What’s on the Ballot for Texas Voters?
Texans who are eligible will have the opportunity to vote not only for presidential candidates but also for many candidates running for federal, state, and local office.
These include representatives in the U.S. and Texas chambers, as well as the following elected positions:
- 1 U.S. Senator (currently held by Ted Cruz)
- 1 of 3 members of the Texas Railroad Commission (regulates oil and gas companies)
- 15 State Senators
- 7 members of the State Board of Education
- 3 members of the Texas Supreme Court
- 3 members of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
- 5 chief justices and various other judges for Texas appellate courts
Additionally, judges from lower jurisdictions and local positions in counties will also appear on the ballot, including:
- Various district judges, including criminal and family courts
- County court judges
- County attorneys
- Sheriffs
- Tax assessors
Cities like Austin will also have local elections for positions like mayor and city council members. These elections might have a runoff on December 14th if no candidate wins a majority in November. There will be no runoff elections for county, state, or federal contests.
You can use our ballot search tool to see the state and federal elections you can vote in based on your address. You cannot vote in uncontested state elections, which will appear separately on the ballot after the multi-candidate contests. (Don’t worry: we don’t store your data) (Note: these tools are currently available only in English)
Dates to Remember
October 7 – Last day to register to vote or update your address for the general election.
October 25 – Last day to request a mail-in ballot.
October 21 to November 1 – Early voting period.
November 5 – Election Day.
Remember to verify your voter registration status through the Texas Secretary of State website and follow all guidelines to ensure your vote is counted.
Registration Requirements
Registering to vote in Texas requires you to be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and not convicted of a felony or declared mentally incapacitated by a court. Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website for more details on eligibility.
To register, submit a voter registration application by October 7. You can request a free application by mail or online and submit it to your county’s voter registrar. Additionally, renewing your driver’s license through the Texas Department of Public Safety can also serve as an online voter registration method.
After registering, you’ll receive a voter registration certificate within 30 days, which you may need to present when voting. Remember to update your registration if you change your name or address.
The voter registration certificate can be used as a secondary form of identification when voting if you don’t have one of the seven approved photo IDs in Texas.
If you encounter registration issues, contact your county elections office for clarification.
Mail-In Voting
Voting by mail in Texas is limited, primarily reserved for individuals aged 65 and older, those absent during the voting period, individuals with disabilities, or expecting mothers near Election Day. Ensure you present appropriate ID when submitting your mail-in ballot.
Find more information on mail-in voting and various voting options through your county’s election office.
Voting Process
For in-person voting, ensure you have valid photo ID or complete a form declaring reasonable impediment to obtaining one. Don’t forget to check for your registered voting location and bring acceptable identification to vote.
If you encounter COVID-19 related issues, explore emergency ballot options or curbside voting if eligible.
Stay informed, participate in the voting process, and make your voice heard this election season.
Translation originally by Anjanette Gautier Castro, updated by Isabela Ocampo Restrepo and María Méndez.
Transparency Disclosure: The Texas Secretary of State has provided financial support to The Texas Tribune, a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization funded in part by member contributions, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Financial sponsors do not influence Tribune reporting. View a full list here.
