In the 2026 midterm general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Texans have the opportunity to vote for representatives at the federal, state, and local levels. In general elections, you can vote for the candidates who were previously selected by a party in the primary election, which took place in March earlier this year.
Although many people typically associate voting with presidential elections, local elections directly impact our communities and influence issues that affects everyone, regardless of identity or status. The leaders we elect locally make significant decisions that keep society going and shape our everyday lives.
Who’s on the ballot?
Each voter’s ballot will include various offices and candidates, depending on where they live.
This November, statewide races include, but aren’t limited to:
- U.S. Senators
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- Attorney General
- General Assembly
- State Treasurer
- Agriculture Commissioner
- Railroad Commissioner
- Texas Supreme Court justices
- Texas Court of Criminal Appeals judges
Other district-level races include:
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Texas House of Representatives
- Texas Senate
- State Board of Education
- County and city officials, judges, and magisterial district judges
- County, municipal, school board, and other local contests or propositions
Why Local Elections Matter
Voting in local elections is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference in your community. Local officials manage budgets that determine funding for community priorities such as schools, emergency services, parks, and roads.
Since local officials are more accessible than national leaders, they have a closer connection to what the community actually needs and have a better ability to interact with the voters directly. By voting, you help decide how money flows throughout the community and can potentially support funding for improving roads, libraries, public safety, and more.
Participating in local elections can help support decisions that influence change on a broader scale. Before becoming national movements, many of the most substantial policy changes historically started at the local level. From public health policies to education reform, many issues are first addressed at the district, city, and state levels.
Your vote is your voice. Voting is your opportunity to help make an impact for your loved ones and your community. Let’s be the change we want to see and get out there and vote! Below are some resources to help prepare you for this Election Day.
Helpful tips & resources
- Remember you can’t use your phone at the polls. Bring a printed voter guide (or a handwritten note) to help you remember who to vote for.
- As long as you are in line by 7 p.m., you can vote. Disabled voters may have the option to go to the front.
- Review voter identification requirements: votetexas.gov
- Find your local polling place: mytexasvotes.com
- Check your voter registration status: http://vote.org/
- Find out who represents you: Texas Legislature’s Who Represents Me?
- See what’s on your ballot: Harris Votes – What’s on My Ballot?
