Early voting starts Feb. 17 across Texas

Early voting for the March 3, 2026, primary election begins on February 17 across Texas. This initiative provides voters in the Houston area with an opportunity to participate in crucial federal, statewide, and local races.

The upcoming primary election will play a crucial role in determining which candidates will represent their parties in the midterm elections scheduled for November. The race for one of Texas's two U.S. Senators' seats is drawing significant attention from observers and analysts alike. Senator currently in office. Senator John Cornyn is set to confront challenges from fellow Republicans, including Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt of Houston. In the Democratic race, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett and State Representative James Talarico have emerged as leading candidates.

In the upcoming elections, voters will have the opportunity to participate in primaries for several key positions, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, land commissioner, railroad commissioner, and agriculture commissioner. The ballot features multiple seats for the Texas Supreme Court up for election.

The race for Harris County judge is now open following Lina Hidalgo's announcement that she will not pursue reelection. The Democratic lineup features former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, former City Council member Letitia Plummer, and Matt Salazar. The Republican field features candidates Marty Lancton, Orlando Sanchez, Aliza Dutt, Oscar Gonzales, Warren A. Howell, and George Harry Zoes.

In a significant political development, newly sworn-in U.S. Representative Christian Menefee is set to defend his position in the Democratic primary for the 18th Congressional District. He will face off against veteran U.S. Representative Al Green, who has transitioned from the 9th District to contest this election. The 9th District has shifted its political alignment toward the Republican Party, with state Representative Briscoe Cain and Alex Mealer as prominent GOP candidates.

The voter registration deadline for the upcoming primary was set for February 2. Voters have the opportunity to verify their registration status by visiting the Texas Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their local county voter registrar.

Early voting is scheduled to take place from February 17 to February 27. Harris County has announced that all 60 early voting locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from February 17 to February 21. On February 22, the hours will change to noon to 7 p.m., and then they will return to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to 7 p.m. Scheduled from February 23 to February 27. Many counties allow voters to submit their ballots at any polling site within the county during the early voting period, although procedures vary by county.

On Election Day, March 3, voters across the state will have the opportunity to cast their ballots, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters who are in line by 7 p.m. will be permitted to vote. On Election Day, voters in Harris County will have the option to cast their ballots at any of the more than 200 polling locations available throughout the area.

The state of Texas requires photo identification. Among the acceptable forms of identification are a Texas driver’s license, a state ID, and a U.S. The list also includes a passport, military ID, handgun license, and an election identification certificate. Voters lacking an approved form of identification may complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and provide supporting documents, such as a utility bill or bank statement.

Eligible voters in Texas, including individuals aged 65 and older, those with disabilities, residents temporarily out of their home county during the voting period, and individuals who are incarcerated yet eligible, may cast their ballots by mail. The final date to submit a request for a mail ballot is February 20. Under state law, mail ballot applications and ballots are required to feature an identification number that corresponds with the voter’s registration record.

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