Texans have until Monday, October 5, to register to vote or update their details ahead of the November 3 general election, with the state’s secretary of state warning eligible voters not to miss the deadline.
The deadline applies to anyone who has not registered, has moved since last voting or needs to update their information. Applications sent by post must be postmarked no later than October 5. ([sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov/about/newsreleases/2026/092826.shtml?utm_source=openai))
Early voting will run from October 19 to October 30, while election day polling stations will be open from 7am to 7pm on November 3. Anyone still in line when polls close will be allowed to cast their ballot. ([sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/voter/important-election-dates.shtml?utm_source=openai))
What is on the Texas ballot?
Voters will decide contests for federal, state and local office, including one US Senate seat currently held by John Cornyn and all 38 seats in the US House of Representatives under newly redrawn congressional boundaries.
Statewide races include those for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner and one seat on the Texas Railroad Commission. Four seats on the Texas Supreme Court, three on the Court of Criminal Appeals and three on the 15th Court of Appeals are also due to be decided.
Depending on where they live, voters may additionally see contests for the State Board of Education, the Texas Senate, all 150 seats in the Texas House, appellate court chief justices, county officials and lower-level judges on their ballot.
Some voters may find that their congressional or other electoral district has changed as a result of the new map.
How to check registration and voting locations
Registration can be checked through the Texas Secretary of State’s voter portal, using details including a Texas driving licence number, voter unique identifier or personal information. The service also provides polling-place and early-voting information. ([votetexas.gov](https://www.votetexas.gov/faq/registration?wpmp_switcher=desktop&utm_source=openai))
In most counties, registered voters may cast an early ballot at any designated voting centre within their county. Local election offices will publish the available locations and opening times.
Voters who prefer to cast their ballot by post must apply by October 23. Texas restricts postal voting to specific circumstances, including being aged 65 or over, being sick or disabled, being away from the county during voting, expecting to give birth within three weeks of election day, or being confined in jail while otherwise eligible.
Postal ballots must generally reach election officials by 7pm on November 3. A ballot postmarked by that time may still be counted if it arrives by 5pm on November 4. Different deadlines apply to some military and overseas voters. ([sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/voter/important-election-dates.shtml?utm_source=openai))
Identification requirements
People voting in person will normally be asked to show an approved photo ID, such as a Texas driving licence, election identification certificate, personal identification card, handgun licence, US passport, military identification card or citizenship certificate.
Voters aged between 18 and 69 can use an approved photo ID that has been expired for no more than four years. Those aged 70 or over may use an otherwise acceptable photo ID regardless of when it expired.
Anyone who encounters a problem at the polls can contact the Texas Secretary of State’s election hotline on 1-800-252-VOTE. Formal complaints may also be submitted to the elections office. ([sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/index.shtml?utm_source=openai))
