Early voting begins today here in Houston, and across the state of Texas, for the all important March 3rd Republican & Democratic Primaries.

As for the turnout?

“In 2022 and 2024, fewer than 1 in 5 Texas registered voters cast a ballot in the primaries, combined” said Mark Jones, professor of political science at Rice University.

It’s not an ‘urban legend’ or a ‘myth’. For some reason, Texas voters just don’t turn out for the ‘minor’ elections. The numbers don’t lie.

“We’re hoping that we’ll break that 20% barrier, I think it’s very unlikely that we’ll cross the 25% barrier” Jones told KTRH, “The Republican Primary probably is going to have a pretty standard turnout, somewhere between 2 and 2.5 million people. On the Democrat side, it’s usually right around a million.”

On a positive note, ‘election integrity’ is not expected to be a problem.

“I think one thing that all Houston area residents can be confident of is that our voting process is very secure, it’s very well monitored by the Secretary of State who’s a Republican” noted Jones.

Early voting runs until February 27th, and the polls are open from 7am – 7pm.

Early Voting for the March 3, 2026, Primary Elections begins Tuesday, February 17, and ends Friday, February 27. There are 60 vote centers across Harris County. Primary elections are held by the political parties to allow voters to select their party’s nominees for the November general election. Texas is an open primary state, so voters do not need to register with a political party. However, a voter can only participate in one party’s primary election.

“Primary elections are the first step to November,” said Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth. “As we enter the midterm election season, I urge voters to educate themselves on the issues and candidates, and to make their voices heard early in the process.”

Early Voting ScheduleTuesday, February 17 – Friday, February 27, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 22, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. 
Texas required photo IDsTX Driver’s License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
TX Election Identification Certificate (EIC) issued by DPS
TX Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
TX Handgun License issued by DPS
US Military Identification card containing the person’s photograph
US Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
US Passport (book or card)
Voting by MailDeadline to apply: February 20, 2026.
Eligible voters: 65 years of age or older, sick or disabled, out of the county during the voting period, expect to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day, confined in jail, but eligible to vote.

For sample ballots, vote center locations, and additional election information, visit www.HarrisVotes.com. State law prohibits the use of wireless communication devices in voting areas; however, voters may bring written notes or sample ballots to the polls. Follow @HarrisVotes for updates.