If you’ve ever felt frustrated with the choices on the November ballot, here’s some good news: you don’t have to wait until the general election to make your voice heard. In Texas, primary elections are your chance to help decide which candidates will appear on the November ballot.

Think of the primary as the “first round” of voting. Each political party—Democratic, Republican, and others—holds its own primary to select its nominee for each office. Whoever wins a party’s primary moves on to compete in the general election.

How Primaries Work in Texas

• You must be registered to vote.
  Think of registration like having a library card: you can’t check out books if you don’t have one. In Texas, you must be registered to vote to participate in a primary. If you’re not registered yet but are eligible, you can still register in time for the November general election.
• Texas primaries are open.
  Unlike some states, Texas does not require you to register with a political party. On Election Day or during early voting, you simply choose which party’s primary you want to vote in — like choosing a lunch line at a cafeteria. You can only vote in one party’s primary per election year, but next year, you can choose again.
• Dates to remember: Early voting for the March 3, 2026 primaries begins February 17 and runs through February 28, 2026. Election Day is March 3, 2026.

Why You Should Care

Primaries are your best chance to influence who will appear on the November ballot. If you care about issues like healthcare, gas prices, wages, education, or other basics that affect your daily life, voting in the primaries lets you support candidates whose positions reflect your priorities.

Not knowing how primaries work is completely normal.  No one should feel embarrassed for asking.  Skipping the primary is like letting someone else choose your menu at a restaurant and then complaining you don’t like what’s served. Voting early gives you a say in the selection process before the big day in November.

Where to Find Polling Locations and Ballot Information

• Harris County residents: You can find your polling location and see a full list of candidates on the ballot at www.harrisvotes.com.
• Fort Bend County residents: Sample ballots and polling information are available at Fort Bend County Elections.
• All voters: Ballotpedia offers sample ballots for every county in Texas and across the country.

Can You Bring a Sample Ballot to the Poll?

As Election Day nears, many voters wonder if they can bring a sample ballot to the polling place. The answer is yes — according to the U.S. government, you can bring a paper copy of a sample ballot to help guide your vote.

Important Texas rule: voters are not allowed to use cell phones or any wireless communication device while going to vote. So if you want to follow a sample ballot at the polls, make sure it’s a printed paper copy — your phone or tablet cannot be used in the voting booth.

If you’re registered, check your polling place and plan to vote early or on Election Day. If you’re not registered but meet the requirements, make sure to do so in time to have a voice in the general election later this year.