Voters will decide which candidates will move on to the November ballot.

HOUSTON — The countdown to the 2026 Texas primary elections is underway, with several key deadlines approaching for voters who will cast ballots on a number of statewide, local and national elections.

The last day to register to vote is Monday, February 2, 2026, giving Texans just a few weeks to ensure their registration is current. Residents can check their status or register through the Texas Secretary of State’s website or their local election office.

Early voting kicks off on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the first business day after President’s Day. Polling locations across the state will be open for nearly two weeks, giving voters flexibility to cast their ballots before the official Election Day.

Those who plan to vote by mail face an earlier deadline: applications to receive a ballot by mail must be received—not postmarked—by Friday, February 20, 2026.  

Early voting ends on Friday, February 27, 2026, ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Voters mailing in their ballots must ensure they’re received by 7 p.m. on Election Day if the envelope isn’t postmarked, or by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, if postmarked by 7 p.m. on March 3.

These deadlines will determine how and when millions of Texans cast their votes in primary contests shaping the November general election ballot, including high-profile races for U.S. Senate, congressional seats, and state leadership positions.

More details on voting eligibility, registration, and ballot-by-mail procedures are available from the Texas Secretary of State’s office at sos.state.tx.us.

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