How to vote in Texas in 2026
Every deadline, rule, and official link — kept simple. When you're ready, build a personal plan with calendar reminders in about a minute.
Key dates
- State Primary
- Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- General Election
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Register by mail by
- Monday, October 5, 2026(postmarked)
- Register in person by
- Monday, October 5, 2026
- Request a mail ballot by
- Friday, October 23, 2026
Deadlines shown are for the November 3, 2026 general election.
Register to vote
By mail: Postmarked by 30 days before Election Day. In person: Received 30 days before Election Day.
By mail
Print, sign, and mail the National Mail Voter Registration Form.
In person
At your local election office or DMV.
Already registered? Double-check.
Vote by mail
Texas requires an approved excuse to vote by mail. Received 11 days before Election Day
Returning it: Postmarked by 7pm on Election Day and received by 5pm the day after Election Day (except for ballots cast from an address outside the US, which must be postmarked by 7pm on Election Day and received no later than 5 days after Election Day).
Vote in person
Vote early where available (dates vary by county), or at your polling place on Election Day — Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Quick answers
Can I register to vote online in Texas?
No — Texas doesn't offer online registration. You can register by mail with the national form, or in person at your local election office.
Do I need an excuse to vote by mail?
Yes — Texas requires an approved excuse (like being away, illness, or disability) to vote by mail.
Can I register on Election Day?
No — same-day registration isn't available in Texas, so the advance deadline is the one that counts. By mail: Postmarked by 30 days before Election Day. In person: Received 30 days before Election Day.
When are the 2026 elections?
State Primary: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 · General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Turn this into your plan
Three questions, then every Texas deadline lands on your calendar with reminders.
Make your voting planCompiled from official state sources, vote.gov, and Ballotpedia (2026 calendars). Rules occasionally change — when it matters, confirm with the Texas election office. Found an error? Tell us.