Texas Early Voting 2026: Dates, Locations, Hours and ID
Early voting in Texas for the November 3, 2026 election runs from Monday, October 19 to Friday, October 30. You can vote at any early voting location in the county where you're registered, and you need one of seven kinds of photo ID. Hours vary by location and are set by each county. Applications for a mail ballot must be received by Friday, October 23. On Election Day, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. statewide (Texas Secretary of State).
Key dates
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| Oct 5 (passed) | Last day to register to vote. Texas doesn't have same-day registration |
| Sat, Oct 17 | Early voting locations should appear in the state's My Voter Portal, two days before voting starts |
| Mon, Oct 19 | Early voting starts |
| Fri, Oct 23 | Last day for your application for a ballot by mail to be received (not postmarked) |
| Fri, Oct 30 | Last day of early voting |
| Tue, Nov 3 | Election Day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
Where and when to vote early
- Any location in your county. During early voting, registered voters can vote at any early voting site in their county of residence, not just the one nearest home (VoteTexas.gov).
- Find a site: search the state's My Voter Portal with your name, county, date of birth and ZIP code, or check your county elections office's website.
- Hours vary. Each county sets the hours for its early voting sites, and they can differ from one site to another and from weekdays to weekends. Check the hours for your site before you go.
- Who can vote early: anyone registered and eligible to vote on Election Day. You don't need a reason.
What ID to bring
You must show one of these seven forms of photo ID (VoteTexas.gov):
- Texas driver license issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
- Texas handgun license issued by DPS
- U.S. military ID card with your photo
- U.S. citizenship certificate with your photo
- U.S. passport (book or card)
Expired ID: if you're 18 to 69, it can be expired for up to four years. If you're 70 or older, it can be expired for any length of time. The citizenship certificate doesn't expire.
No photo ID? If you don't have one and can't reasonably get one, you can show a supporting document, such as your voter registration certificate, a current utility bill, a bank statement, a government check or a paycheck, and sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polling place.
What's on the ballot
Texans elect a governor, a U.S. senator and all 38 members of the U.S. House, along with the lieutenant governor, attorney general, other statewide offices, legislative seats and county offices. The two highest-profile races (Wikipedia):
- Governor: Greg Abbott (Republican, incumbent) against Gina Hinojosa (Democrat)
- U.S. Senate: Ken Paxton (Republican) against James Talarico (Democrat), for the seat held by John Cornyn, who lost to Paxton in the Republican primary runoff on May 26 (Wikipedia)
Your county elections office posts a sample ballot for your address, so you can read every race before you go.
At the polling place
- No phones in the voting room. Texas law doesn't allow cell phones, tablets, cameras or other devices to be used in a room where voting is taking place, or to record within 100 feet of a voting station.
- No campaign clothing. You can't wear clothing or badges about a candidate, party or measure inside the 100-foot marker. You may be asked to cover it.
- Curbside voting is available if you're physically unable to enter the polling place.
Source: VoteTexas.gov on what's allowed at the polling place.
Quick answers
When does early voting start in Texas?
Monday, October 19, 2026. It ends on Friday, October 30.
Can I vote at any early voting location?
Yes, at any early voting location in the county where you're registered.
What are early voting hours in Texas?
They're set by each county and vary by location and day. Check your county elections office or the My Voter Portal.
What ID do I need to vote in Texas?
One of seven forms of photo ID, such as a Texas driver license, a Texas personal ID card or a U.S. passport. If you can't get one, bring a supporting document and sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.
Can I still register to vote?
Not for this election. The deadline was October 5, and Texas has no same-day registration.
What time do polls close on Election Day?
7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3. If you're in line by 7 p.m., you can vote.
