> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thebarbedwire.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 2026 Voter Information - URL: https://www.thebarbedwire.com/2026-voter-information/ - Published: 2026-10-01T17:46:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-25T18:02:08.000Z - Author: David Cohen Early voting is open now through **Fri., Oct. 30** Election Day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. **Tue., Nov. 3** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4e/33/4e33350c-149c-451f-b54d-ac6957d94879/content/images/2026/07/TBW-phone-2.png) Everything you need to vote in Texas, on one page. This guide prints on two sheets of paper, so print it and take it with you. You can't use your phone once you're inside the polling place, but paper notes are fine. Print this guide [Esta guía en español](https://www.thebarbedwire.com/informacion-para-votar-2026) Updated Oct. 25, 2026\. Official source: [VoteTexas.gov](https://www.votetexas.gov/?ref=thebarbedwire.com) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4e/33/4e33350c-149c-451f-b54d-ac6957d94879/content/images/2026/07/Dinkus-1.png) ## When to vote - Now–Oct. 30Early voting Vote at any early-voting site in your county. Hours vary, so check your county elections website. - Nov. 3Election Day Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you're in line by 7, you get to vote. Bring your photo ID. - Nov. 45 p.m. Last chance for mail ballots postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day to arrive. - Nov. 9Fix-it deadline Last day to fix a problem with your mail ballot, or to show your ID if you voted provisionally without it. ## Where to vote - **Early voting:** any early-voting site in your county. - **Election Day:** it depends on your county. Some counties let you vote at any site in the county. Others send you to your assigned polling place. [See which counties let you vote anywhere.](https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/countywide-polling-place-program.shtml?ref=thebarbedwire.com) - **Find your polling place** and check that you're registered at the state's [My Voter Portal](https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do?ref=thebarbedwire.com), or on your county elections website. ## What to bring One of these seven photo IDs: - Texas driver's license - Texas ID card - Texas Election ID Certificate - Texas handgun license - U.S. passport (book or card) - U.S. military ID with photo - U.S. citizenship certificate with photo - **Expired?** Up to four years is fine. If you're 70 or older, any expiration is fine. - **No photo ID, and you can't reasonably get one?** Bring a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, certified birth certificate, your voter registration certificate or another government document with your name and address. Then sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polls. - **Forgot it?** Go get it and come back before polls close. Or ask for a provisional ballot and show your ID to your county voter registrar by Nov. 9. - You don't need your voter registration card if you have a photo ID. ## ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4e/33/4e33350c-149c-451f-b54d-ac6957d94879/content/images/2026/10/TBW-Icon--Glass.png)Know your ballot before you go This ballot is long, from U.S. Senate and governor down to judges, county races and, in some places, local propositions. It's also different from your neighbor's. - **Official sample ballot:** search your county's name plus "sample ballot." Match it to the precinct number on your voter registration certificate. - **[VOTE411.org](https://www.vote411.org/ballot?ref=thebarbedwire.com):** enter your address to see candidates' answers side by side, in English or Spanish. It's free, from the League of Women Voters, which doesn't back candidates or parties. - **[Texas Tribune ballot tool](https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-general-election-ballot-november-2026/?ref=thebarbedwire.com):** includes local races. Write down your picks or print them. Notes are allowed in the voting booth. ## Voting by mail The deadline to apply has passed. If you already have your mail ballot: - **Mail it:** it must arrive by 7 p.m. Nov. 3, or by 5 p.m. Nov. 4 if it's postmarked by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Ask for a hand postmark at the post office counter. It's free. - **Hand-deliver it:** on Election Day only, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at your county's early voting clerk's office. You can only deliver your own ballot, and you'll need your ID. - **Track it or fix it:** use the state's [Ballot by Mail Tracker](https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/BallotTrackerApp/?ref=thebarbedwire.com#/login). Some ID-number problems can be fixed there online. Other problems need to be fixed by Nov. 9. - **Changed your mind?** Bring your mail ballot to the polls. They'll cancel it and you can vote in person. ## ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4e/33/4e33350c-149c-451f-b54d-ac6957d94879/content/images/2026/10/TBW-bullhorn.webp)Your rights at the polls - If you're in line when polls close, stay in line. You still get to vote. - Not on the list? Ask them to check again. If they still can't find you, ask for a provisional ballot. - Made a mistake on your ballot? Ask for a new one. - Machines down? Ask for a paper ballot. - You can bring someone to help you vote, as long as it isn't your employer or someone acting for your employer or union. - Don't wear anything with the name of a candidate, party or ballot measure. - Keep your phone put away once you're inside the polling place. No photos or video. **Problem at the polls?** Call or text Election Protection, a nonpartisan hotline. English: **1-866-687-8683** (866-OUR-VOTE) Español: **1-888-839-8682** (888-VE-Y-VOTA) Texas Secretary of State: **1-800-252-8683** (800-252-VOTE) If anyone is in danger, call 911. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4e/33/4e33350c-149c-451f-b54d-ac6957d94879/content/images/2026/07/Dinkus-1.png) ## ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/4e/33/4e33350c-149c-451f-b54d-ac6957d94879/content/images/2026/10/TBW-mic.webp)Want to go deeper? - [Our News Briefs](https://www.thebarbedwire.com/channels/): quick video explainers on dates, ID and your ballot. - [Texas Tribune voter guides](https://www.texastribune.org/2026-vote/?ref=thebarbedwire.com): who's running, race by race. - [ACLU of Texas Election Hub](https://www.aclutx.org/know-your-rights/election-hub/?ref=thebarbedwire.com): your rights as a voter, in English and Spanish. - [VoteTexas.gov](https://www.votetexas.gov/?ref=thebarbedwire.com): the state's official voter information site. From The Barbed Wire, thebarbedwire.com/vote. Updated Oct. 25, 2026\. Official rules: VoteTexas.gov.