Starting today, Texas voters can cast their ballots early for the state\u2019s March 3 party primaries. The results of these elections will determine who represents Republicans and Democrats on the ballot in November.<\/p>\n
Despite the important role<\/a> party primaries play in state politics, Texas has consistently seen low voter turnout for them. Take 2022, during the last midterm election<\/a> year. During those primaries, only 3 million Texans cast ballots \u2014 just 17% percent of the state\u2019s registered voters at the time.<\/p>\n Because relatively few of Texas\u2019 more than 18 million eligible voters show up for these elections, that means those who do vote have an outsize influence<\/a> on the Lone Star State\u2019s political landscape.<\/p>\n Where should I go and what should I bring?<\/p>\n During Texas\u2019 early voting period, which runs through Friday, Feb. 27, voters can cast ballots at any polling place in their country. Check your county\u2019s local elections website or votetexas.gov<\/a> to find the voting center nearest you. Before heading to the polls, you can make sure you’re registered by visiting the Texas Secretary of State\u2019s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n As for what to bring, voters will need to show identification to a poll worker. Most voters use their Texas driver\u2019s license, but according to the Texas SOS, any identification from this list is acceptable:<\/p>\n Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPSTexas Personal Identification Card issued by DPSTexas Handgun License issued by DPSUnited States Military Identification Card containing the person\u2019s photographUnited States Citizenship Certificate containing the person\u2019s photographUnited States Passport (book or card)<\/p>\n If there\u2019s a chance you aren\u2019t able to provide any of those forms of ID, but are registered to vote, you can fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration<\/a>. This allows a person to vote as long as they\u2019re able to being other supporting forms of identification (like a utility bill, bank statement, or voter registration certificate).<\/p>\n Who\u2019s on the ballot?<\/p>\n In Texas, voters can choose which party primary<\/a> they want to vote in \u2014 Republican or Democratic \u2014 when they show up at a polling place. Each party’s ballot will have options for the federal, state and county elections<\/a> being decided in 2026.<\/p>\n On the statewide front, voters will be choosing who they want from their party on November\u2019s ballot for several important Texas leadership roles. Those include governor, lieutenant governor<\/a>, comptroller, attorney general<\/a> and more. Several key judicial roles <\/a>are also up for grabs, including four seats on the Texas Supreme Court.<\/p>\n Additionally, all 150 Texas House seat are up for election this year, along with 16 Texas Senate seats. Voters will also choose their preferred party candidate for U.S. Representative in their local congressional district.<\/p>\n Of all the races on the ballot in Texas, the state\u2019s race for a U.S. Senate seat \u2014 the seat currently held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn \u2014 is getting the most attention. On the Republican side<\/a>, Cornyn is being challenged by current Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton<\/a>, and Congressman Wesley Hunt<\/a>. On the Democratic side<\/a>, Dallas-area Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett<\/a> is facing off against State Rep. James Talarico<\/a> of Austin.<\/p>\n You can see a complete list of the primary races you\u2019ll be voting in by looking up a sample ballot on your county\u2019s election website.<\/p>\n What\u2019s next?<\/p>\n The ballot for November won\u2019t necessarily be set after votes are tallied on March 3. In Texas, to win a primary outright, a candidate needs to receive 51% of the vote.<\/p>\n If no candidate reaches that threshold for a particular race, that party\u2019s voters will be asked to cast anothe ballot during runoff elections<\/a> in May.<\/p>\n