The calendar has officially turned from “sometime this fall” to countdown mode.

As of Tuesday, September 22, Texans are just 27 days from the start of in-person Early Voting for the November 3, 2026 General Election — and only 13 days from the voter-registration deadline. The Texas Secretary of State confirms that the final day to register is Monday, October 5; Early Voting runs October 19 through October 30; applications for an eligible voter’s ballot by mail must be received by Friday, October 23; and Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

In Harris County, Early Vote Centers will operate 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with Sunday, October 25 hours from noon–7 p.m.Election Day Vote Centers will be open from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Harris County voters may use any countywide Vote Center during Early Voting or on Election Day.

Fort Bend County voters also have countywide voting options, allowing registered voters to cast ballots at any open county Vote Center. Fort Bend’s official election page confirms the same October 5 registration deadline and October 19–30 Early Voting period.

Long before voters step into the booth, however, election workers are putting democracy’s machinery through its preseason workout.

Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth and her Elections Department began Logic and Accuracy testing September 15. More than 10,000 pieces of voting equipment are expected to be tested before deployment throughout Harris County. Election workers use predetermined ballots with known results to verify that machines properly record and tabulate selections. Representatives associated with both major political parties participate in or observe the testing process. Texas election law requires logic-and-accuracy procedures before electronic voting systems are used.

 

And voters have plenty of homework before reaching the booth.

Texas’ certified statewide ballot includes a U.S. Senate contest featuring Republican Ken Paxton, Democrat James Talarico and Libertarian Ted Brown, while the governor’s contest includes Republican Greg Abbott, Democrat Gina Hinojosa and Libertarian Pat Dixon.

Those races arrive with notable history. Democrat Lloyd Bentsen in 1988 was the last Democrat elected to the U.S. Senate from Texas, while Ann Richards’ 1990 victory was the most recent Democratic win for Texas governor. Those dates tell voters where Texas politics has been; November voters will determine where it goes next.

Closer to home, the Harris County Judge contest features Democratic nominee Letitia Plummer and Republican nominee Orlando Sanchez. In Fort Bend County, Republican Daniel Wong and Democrat Dexter McCoy are the nominees for County Judge.

Houston voters will also decide a proposed City Charter amendment that would deprioritize enforcement of certain low-level marijuana offenses and prohibit no-knock warrants by city law enforcement.

The smartest Election Day move may happen weeks beforehand: preview your ballot.

Harris County’s voter-specific ballot tool allows residents to see the races tied to their address. Voters may bring a printed sample ballot or handwritten notes into the voting booth for reference — provided they take those materials with them when they leave.

Texas voters should also bring an acceptable photo ID. The state recognizes seven forms, including a Texas driver license, Texas personal identification card, U.S. passport and certain military, citizenship and handgun-license identification. Voters who do not possess and cannot reasonably obtain an acceptable photo ID may qualify to use supporting identification and complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.

Houston Style Magazine encourages every eligible citizen — regardless of party, candidate or issue preference — to verify registration, review the ballot and make a voting plan.

The clock is ticking. 

VOTER INFORMATION

Harris County: HarrisVotes.com
Texas Voter Information: VoteTexas.gov
Fort Bend County Elections: Fort Bend County Elections & Voter Registration