Early voting begins today in Texas for the 2026 primaries.
Voters will choose Republican and Democratic candidates in several high-profile races, including the U.S. Senate and Texas Attorney General.
Early voting runs through Feb. 27, and Election Day is March 3. The general election is Nov. 3.
Here’s what to know.
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What’s on my ballot?
Voters will decide candidates for the U.S. Senate race, all U.S. representatives, Texas governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, railroad commissioner, four seats on the Texas Supreme Court, three seats on the Court of Criminal Appeals, eight members on the state’s Board of Education, 16 state senators, all 150 state representatives and various judicial seats.
I’m not sure if I registered to vote. How do I check?
You can check your voter registration status through the Texas Secretary of State’s website or your county elections office:
Can I vote in both primaries?
No. Texas has semi-open primaries, meaning you can vote in whichever primary you want, and you don’t have to register as a Republican or Democrat. But the “semi” comes from the caveat that you have to vote in the same party’s primary if a race goes to a runoff, which would be May 26.
What’s changing in Dallas County?
Dallas County officials are racing to share one major change this election. Dallas County residents can early vote at any of the 74 universal voting centers regardless of their address. But on election day, all voters will be required to cast a ballot at their assigned neighborhood precinct for the first time in nearly 10 years due to a change imposed by the Republican Party.
Where do I vote in other counties?
Voting has not changed in other North Texas counties.
Collin County voters can find a list of the 36 early voting locations on the county’s website. Tarrant County has about 40 early voting locations, and Denton County has more than 50 locations. Rockwall County has five locations.
What do I need to vote?
Voters will need one acceptable form of ID, which includes a Texas driver’s license, Texas identification card, state handgun license, U.S. military ID with photograph, U.S. citizenship certification with photograph, or U.S. passport.
Can I still vote if I have not registered?
No. Texas required voters to register by Feb. 2 to vote in this election. Unlike Texas, more than 20 states have same-day registration, which allows eligible residents to vote and register and cast a ballot at the same time. For the Nov. 3 general election, the deadline to register is Oct. 5.
Can I wear a MAGA hat or Talarico for Texas shirt?
No. In Texas, wearing certain political apparel at or near a voting location is actually illegal. Voters will be asked to turn their shirts inside out or leave accessories in their vehicles. Those who refuse can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, resulting in a $500 fine.