Early voting for Texas’ 2026 primaries kicks off next week, giving voters a chance to beat the Election Day crowds and weigh in on races that will shape the state’s political landscape for years to come.
Texans can cast their ballots starting February 17 through February 27, ahead of the March 3 primary election, according to election officials. The two-week early voting period offers flexibility for those who can’t — or simply don’t want to — wait until Primary Day to make their voices heard.
How Texas Primaries Work
Texas operates what’s known as an open primary system. What does that mean for voters? Unlike states where you must register with a party beforehand, Texans can decide at the polling place whether they want a Democratic or Republican ballot. The catch: you can only choose one party’s primary per election cycle, and that choice will stick with you through any potential runoff elections on May 26 if no candidate in your selected party’s races reaches the 50% threshold.
“You’re not locked into that party forever — just for this primary cycle,” said one election official. “Voters often don’t realize they can switch parties in the next election cycle if they wish.”
This year’s ballot is packed with consequential races. More than a dozen statewide offices are up for grabs, not to mention congressional seats, state legislative positions, judicial benches, and various county offices. The winners of these primaries will advance to the November general election, where they’ll face candidates from opposing parties.
Key Dates and Requirements
For those planning to participate, several important deadlines have already passed or are fast approaching. The voter registration deadline was February 2, meaning new voters or those needing to update their information should already be registered. Mail ballot applications must be received by February 20 for eligible voters who qualify to vote by mail.
Planning to vote in person? Don’t forget your ID. Texas law requires voters to present an approved photo identification at the polls. Acceptable forms include a Texas driver’s license, Texas Election Identification Certificate, Texas Personal Identification Card, Texas handgun license, U.S. military ID with photo, U.S. citizenship certificate with photo, or a U.S. passport.
If you don’t have an approved photo ID, there’s still a path to voting. Voters can sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present an alternative form of ID, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or government document showing their name and address.
Extended Hours in Larger Counties
Those living in Texas’ more populous areas will have additional opportunities to vote. Counties with 100,000 or more residents are required to offer extended hours at temporary early voting locations — at least 12 hours on the final Saturday and no fewer than 6 hours on the last Sunday of early voting.
The expanded weekend hours are particularly helpful for voters with weekday work commitments or family responsibilities that make weekday voting challenging.
Primary elections often see lower turnout than general elections, but they’re arguably just as important — if not more so — in determining who ultimately represents Texans at all levels of government. In many solidly red or blue districts across the state, the primary effectively determines who will hold office, as the general election outcome is largely predetermined by the district’s partisan makeup.
For voters still researching candidates or unsure which polling location to visit, county election websites offer sample ballots and polling place finders to help navigate the process. As with any election, officials encourage voters to make a plan early to ensure their votes count.
