The Houston region, including Harris County and surrounding communities, continues to grow as new Texans arrive for work, family, and opportunity. If you’re new to the area, you may be learning how things work locally, including how and where to vote
Voting laws can vary from state to state, and in Texas, some details, like early voting locations and hours, are set at the county level. Taking time to review official voting information ahead of time can help make voting feel more straightforward and familiar.
According to Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson, the goal is to make voting as clear and accessible as possible, especially for Texans who are new to the state. “Taking just a few minutes to prepare ahead of time really helps people feel confident when they arrive to vote,” noted Nelson.
Start with the Official Source
When it comes to voting information in Texas, the best place to begin is VoteTexas.gov. This is the official website of the Texas Secretary of State office and the most reliable source for election information.
On VoteTexas.gov, Texans can find details about:
- Voter registration applications and deadlines
- Early voting dates and polling locations
- Election Day hours
- Voting ID requirements
- Information on voting by mail
Using official information helps ensure you know what to expect before you arrive at the polls or vote by mail.
Early Voting and Election Day
For Texas primary elections, in-person early voting runs for multiple days before Election Day. During early voting, hours and polling locations can vary by county, so it’s important to check local details ahead of time.
Election Day polling hours are uniform statewide, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. VoteTexas.gov makes it easy to look up where and when you can vote in your county.
Primaries in Texas
New Texans should be aware of that Texas voters do not register by party in advance of the primary election.
When you arrive to vote in a primary election, you’ll be asked which party’s ballot you would like to use. Knowing this ahead of time helps the check-in process feel straightforward and familiar. If there is a primary runoff election, voters must participate in the runoff for the same party they selected in the initial primary.

Are You Registered?
Before voting, it’s important to confirm that you are registered. Texas requires voters to register at least 30 days before Election Day. VoteTexas.gov allows voters to check their registration status and find upcoming deadlines.
If your registration status shows that you are on the suspense list, that does not mean you cannot vote. In many cases, it simply means you need to update or confirm your address at the polls.
Bringing ID to the Polls
Texas voters are required to present an approved form of identification when voting in person. The list of acceptable IDs, along with information about supporting documentation if needed, is available on VoteTexas.gov. Checking these requirements ahead of time helps avoid surprises at the polling place.
Voting by Mail
Only certain Texans are eligible to vote by mail, including voters age 65 or older, voters with a disability, or those who will be away from their county during the voting period. VoteTexas.gov provides clear guidance on eligibility, application deadlines, and the steps involved in voting by mail.
A Word of Thanks
Elections in Texas are made possible by county election officials and thousands of poll workers. These individuals help voters, answer questions, and keep polling locations running smoothly. Voters are encouraged to be courteous at the polls—after all, Texas’ state motto is friendship.
Have Questions? That’s Okay.
Voting questions are normal, especially if you’re new to the state. The most important thing is knowing where to find accurate answers. VoteTexas.gov is the official online place to find clear, up-to-date voting information so you can head to the polls feeling prepared and confident.




