early voting site in their county.
Voting at the Polls
Polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. An acceptable form of photo ID, like a Texas driver’s license or U.S. passport, is required to vote.
Recent Voting Changes in Texas
Some important changes in Texas voting laws were enacted in 2023, including:
- Voters with mobility issues can skip the line when voting in person. Polling places must have a designated parking spot for voters who cannot enter the site and prefer curbside voting.
- If there are errors in a ballot-by-mail application or submitted ballots, voters will receive instructions on how to correct them, provided there’s enough time before the voting deadlines.
- Early voting days and hours have been standardized at each county’s main early voting polling place, with weekend hours required for general elections.
In 2021, Texas enacted a law banning drive-through and 24-hour early voting, introduced ID requirements for mail-in voters, and prohibited election officials from distributing mail-in ballot applications to those who haven’t requested them. This law is facing legal challenges. Keep an eye on updates regarding this.
Redistricting in 2022 has changed the boundaries of some state legislative and U.S. congressional districts. Litigation over certain districts is ongoing, so confirm your district using the state’s My Voter Portal.
How to Register to Vote
The deadline to register is Monday, Oct. 7. You must provide your Texas driver’s license number, Texas personal ID card number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you don’t have these, check the box indicating you don’t have an ID.
By Mail
Complete a voter registration application online, print it, sign it, and mail it to your county registrar’s office. You can request an application be mailed to you by contacting your county voter registrar.
In Person
You can get an application at your county registrar’s office, public libraries, and certain government offices.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
Texas does not permit voter registration on Election Day.
Check Your Voter Registration Status
Check your voter registration status via the state’s online voter portal.
How to Request a Ballot by Mail
A ballot by mail is available for certain qualified voters, such as those who are 65 or older, sick or disabled, or those who will be out of their home county on Election Day and during the early voting period. The application must be received (not postmarked) by Friday, Oct. 25.
By Mail
Download an application, fill it in electronically or by hand, and mail it to your county’s early voting clerk. You can also request an application be mailed to you from the secretary of state’s office or your county’s early voting clerk.
In Person
Request an application from your county’s early voting clerk.
By Email or Fax
Download and complete an application, then email or fax it to your county’s early voting clerk. You must also mail the original application to the clerk. If you apply near the deadline, the mailed copy must be received by the fourth business day after the email or fax was received.
Your application must include your Texas driver’s license number, personal ID number, or election ID certificate number. If you don’t have these, you can provide the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Returning Your Ballot by Mail
You’ll receive a return envelope with your ballot. Before sealing the ballot, write your Texas driver’s license number, personal ID number, or election ID certificate number on the envelope. If you don’t have these, use the last four digits of your Social Security number or a statement that you haven’t been issued one of the requested IDs.
Return your ballot:
- By Mail: Send your ballot to your early voting clerk. It must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on Nov. 5 and received by 5 p.m. on Nov. 6.
- In Person: Deliver your ballot to your early voting clerk’s office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Check the status of your mail-in ballot using the state’s Ballot by Mail Tracker.
Voting in Person Before Election Day
Any eligible registered voter may vote early at a voting site in their county. Early voting runs from Monday, Oct. 21, through Friday, Nov. 1. Hours vary by location. Contact your county elections office for details, or check the state’s voter portal.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. If your county participates in the Countywide Polling Place Program, you can vote at any location in your county. Otherwise, you must vote at your assigned voting precinct.
Find your precinct and polling location using the state’s My Voter Portal. Sample ballots will be available on the secretary of state’s website closer to Election Day.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
You must present one of Texas’ seven acceptable forms of photo ID, including a Texas driver’s license, an election identification certificate, or a U.S. passport. If you don’t have a photo ID and can’t reasonably obtain one, you can complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and show supporting ID, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
If you forget your photo ID at the polls, you can vote a provisional ballot and present your ID at your county registrar within six days. You can also apply for an exemption if your ID was lost due to a natural disaster.
Voting with a Disability
Voters who are sick or have a disability may request a ballot by mail.
All polling places in Texas must be accessible. Voters who cannot read English can use interpreters at the polls. If you’re physically unable to enter a polling place, curbside voting is available. Call your polling place ahead of time to arrange this.
If you need help casting your ballot, you may ask a person of your choice, except your employer, union official, or a candidate on the ballot. Election workers can also assist. The person helping must recite an oath that they will mark the ballot as directed and will not influence the voter.
For more details, visit the votetexas.gov website.
