As elections approach, many Texans are asking when voting begins.
Texas does not allow same-day voter registration, but once registered, voters have three opportunities to cast a ballot: in-person early voting, in-person voting on election day and via mail-in ballot.
March Matters, a nonpartisan website, encourages voters to plan ahead to avoid long lines or last-minute issues.
Here’s when voting starts in Texas:
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March primary
Early voting begins on Feb. 17, and election day is March 3.
Primaries determine which candidates are slated for the general election, according to the United States Election Assistance Commission.
If a runoff — when neither candidate receives the majority vote — occurs, it will be on May 26, according to the Dallas County Elections Department.
May election
The election on May 2 includes local races and ballot measures, such as city councils, school boards and bond proposals, according to the Texas Secretary of State website.
Early voting runs April 20 to April 28.
Mail-in ballots that are not postmarked are accepted until 7 p.m. May 2; those postmarked before May 2 are accepted until 5 p.m. Monday, May 4.
November general election
Early voting for the November general election begins on Oct. 19 and ends on Oct. 30, the Friday before Election Day, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
During this period, registered voters can cast an in-person ballot at designated early voting locations in their county.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polls open statewide.
Voters must cast their ballots at an assigned polling location unless they voted early.
Votes cast by mail are accepted until 7 p.m. Nov. 3 if the envelope is not postmarked; those postmarked before Election Day are accepted until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Voting hours
Polling hours and locations vary by county. Check with your local election office for specific times and sites.
What voters should keep in mindYou must be registered at least 30 days before Election Day to vote.Texas does not allow same-day voter registration.Early voting offers more flexibility and shorter lines.Election Day is Nov. 3.