Texas Polls Open Nov. 3 for Final Midterm Chance
Voters face strict ID rules and a packed ballot including all 38 House seats.
By Lucas Navarro ·
Texans have one final opportunity to vote in the 2026 midterm election on Tuesday, November 3. Polling places across the state will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. according to the secretary of state's office. The ballot includes dozens of races, ranging from the U.S. Senate and governorship to local school board positions and judicial seats.
Secretary of State Robert Howden stated on October 27 that confidence in the process is well founded. He noted that every election in Texas undergoes a proven audit process. Officials across the state are working to ensure every eligible vote is counted. Voters must check their registration status, as some may appear on a suspense list if officials believe they recently moved.
A suspense listing does not prevent a citizen from voting. Individuals can fill out a statement of residence form when casting their ballot. Some voters can also call their local registrar to resolve the address issue before visiting the polls. State law requires advance registration, with the deadline for this election passing on October 5.
Voters must bring one of seven specific forms of identification to the polls. Acceptable IDs include a Texas driver's license, personal ID card, handgun license, election ID certificate, military ID, citizenship certificate, or passport. If a voter lacks proper ID or faces an administrative error, they may cast a provisional ballot by signing an affidavit.
Those casting provisional ballots may need to return to the registrar's office by November 9 to present acceptable documentation. Alternatively, voters without approved ID can sign a reasonable impediment declaration and show alternate proof like a birth certificate or utility bill. Recent movers who are still registered in their old county could vote with limited ballots only during the early voting period from October 19 to 30.
The federal and state slate is extensive. The U.S. Senate race features Libertarian Ted Brown, Republican Ken Paxton, and Democrat James Talarico. All 38 U.S. House seats are up for election, a first since state lawmakers redrew congressional boundaries last year. The gubernatorial race pits Republican incumbent Greg Abbott against Democrat Gina Hinojosa and Libertarian Pat Dixon.
Other statewide races include lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner, and railroad commissioner. Voters will also select four Texas Supreme Court justices, three Court of Criminal Appeals justices, and three 15th Court of Appeals justices. Additionally, 16 state Senate seats, all 150 state House seats, and eight State Board of Education seats are on the ballot.
More than 4.5 million Texans voted during the first week of early voting. Election data analyst Derek Ryan estimated approximately 7.85 million people voted through October 30. Just over 19 million people are registered to vote in Texas. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by 7 p.m. on November 3, though postal rules may delay the postmark date unless hand-stamped at a post office.
