The Texas voting process can be difficult to follow. Between ID laws, early deadlines, voter registration, and finding the right polling place, there’s a lot to juggle. Here are the most frequently asked questions about voting in Texas, answered in plain language for the midterm elections.
What is the voter suspense list?
In August 2026, news headlines highlighted the 1.2 million Texas voters put in suspense, fueling confusion about whether or not they’re still eligible to vote. Voters are put in suspense when their county registrar cannot verify their residential address when mail is returned or sent elsewhere. Despite the name, voters in suspense can still vote and will be asked to complete a Statement of Residence when they cast their ballot.
Is it okay if the address on my ID does not match my current address?
Yes. Always use your current address to register to vote, even if your ID is not up to date. As long as you live in the county in which you registered, you can cast your vote at your county’s polling location.
How do I make sure I’m registered?
Texas voters can go to the Texas Secretary of State’s voter portal here. You’ll be able to see if you’re currently registered and what address is on file. If you’ve moved or your registration address is not correct, you will have to re-register. If you moved within the same county, you can re-register online at your county’s official website. Otherwise, you’ll have to register in person or by physical mail.
You can fill out, print, and mail a voter registration form at vote.org.
Where do I find my polling place?
Always double check your polling location at your county’s official government website before you go vote. Counties can change their polling locations and it’s better to know before you show up to an empty building. For example, in March 2026, primary voters in Dallas county were required to vote at their precinct location on election day, despite being able to vote anywhere in the county during early voting. Tarrant county recently cut over 90 polling locations for the November 2026 midterms. Several county websites will also show you live snapshots of how busy each polling location is, helping you make the most out of your trip.
How do I navigate voter ID laws as a transgender Texan?
Since 2024, transgender Texans have been banned from updating their Driver’s License with their appropriate gender marker. With Texas’ voter ID laws this means that when transgender Texans go to vote, their gender presentation and name may be different than what’s listed on their identification documents.
If you’re in this situation, remember, you have the right to vote. A different gender presentation than your photo ID does not invalidate that ID. A name change also won’t invalidate your ID as long as it is “substantially similar” to what’s on the ID (you can read what exactly “substantially similar” means here).
You can also vote without a photo ID, if you have a “reasonable impediment” like a lack of transportation, disability or illness, lack of birth certificate or other documents needed to obtain acceptable photo ID, work schedule, family responsibilities, and lost or stolen ID. Instead of a photo ID, you’ll have to bring a supplemental ID, like a current utility bill.
Know your rights when you go to the polls and if you encounter any issues, please report the incident to the Election Protection Hotline at 866-687-8683.
What dates can I vote?
Early voting runs from October 19 October 30.
Election day is November 3.
What positions am I voting for?
There’s a lot at stake this election, up and down the ballot. Our state leadership is on the ballot, including Governor, Lt. Governor, every member of the Texas House, and a portion of the Texas Senate. On the national level, our U.S. Representatives and one of our two U.S. Senator are all up for election.
Does my vote actually count?
Yes! In 2024, margins for Texas House members were as low as 1842 votes. That’s a packed Winspear Opera House during a Broadway tour or a Bomb Factory concert. A high school graduating class in the DFW suburbs is already upwards of 1000 people. Think about what could happen if everyone in your recreational sports league, your place of worship, your apartment complex, or your local hangout turned out to the polls? Your network could flip an entire election.
And civic participation doesn’t have to be limited to voting. Think about it this way, if you have the time, transportation, and a driver’s license, it’s one of the easiest ways to get involved. And once you’re voting and more aware of your local and state politicians, it becomes easier to advocate more directly.
Each election season, politicians treat the LGBTQIA+ community as a political football. This election, let’s show up at the polls and elect those we know will represent us fairly in the halls of government.
