Early Voting Underway for 2026 Texas Primaries

SAN ANTONIO — February 2026 — Early voting is now underway across Texas as voters begin casting ballots in the state’s March 3 party primaries. The early voting period runs through Friday, Feb. 27, giving Texans an opportunity to weigh in on key federal, state and local races that will shape the November general election ballot.

Texas has historically experienced low voter turnout in primary and midterm elections. In 2022, roughly 3 million Texans — about 17% of registered voters at the time — cast ballots in the midterms. With more than 18 million eligible voters statewide today, civic leaders and election officials are again urging Texans to participate in the primary process.

Where to Vote and What to Bring

During early voting, registered voters may cast ballots at any polling location within their county of residence. Voters can locate their nearest polling site by visiting their county elections website or VoteTexas.gov. Registration status can be verified through the Texas Secretary of State website.

Voters must present an approved form of photo identification. Acceptable IDs include:

• Texas driver license issued by the Department of Public Safety

• Texas election identification certificate

• Texas personal identification card

• Texas handgun license

• U.S. military identification card with photograph

• U.S. citizenship certificate with photograph

• U.S. passport (book or card)

Registered voters who cannot provide one of these IDs may complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration and present an alternative supporting document, such as a utility bill, bank statement or voter registration certificate.

In Bexar County, voters can find polling locations and additional details through the county’s Elections Department website.

What’s on the Ballot?

Texas operates under an open primary system. Voters may choose to participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary, regardless of party affiliation. However, once a voter selects a party ballot, they must remain with that party if a runoff election is required.

All 150 seats in the Texas House are up for election in 2026, along with 16 seats in the Texas Senate.

Statewide races include nominations for governor, lieutenant governor, comptroller, attorney general and other major executive offices. Several key judicial positions are also on the ballot, including four seats on the Texas Supreme Court.

Governor’s Race

Polling among likely November 2026 voters shows incumbent Greg Abbott leading Democrat Gina Hinojosa 49% to 42%, with Libertarian Pat Dixon at 3% and 6% undecided.

Abbott holds a 51% favorable rating among likely general election voters, compared to 47% unfavorable. Hinojosa is viewed favorably by 35% of voters and unfavorably by 20%, while 45% report they are unfamiliar enough with her to form an opinion.

What Happens After March 3?

Texas law requires a candidate to receive more than 50% of the vote — 51% — to win a primary outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold in a given race, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff election in May.

The March 3 primary results will determine which candidates appear on the November general election ballot, though some races may remain unsettled until after runoff elections.

With millions of Texans eligible to vote, the 2026 primary season marks an important moment in shaping the state’s political direction for years to come.