Voter information and resources
To vote in Texas, you must be registered at least 30 days before election day. You can get voter registration information and forms, check your registration status, update your registration, or contact your county Voter Registrar if you have questions about your registration.
Register to vote
To vote in Texas, you must first register. There are several ways to register including in-person, by mail, or by completing an online form. No matter which way you choose, your county’s voter registrar must receive your application at least 30 days before an election.
After you register, you will receive a voter registration certificate in the mail. This certificate confirms your registration and shows your assigned polling place.
Check or update your voter registration
If you have recently moved, changed your name, or are unsure whether your registration is current, verify your status before election day. Keep in mind that updates to your registration must also be made at least 30 days before an election.
Prepare to vote
To vote in person in Texas, you must present one of the following approved forms of photo ID:
- Texas Driver License issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
- Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
- Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
- Texas Handgun License issued by DPS
- United States Military Identification Card containing the person’s photograph
- United States Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
- United States Passport (book or card)
If you do not have and cannot reasonably obtain one of these seven forms of photo ID, you may fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polls and present an alternate form of identification, such as your utility bill, a bank statement, a government check, or your voter registration certificate.
Frequently asked questions
To review a list of frequently asked voting and elections questions, review these FAQs.
For more Texas voting information:
- Visit the Texas Secretary of State website
- Visit the VoteTexas.gov website
- Call 1-800-252-VOTE (8683)
- Email elections@sos.texas.gov
Visit VoteTexas.gov
VoteTexas.gov is the official state resource for reliable voting information in Texas. The site covers everything you need to know about voting in Texas.
Elections
The Texas Secretary of State (SOS) oversees the administration of elections in Texas, including election security and the rules governing how elections are conducted. State and county officials work together to carry out elections across all 254 counties. SOS also publishes candidate guides covering the filing requirements, deadlines, and procedures for candidates running for state and local office in Texas.
Conducting elections
The Secretary of State provides guidance and resources for county election officials, candidates, and the public on how elections are organized and administered in Texas.
Securing elections
The Texas Secretary of State publishes regular updates on the state's election security measures, including audit processes, voting system certifications, and ongoing security improvements.
Running for elected office
Procedures for candidates to follow are published for each election cycle and cover filing requirements, campaign finance rules, and other obligations for candidates running for office in Texas. Requirements vary by office type and election.
Election results
Historical election results for state and local races in Texas are maintained by the Secretary of State. Results are searchable by election, office, and county.
Volunteering in elections
There are many ways to take part in Texas elections in addition to voting. You can work at the polls, help register voters, or observe the process. Each role has its own eligibility rules and training. Contact your county election office or the Texas Secretary of State to get started.
Become an election worker
Election workers, also called election judges and election clerks, help run polling places during early voting and on election day. To be appointed, you need to be a U.S. citizen and a qualified voter in the county or city holding the election. Free online training is available anytime, and your county election office makes the appointments.
Serve as a student election clerk
Texas students who are at least 16 years old can serve as student election clerks at a polling place during early voting or on election day. You need to be a U.S. citizen and have permission from a parent or guardian and your school principal. It's a great way to learn how elections work up close.
Become a Volunteer Deputy Registrar
Volunteer Deputy Registrars help other Texans register to vote. They are appointed by the county voter registrar and complete a short training. If you want to help grow voter registration in your community, contact your county voter registrar to apply.
Become a poll watcher
Poll watchers observe how an election is run on behalf of a candidate, a political party, or a group of voters. To serve, you need a certificate of appointment and a certificate showing you completed the Secretary of State's poll watcher training. Bring both to the presiding judge at the polling place.