Texas voters face their final opportunity to cast a ballot on Tuesday, November 3, when polls open across the state for the 2026 general election. Early voting ended on Friday, October 30, with contests including races for the US Senate, governor, Congress, the Texas legislature and a range of judicial and county offices. ([sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/laws/advisory2026-21-november-3-election-law-calendar.shtml?utm_source=openai))
Polling stations will be open from 7am to 7pm. Anyone who is in line when voting ends must still be allowed to vote, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s office. ([sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/laws/advisory2026-21-november-3-election-law-calendar.shtml?utm_source=openai))
What is on the Texas ballot?
Voters will choose one US senator and all 38 members of the House of Representatives, using newly redrawn congressional districts. The statewide ballot also includes elections for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, agriculture commissioner, land commissioner and one seat on the Railroad Commission. ([sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/candidates/guide/2026/offices2026.shtml?utm_source=openai))
Four seats on the Texas Supreme Court, three places on the Court of Criminal Appeals and three positions on the 15th Court of Appeals are also being contested. Depending on their address, voters may additionally see races for the State Board of Education, state Senate, the Texas House, lower courts and county offices. ([sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/candidates/guide/2026/offices2026.shtml?utm_source=openai))
Some Texans may find that their electoral district has changed following the adoption of the new congressional map. Voters can check their registration status, polling place and sample ballot through the state’s official election information service or by contacting their county election office. ([sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/laws/2026-november-general-election.shtml?utm_source=openai))
Voting by mail and key deadlines
Texas restricts voting by mail to voters who meet certain conditions. They include people aged 65 or over, those who are sick or disabled, voters who will be outside their county during early voting and on Election Day, people expecting to give birth within three weeks of the election, and otherwise eligible voters held in jail. ([votetexas.gov](https://www.votetexas.gov/voting-by-mail/eligibility-requirements.html?utm_source=openai))
The deadline for ordinary mail ballots to reach election officials is 7pm on Tuesday, November 3, unless the envelope is postmarked by 7pm on Election Day. In that case, it may be counted if received by 5pm on Wednesday, 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))
Voters who have not yet checked their arrangements should confirm their polling location before setting out, particularly in counties that do not use countywide polling stations. The Secretary of State’s office has urged Texans to verify that they have an approved form of identification and to consult VoteTexas.gov for official information. ([sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov/about/newsreleases/2026/102726.shtml?utm_source=openai))
Identification requirements
Acceptable photo identification includes a Texas driving licence, election identification certificate, personal identification card or handgun licence, as well as a US passport, military identification card or citizenship certificate bearing a photograph.
Voters aged between 18 and 69 may generally use an eligible photo ID that expired no more than four years ago. For voters aged 70 and over, an otherwise acceptable photo ID may be expired for any length of time. Those unable to present an approved photo ID may be able to complete a reasonable-impediment declaration and provide supporting documentation, such as a utility bill, bank statement or government document.
Questions or problems at the polls can be reported to the Texas Secretary of State’s election hotline on 1-800-252-VOTE (8683). Voters can also contact their county election officials for information about local polling stations, ballots and election procedures. ([sos.texas.gov](https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/laws/advisory2026-21-november-3-election-law-calendar.shtml?utm_source=openai))
