Early voting for the November 3, 2026 general election has officially begun1 and runs from Monday, October 19, through Friday, October 30. This window gives registered Texans nearly two weeks to cast ballots before Election Day itself.
For taxpayers concerned about fiscal responsibility, limited government, and family priorities, voting is one of the primary ways to hold officials accountable for spending, property taxes, and the size of government. Informed participation helps ensure that candidates’ records on these issues face real scrutiny. Also, in local jurisdictions around the state, taxpayers will be faced with numerous ballot proportions seeking to raise their taxes, from Voter Approval Tax Rate Elections (VATREs) to bonds.
The Texas Secretary of State’s VoteTexas.gov site2 is the central official resource. Taxpayers can confirm registration, view sample ballots, locate polling places through the My Voter Portal,3 and confirm acceptable forms of photo ID. During early voting, registered voters may generally cast a ballot at any early voting location in their county of registration. Hours vary by county, so checking the portal or the local county elections website beforehand is important. Voters may bring a printed sample ballot or written notes into the polling place for reference, though cell phones and other wireless devices may not be used inside the voting room. On Election Day, countywide vote centers are available only in counties that participate in the Countywide Polling Place Program.
For the most precise early-voting hours and locations as well as sample ballots with the local VATRE and bond propositions, check your county elections website in addition to the state portal.
The registration deadline for this election was October 5. The last day for counties to receive applications for a ballot by mail is October 23.
To evaluate state legislators’ records on taxes, spending, and the size of government, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility’s Fiscal Responsibility Index is a longstanding resource. It scores lawmakers from 0–100 based on exemplar votes on spending, taxation, regulation, and role of government issues. For the 89th Legislature, the House averaged 58 and the Senate 67. Voters can look up specific scores, vote details, and historical trends at the Index site.4
Early voting offers a practical window for families and working Texans. Confirming registration, identifying a convenient site, bringing proper identification, and reviewing candidates’ records through tools like the Fiscal Responsibility Index are simple steps every taxpayer can take before casting a ballot.
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility is an independent educational non-profit organization seeking to illuminate the actions of government, educate and equip citizens to effectively advocate for pro-taxpayer and pro-family reforms, and hold lawmakers accountable for their actions.
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