Early voting for the special runoff election in Texas’ 18th Congressional District begins Wednesday, January 21, and continues through Tuesday, January 27, giving eligible voters a final chance to select a representative to serve the remainder of the late Congressman Sylvester Turner’s unexpired term.

The runoff follows a crowded special election in November in which no candidate secured a majority of the vote. Only voters registered within Congressional District 18 may participate in the runoff, and officials note that the newly redrawn congressional maps will not apply to this election.

“This runoff is the final opportunity for CD-18 voters to make their voices heard after going without democratic representation for nearly a year,” said Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth. “Even if you did not vote during the November elections, you are still eligible to vote in this runoff.”

The race features former Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards, both Democrats who advanced after finishing first and second, respectively, in the November special election. Menefee has highlighted his experience leading the county’s civil legal office and says he would focus on constituent services, disaster recovery and protecting access to federal benefits. Edwards, who previously served two terms on Houston City Council, has emphasized restoring consistent representation for the district and bringing her experience in public service and federal policy back to Washington.

Early voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at 17 vote centers across Harris County, with adjusted hours on Sunday, January 25, when polls will be open from noon to 7 p.m. Election Day is Saturday, January 31, with more than 60 vote centers open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Voters can locate vote centers, check wait times and view a sample ballot at HarrisVotes.com.

Texas law requires voters to present an approved photo ID, including a Texas driver’s license or personal ID card, U.S. passport, military ID with photo, or other state-approved identification. Wireless communication devices are not permitted in voting areas, though voters may bring written notes or sample ballots with them.

The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail is January 20. Voting by mail is available to voters who are 65 or older, sick or disabled, out of the county during the voting period, expecting to give birth near Election Day, or confined in jail but otherwise eligible to vote.

The winner of the runoff will serve the remainder of Turner’s term, restoring representation to a district that includes much of central Houston and surrounding communities. More information and updates are available through HarrisVotes.com.