Texas 2026 Elections Guide
Everything you need to know about voting in Texas for the 2026 midterm elections.
Important Dates for Texas Voters
Texas Senate Race
Texas is one of the most closely watched Senate races in 2026. With control of the Senate potentially decided by just a few seats, this race will determine which party controls the chamber and sets the legislative agenda.
Texas Governor Race
Texas will elect its governor in 2026. Current status: Likely R. The governor controls state policy on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and many other issues that directly affect daily life.
Ballot Measures in Texas
Texas voters will decide on 5 ballot measures in 2026. These citizen-initiated and legislative proposals will determine state policy on issues ranging from taxation to civil rights to environmental protection.
Ballot measure details will be added as official language is published by the Texas Secretary of State. Check back for plain-English explanations of each measure.
How to Vote in Texas: 2026 Deadlines & Rules
Verified against official Texas election sources. Last checked July 2026. Deadlines below are for the November 3, 2026 general election.
| Register online | Not available (Texas has no standalone online registration; online update only via Texas.gov or during a DPS driver license transaction) |
| Register by mail | October 5, 2026 (postmarked) |
| Register in person | October 5, 2026 |
| Same-day registration | No |
| Early in-person voting | October 19 - October 30, 2026 |
| Mail ballot request deadline | October 23, 2026 (application must be received by the county, not just postmarked) |
| Mail ballot return rule | Must be received by 7:00pm Election Day (Nov 3); if postmarked by Election Day, accepted until 5:00pm November 4, 2026. Mail voting limited to voters 65+, disabled, out of county, or confined in jail |
| Voter ID at the polls | Photo ID required (7 acceptable forms, e.g. Texas driver license, passport, LTC, military ID); voters without one may sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and show a supporting document |
Dates for registration, early voting, and mail ballots come from the Texas SoS Important Election Dates page. Primary runoff was May 26, 2026. Texas mail voting is excuse-based. The SoS 'Am I Registered' portal (My Voter Portal) shows registration status and, close to the election, the voter's sample ballot; sample ballots are otherwise published by county election offices. Key races list is standard Texas midterm statewide slate; verify judicial seat details on county sample ballots.
Official Texas Voter Tools
- See what's on your Texas ballot (official)
- Register to vote or check your registration (official)
- Texas official election site
Key Issues in Texas
The 2026 elections in Texas will likely focus on several key issues:
- Economy and Inflation: How candidates plan to address cost of living and economic concerns
- Education: School funding, curriculum, and parental rights
- Healthcare: Access, affordability, and Medicaid expansion
- Immigration: Border security and immigration policy
- Energy: Oil and gas development, renewable energy, and environmental regulation
Congressional Districts
Texas has multiple US House districts, all up for election in 2026. Your specific ballot will depend on which congressional district you live in. Use our ballot lookup tool to see your specific races.
State Legislature Races
In addition to federal races, Texas voters will elect members of the state House and Senate. These legislators make laws on everything from taxes to transportation to public safety.
Resources for Texas Voters
- Find Your Ballot - See exactly what's on your ballot
- How to Register to Vote
- Early Voting Guide
- Voter ID Requirements