Over 1.8 million Texans voted on Oct. 21-22, according to data from the Texas Secretary of State. Over 177,000 people voted by mail. Several counties reported record in-person turnout on Oct. 21.
Across the Lone Star State, eligible Texans can vote for the next president, a U.S. senator, state lawmakers and a variety of other local, regional and statewide races.
For sample ballots and Q&As with candidates, visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
The details
Voter turnout is likely higher than state data shows, as a few counties had not submitted information to the secretary of state’s office as of 2 p.m. Oct. 23. Second-day voting data had not been updated for Tarrant County, the state’s third-largest county, while no in-person voting information was displayed for Hays County.
Election officials in Tarrant, Bexar and Travis counties reported record in-person turnout on the first day of early voting.
“[It] is wonderful to see these people out. ... Am I sorry they have to stand in line? Yes. Am I excited that there's great crowds out there? You better believe it,” Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacquelyn Callanen said during an Oct. 21 news conference. “This is what we prepped for. ... This is our Super Bowl, and we're off to a great start.”
Turnout on the first day of early voting surpassed that of recent general elections in many counties across the Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston metropolitan areas, according to state and local data.Texas’ population has grown by over 1.3 million people since 2020—when the last presidential election was held—according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
At the polls
During early voting, Texans can vote at any polling place in their county of residence. Registered voters can search for early voting locations through the state voter portal or contact their county election office.
Under state law, Texans must present one of seven forms of photo identification to vote:
- A Texas driver’s license (issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety)
- A Texas personal ID card (issued by the DPS)
- A Texas election ID certificate (issued by the DPS)
- A Texas handgun license (issued by the DPS)
- A U.S. military ID with photo
- A U.S. citizenship certificate with photo
- A U.S. passport
Voters can bring written materials such as notes or a sample ballot to the polls.
However, cell phones and other electronic devices that can wirelessly communicate are not allowed within 100 feet of voting stations. Each polling station will have a distance marker.
Texans also may not campaign or post, use or distribute political signs and literature within the 100-foot marker.
Guns are not allowed at polling places.
Dates to know
- Oct. 25: Deadline to request a ballot by mail (application must be received by the county election official—not postmarked—by the end of the day)
- Nov. 1: Last day for early in-person voting
- Nov. 5: Election Day