Nov. 3: 7.85 Million Early Votes Await Final 15% in Texas Midterms

Texans have one final opportunity to cast ballots in the 2026 midterm election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polling places across the state will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the secretary of state's office. This deadline marks the end of the voting period for a ballot that includes dozens of federal, state, and local races.

The election follows a contentious early voting period. State data indicates that more than 4.5 million Texans voted during the first week of early voting. Derek Ryan, a GOP consultant and election data analyst, estimated that approximately 7.85 million people had cast ballots by Oct. 30, the last day of early voting. In the 2024 midterms, 83% of the 11.4 million total votes were cast during early voting, while 15% were cast on Election Day.

Secretary of State Robert Howden addressed the approaching deadline in an Oct. 27 news release. "As we approach Election Day, I want Texans to know that their confidence in this process is well founded," Howden said. "Every election in Texas goes through a proven audit process and election officials across the state are working to help make sure every eligible vote is counted."

Voting logistics vary by county. Residents in Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Collin, Comal, Dallas, Fort Bend, Harris, Hays, Tarrant, Travis, and Williamson counties can vote at any polling site within their county under the countywide polling place program. Voters in other jurisdictions must report to their assigned precincts, though all sites share the same 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. operating hours.

State law mandates that voters present one of seven specific forms of identification. Acceptable documents include a Texas driver's license, a Texas personal ID card, a Texas handgun license, a Texas election ID certificate, a U.S. military ID with a photo, a U.S. citizenship certificate with a photo, or a U.S. passport. If a voter encounters an ID issue at the polls, they may cast a provisional ballot after signing an affidavit. Those voters may need to return to the local voter registrar by Nov. 9 to present acceptable documentation.

The ballot features a comprehensive slate of statewide offices. The U.S. Senate race pits Libertarian Ted Brown against Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico. In the gubernatorial race, incumbent Republican Greg Abbott faces Democrat Gina Hinojosa and Libertarian Pat Dixon. All 38 U.S. House seats are up for election, reflecting the congressional boundaries redrew by state lawmakers last year.

Other statewide contests include the lieutenant governor race, featuring incumbent Dan Patrick; the attorney general race, with Mayes Middleton as the Republican candidate; and the comptroller race, where incumbent Don Huffines seeks another term. Voters will also choose four Texas Supreme Court seats, three Court of Criminal Appeals seats, and 16 state Senate seats. Republicans currently hold all statewide seats on the ballot.

Just over 19 million people are registered to vote in Texas. Some voters may find their status listed as "suspense" due to a recent move, which requires address confirmation. These voters can still cast ballots by filling out a statement of residence form or contacting their local registrar. Mail-in voting remains available for specific groups, including those 65 and older, sick or disabled individuals, and those living out of county, provided they requested a ballot by Oct. 23.

Voters may bring written materials to the polls but must leave wireless devices like cellphones and smartwatches behind. Campaigning is prohibited within 100 feet of the polling entrance. After polls close at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3, results will be posted on the secretary of state's website.

The election concludes the general phase of the 2026 midterm cycle. With 19 million registered voters and a high volume of early ballots, the final tally will determine the composition of the state's legislative and executive branches for the next two years.