Early Voting Underway for November General Election; Secretary Howden Encourages Voters to Use Official Information

A record number of Texans — more than 19 million — have registered to vote ahead of the upcoming election.

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With early voting for the November 3 General Election now underway, Texas Secretary of State Robert S. Howden encouraged Texans to take advantage of the early voting period and to rely on official election information as they prepare to cast a ballot. A record number of Texans — more than 19 million — have registered to vote.

Early voting runs from Monday, October 19 through Friday, October 30. During this period, voters may cast a ballot at any polling location in their county of registration, though early voting hours and locations vary by county.

"Voters across Texas have an opportunity to cast their ballot before Election Day, and I encourage voters to take advantage of the convenience that early voting provides," Secretary Howden said. "Visiting VoteTexas.gov before heading to the polls helps every voter feel prepared and confident when they arrive."

Howden also reaffirmed the integrity of the state's election process.

"I want every Texas voter to know this: your vote counts," Howden said. "Texas elections go through a proven audit process to verify that every ballot is accounted for and results are accurate. Your vote matters."

A photo ID is required when voting in person. A complete list of acceptable forms of identification, along with early voting hours and polling locations, is available at VoteTexas.gov. Texas law prohibits the use of cell phones or other wireless communication devices inside the voting room, though voters may bring written notes or printed sample ballots for reference.

Secretary Howden also thanked the thousands of Texans who serve as poll workers across the state and asked voters to be patient and courteous as they cast their ballots.

For more information about early voting, polling locations, or voting requirements, Texans are encouraged to visit VoteTexas.gov or call 1-800-252-VOTE for official assistance.

Media Contact: For media inquiries or access to video assets, please contact Alicia Phillips Pierce, Assistant Secretary of State for Communications, at APierce@sos.texas.gov. Full VNR available here.

SOURCE Office of the Texas Secretary of State